![]()
What Cecil’s Death Teaches Us
In the reporting of the killing of a beloved lion in Zimbabwe by an American poacher, we were reminded how much one story can make a difference and influence opinions and attitudes. Thousands and thousands of magnificent animals like Cecil are killed every year by poachers. Yet, we rarely hear about it or debate its morality at the water cooler. So why are we all so outraged, repulsed and moved to sadness about the fate of this lion?
![]()
In or Out of an Elevator, Have Your Message
The “elevator pitch” term is well-known among people we train at Burness and tossed around with a somewhat sarcastic tone. “Yeah, I know I’m supposed to do this, but nothing can be said in 30 seconds,” some say.
![]()
Pop Star Science
With a gloomy forecast for scientific funding, scientists are taking things into their own hands to find research funding, according to a recent Washington Post article, Crowdfunding propels scientific research. But they need to have good communications skills to do it.
![]()
Tell the Story of Science
So often what is missing from stories about new scientific findings is the scientist’s story. The best science writers will say we should put science in context in order for it to make sense to the public.
![]()
“Viral” Op-Eds
Duke University has more than great basketball. It has the nation’s best op-ed writer I’ve ever known. David Jarmul, associate vice president for news and communications at Duke University, is the developer of what I’d call “viral op-eds,”—op-eds that are … Continue reading “Viral” Op-Eds →
![]()
Science Communications Lessons at Your Local Bar
Some of the best tips about speaking to reporters come from reporters themselves. The most memorable point for me came from National Public Radio Science Correspondent David Kestenbaum, who by the way, has a Ph.D. in physics. He energetically said to our audience of biomedical scientists at a media training, "You have to speak to me like I'm the drunk guy at the end of the bar."
![]()
Data for Data’s Sake: Worthless
Researchers are valuable. Their years of painstaking and precise research bring us data about important things that affect and sometimes change our lives. But without the scientist’s voice and interpretation, data is meaningless.
![]()
Tweet or Go Extinct
In an opinion piece in The Scientist, author Sara Yeo reports on the results of a survey of leading scientists at U.S. universities about their interactions with traditional media as well as social media like Twitter.
The results? Yeo reports that “public communication efforts are linked to academic impact and that social media can augment more traditional forms of public communication.”