Melissa Marshall: Talk nerdy to me
Opening and Introduction
The speaker shares their experience of teaching a communications class for engineering students and emphasizes the importance of great communication in science and engineering.
Alice in Wonderland Experience
- Five years ago, the speaker was asked to teach a communications class for engineering students at Penn State.
- Initially scared, the speaker compares their experience to being like Alice in Wonderland.
- They were amazed by the ideas and conversations they had with the students.
Importance of Communication
- Great communication is key to opening doors and sharing the wonderland of science and engineering with others.
- Scientists and engineers play a crucial role in tackling grand challenges such as energy, environment, and healthcare.
- It is the responsibility of non-scientists to engage in conversations with scientists and engineers.
Keys to Effective Communication
The speaker provides tips on how scientists and engineers can effectively communicate their work to make it engaging and accessible.
Make Science Relevant
- Answering the question "so what?" helps convey why your science is relevant to others.
- Avoid using jargon that acts as a barrier to understanding. Simplify complex terms for better accessibility.
Accessibility without Dumbing Down
- Make your ideas accessible without compromising their complexity.
- Use examples, stories, and analogies to engage and excite your audience about your content.
Engaging Presentations
- Avoid bullet points in presentations as they can be boring and overwhelming.
- Instead, use visuals that appeal to other senses for a deeper understanding.
Summary
The speaker concludes by summarizing the keys to effective communication using an equation.
Equation for Effective Communication
Take your science:
- Subtract bullet points and jargon,
- Divide by relevance (share what's relevant to the audience),
- Multiply it by your passion for the work.
The speaker encourages scientists and engineers to communicate their science with enthusiasm and relevance to engage others in the wonderland of science and engineering.