Have you ever visited a foreign country and not spoken the native language of the people?
How many times did you find yourself repeating the same phrase or question, but raising your voice in a desperate attempt to be understood?
How often do scientists travel to Washington, D.C. to speak “science” to policymakers and inadvertently do the same thing?
This strategy is ineffective and unsuccessful. Our inability as scientists to clearly communicate our expertise to lawmakers and lay audiences undermines our ability to influence science policy and generate enthusiasm and support for basic science funding.
Fellow scientists – we do not have to do anything extraordinary to better communicate with policymakers. We simply need to become better storytellers.
Do you have any advice for communicating with lawmakers? If so, I would love to hear it. Feel free to communicate with me through this website or on Twitter @SBsciencespeak.
SB Science Speak 