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SU‐BB‐BRB‐03: Learning a Foreign Language: Scientists and Media Relations
Author(s) -
Classic K
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
medical physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.473
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 2473-4209
pISSN - 0094-2405
DOI - 10.1118/1.2760325
Subject(s) - wonder , active listening , internet privacy , public relations , computer science , psychology , communication , political science , social psychology
It seems that each scientific specialty has its own language. Talk to a computer person and you're not sure whether you need to just reboot the system or toss it out completely. Talk to a medical doctor and you're not sure if you really have to exercise or if you can get over it with a pill. So, a physicist and the public? Is it no wonder there is a communication gap when, as scientists, we even find it hard to communicate with and understand other science‐types? What are some basic tips we can use to be better communicators — with other scientists and the public? There are tips that can be offered: • Using common analogies (e.g. alpha = linebacker, beta = running back, gamma = wide receiver). • Emphasizing that radiation is beneficial. • Listening and asking questions (e.g. Why do you think that?) • Using of language that is not trying to convince, but is instead to simply inform. • Not getting into physics 101. • Keeping it short unless additional questions are asked. • Never lying or going “off the record”. • Being professional. • Using visuals whenever possible. • Using whole numbers. A lot, though, falls into experience. This talk will cover some of the listed tips and also discuss lessons learned.