Effective Oral Science Communication

Professionals/Continuing Education

Current Degree Seeking Students

Non-degree Special Standing

This course is designed to convey the principles and practice of dynamic and persuasive oral communication of scientific information. Its goal is to develop competencies in effective oral communication of scientific research and recommendations using various techniques to diverse audiences. Course topics include:

1. communication as an interactive process;
2. persuasive vis-à-vis informative presentations;
3. distinguishing data, information, and messages;
4. analyzing a target audience;
5. condensing complex messages into soundbite size;
6. effective approaches for visual aids including PowerPoint, YouTube, Prezi, tables, graphs, charts, and photographs;
7. understanding the messages presenters convey by their personal image; and
8. strategies for dealing with the media.

Students will record a video oral presentation at the conclusion of the course.

No prerequisites required.

• Describe the principles for effective oral communication of scientific information
• Explain how communications is an interactive process in which both information and meaning are shared Distinguish among data, information, and messages
• Define the term “target audience,” characterize such an audience, and plan, conduct, and critically evaluate an analysis of an audience
• Define the term “SOCO” (Single Over-Riding Communications Objective) and to be able to condense complex messages into sound-bite-sized SOCOs
• Critically evaluate the elements comprising persuasive and informing presentations
• Explain and characterize the most effective approaches needed to prepare material for the primary purpose of persuading versus informing, and to be able to use the three types of persuasive proofs (logos, pathos, and ethos) in such presentations
• Explain and apply the different approaches needed to prepare material to be conveyed in print versus orally
• Distinguish among the most effective approaches for preparing material to be conveyed to scientific versus non-scientific audiences
• Create and integrate into a presentation (written or oral) appropriate and effective tables, graphs, charts, and photographs to enhance the quality of that presentation
• Demonstrate the effective use of visual aids for oral presentations of scientific work
• Describe how to put together and present a poster of scientific information
• Describe effective strategies for dealing with the media
• Describe how social media can enhance oral communication
• Explain how a speaker’s image and dress communicate important messages to an audience
• Describe the basic steps in dealing effectively with the media and especially the communications aspects of an emergency public health setting