As scientists, we are taught to communicate in a very specific language at very specific times, mainly during a lectures or conferences. Building communication skills outside of these defined communication periods proves to be difficult. Luckily, other outlets for scientific communication do exist, the Nature Network being one of them. But what really makes one a good communicator and what are they ways in which we, as scientists, can improve our communication skills (in science and outside of the lab alike)?
Last night I went to a talk sponsored by the Columbia University Biotechnology Association where the speaker, Nick Colucci, sought to answer these questions. Colucci is a scientist-turned-healthcare communications CEO at Publicis Healthcare here in New York. He offered some valuable advice on how was can effectively communicate with both scientists and others. He stressed the importance of body gestures such as eye contact and the appropriate stance one should have when communicating with more than one person at a time. He even suggested that one can practice their communication skills by joining the Toastmasters International. However, his most important piece of advice was to be self-aware. In essence, knowing both your strengths and weaknesses will help to make your more confident and give others a better idea of your skill set. This will help to make you more successful, both in an out of science.
In the end, I walked out of the talk with the knowledge that succeeding in science goes beyond laboratory skills… and, hopefully, a better idea of how to gain those skills.
Great advice! I also highly suggest doing outreach with kids – if you can explain something to a six year old, then you’re golden!
Great point Alyssa. I always practice on my mom. She is my go-to science layman. But a six year old is even more challenging!
What you say about self awareness is very true. I’ve done communication training with a bunch of scientists, and the best sessions are when we have time to video people individually, answering questions. People invetiably cringe at themselves watching the playback, but being aware of how you present and communicate is the best way to improve!
I have heard that taping yourself is the best way to critique your communication skills. Do you know of any communication courses specifically for scientists, Cobi?
Gosh there are lots. Most universities run communication training sessions for staff, if you work for one it’s worth asking your communications people what’s available. They can usually tailor them to your particular department.
I did a ‘training the trainers’ workshop with the European Science Communication Network in 2008, which led me to find this information on their obscure website about courses being run next year, that sound good for European scientists:
“targeting scientists and researchers involved with FP6 and/or FP7 funded research projects/networks, and at least one member of each network may receive training for free.”