Page 74 - Spring2020

Science Communication
we need training to be effective science communicators. Such training can be achieved through observation, education, and receiving informative feedback. These educational experi- ences provide the necessary skills and knowledge required for interacting with audiences of all types. For example, effec- tive science communication can help you interact and acquire funding from selection committees or donors who may not be scientists or acousticians but who need to have a sense of what the research or project proposal is about. Similarly, the ability to speak to the public can make research more appeal- ing and understandable to the media that can lead to more public engagement and support. The ability to inform diverse audiences about your science will be invaluable for any kind of communication, both formal and informal.
Training in informal science education and science communica- tion is becoming more widely available. If your home institution or organization does not host any courses or workshops, search the Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE) list of Training Programs of Interest to Science Com- municators & Outreach Professionals and for in-person informal science education workshops (see ow.ly/OVBF50xMoAM). The Alan Alda Center for Communication Science has a Workshops on the Road program and will come to your school or business and is a great way to get wider participation from colleagues (see ow.ly/g1yL50xMp8M). If you cannot attend a course or workshop in person, check out the American Association for the Advance- ment of Sciences (AAAS) Center for Public Engagement with Science&Technologycommunicationtoolkit,whichisanonline resource providing guidance and tips to improve communication skills (see ow.ly/J0ru50xMpcK).
It is also a great idea to observe effective science communica- tors in action and analyze what they do. Break down their style and figure out what would work for you. Watch people both
near and far from the center of your research, study, or appli- cation of acoustics. For example, you can start by watching the presenters at the 2016 World Science Festival about sound, which included two ASA members, Dr. Whitney Coyle and Dr. Laura Kloepper, as well as Eddie Goldstein, a museum science presenter (see youtu.be/SS8ew6rWvCQ?t=250). Another ASA member, Dr. Allison Coffin, president of Science Talk, has even more resources such as the annual conferences meant to promote the best ideas in science communication (see sciencetalk.org/conferences.html). Watching and interacting with others can help guide and inspire, so be on the lookout for other great science communicators to teach you.
Also, do not underestimate your network of friends, col- leagues, and coworkers. As previously mentioned, you can observe them in practice, but you can also ask for guidance. For example, practice communicating science for a lay audi- ence with colleagues in your field so that they can ensure that the information is correct. Collaborate with educators who work with children so they can let you know when jargon comes up or if you have glossed over something because it is considered common knowledge in the field. This input, advice, and help will supplement the online materials.
There is no need to avoid science outreach anymore. You can go to YouTube and get started now or schedule to attend a sci- ence communication training workshop. Acousticians have a diverse set of skills and expertise, and there is no reason that this skillset shouldn’t include science outreach and science communication. Build your skills to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
References
Jones, K. (2017). ASA Education and Outreach Program. Acoustics Today, 13(4), 69-71. Available at http://ow.ly/WCE350xMrbm.
Women in Acoustics
The ASA's Women in Acoustics Committee was created in 1995 to address the need to foster a supportive atmosphere within the Society and within the scientific community at large, ultimately encouraging women to pursue rewarding and satisfying careers in acoustics.
Learn more about the committee at womeninacoustics.org
74 | Acoustics Today | Spring 2020