Communicating with the Public and Press

Researchers are increasingly called upon to communicate with non-specialist audiences, but it can be difficult to communicate complex scientific topics in a way that makes them accessible and engaging to people outside the field. Further, interacting with the media can be daunting and frustrating and researchers frequently comment on how their work is misrepresented in the popular press. This session aims to give participants the skills needed to interact confidently with the media and to non-specialists, and get their key messages across. Areas to be covered include: (1) Knowing your audience, (2) Defining and defending your message, (3) The importance of narrative, colour and anecdote, (4) Understanding how research hits the headlines, (5) Making the best of being interviewed, (6) Dealing with nerves, and (7) Jargon-busting