Learning to communicate is a critical life skill not generally taught within academia. Yet the calls are mounting for scientists to talk to decision makers, answer journalists' questions, and help inform the public on issues of societal urgency.
Whether or not you feel prepared for it, society may come knocking on your door. Escape from the Ivory Tower can help you learn the skills you need, increase your comfort level, and build your confidence so you will be ready.
Scientists, journalists and policymakers represent three very different cultures. Speaking effectively to journalists and policymakers — the people who make scientists' findings available to the general public — requires scientists to learn a new language.
In this clear and understandable guide to "communicating science," Baron explains to scientists how to engage an audience, how to tell why a particular finding matters, and how to describe research in an interesting way.
The book includes case studies from journalists and from some of the more than four thousand scientists Baron has trained in communication workshops. Many of her trainees have gone on to become well-known spokespeople for science-related issues.
