Speaking About Science

"Speaking About Science : A Manual for Creating Clear Presentations is essential reading for anyone who presents data at meetings and conferences. Based on the curriculum that authors have developed for their public speaking courses, the book provides the practical tools all speakers need to create clear and compelling presentations for any audience."--BOOK JACKET.

This book introduces the basic techniques and methods traditionally used in speaking about science to the public. The public often has a very different perception and understanding of science, and this must be taken into account when communicating with the public. This volume covers methods of scientific discourse, oral communication, preparation of the presentation, techniques and use of visual resources, and exercises for perfecting the technique of speaking in public about science. Speaking in Public About Science: A Quick Guide for the Preparation of Good Lectures, Seminars, and Scientific Presentations is a concise yet comprehensive resource that will be of value to beginners and senior scholars and researchers.

A math-free introduction to the greatest scientific ideas of the last 2,000 years: “This is the book for the wannabe science nerd.” —The Toronto Star As smartphones, supercomputers, supercolliders, and AI propel us into an ever more unfamiliar future, How to Speak Science takes us on a rollicking historical tour of the greatest discoveries and ideas that make today’s cutting–edge technologies possible. Wanting everyone to be able to “speak” science, YouTube science guru Bruce Benamran explains, accessibly and wittily, the fundamental ideas of the physical world: matter, life, the solar system, light, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, special and general relativity, and much more. Along the way, Benamran guides us through the wildest hypotheses and most ingenious ideas of Galileo, Newton, Curie, Einstein, and science’s other great minds, reminding us that while they weren’t always exactly right, they were always curious. How to Speak Science acquaints us not only with what scientists know, but how they think—so that each of us can reason like a physicist and appreciate the world in all its beautiful chaos. “The perfect example of a geeky text that is neither condescending nor highfalutin. It has sufficient genuine scientific content to keep the techies interested, while being fast-paced enough (and at times genuinely funny) to keep the neophyte on board.” —E&T Magazine

Public speaking is an essential component in the life of a scientist, whatever your level of career. In this book, the authors describe a tried-and-tested technique for preparing a presentation: the SELL Method. Following these three simple steps - Skeleton, Envelope, Life & Logistics - will help you make the most out of any talk. Whether it be a 3-minute pitch or an hour-long plenary session, you will find pages of advice, theory and practical exercises enabling you to SELL YOUR RESEARCH with impact. For scientists these days, the work is not done until it is communicated. And now that problem is solved. Solidly researched and immaculately written, Sell Your Research is a goldmine of useful advice. Whether you are brimming with confidence or just setting out, this gem of a guidebook will improve every presentation and nurture every budding science communicator. Dr. Stephen Webster, Director of Science Communication Unit, Imperial College London Public speaking is one of the most intimidating but crucial tasks in a scientist’s career. This book provides a welcoming, clear, step-by-step guide to improving your presentations at every level. Reading it and following its advice will make your science talks less frightening and more enjoyable. Dr. Laura Helmuth, Health, Science & Environment Editor, Washington Post

***BUSINESS BOOK AWARDS 2022 SHORTLISTED TITLE*** Now more than ever, the scientific and medical community is under the microscope and in front of the media. Science matters, and in a post-truth world it’s more important than ever for scientists and physicians to be heard. But there’s a challenge. To get people to listen, you can’t communicate in writing alone anymore. You need to speak up and be seen - on stage, online, and on camera. To do this well you need to master the art of influential speaking, which is something you weren’t taught at university or medical school. This book teaches you how to become a compelling scientific speaker so that you can put your message across with confidence and clarity, both online and in person. It’s written by a speaking coach with 25 years of experience in science communications. Part One shows how speaking can help you to win the war of attention, benefiting both your field and your career. Part Two explains how to craft your scientific message in a way that connects with your audience and achieves your goal. Including how to be memorable, handle the Q&A, and communicate risk. Part Three gives you a tool kit for speaking with energy and conviction in all types of situations. These include virtual channels, which are particularly important in the post-COVID era. Jo Browning is the Founder and Managing Director of Filshie Browning Associates, and its Principle Consultant. She has 25 years of experience in verbal communication skills, and helps scientists and physicians to improve their content, competence, and confidence, so that they can communicate with impact and authority. This enables them to enhance their reputations and build more effective relationships with both their peers and others.

Easy to use, the volume is organized into major scientific categories and subcategories. Many of the quotes are hilarious, and all are insightful. Each quote is carefully referenced, and relevant information about the speaker is also provided.

The coaching provided in this engaging text, based on many years teaching good presentation technique, will help scientists make the best of their presentations and remove some of the fear that makes them a daunting prospect.

Balloons & marginal instructions; Writing a scientific paper; Preparation of the typescript and figures; Speaking at scientific meetings; Addressed to those for whom english is a foreign language; An appeal to north americans; Preparation of a dissertation or thesis; Biblliography; Index.