STRATEGIC SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

What tactics can effective science communicators use to reach a wide audience and achieve their goals Effective science communication the type that can drive behavior change while boosting the likelihood that people will turn to science when faced with challenges is not simply a matter of utilizing social media or employing innovative tactics like nudges Even more important for success is building long term strategic paths to achieve well articulated goals Smart science communicators also want to create communication opportunities to improve their own thinking and behavior In this guidebook John C Besley and Anthony Dudo encapsulate their practical expertise in 11 evidence based principles of strategic science communication Among other things science communicators they argue should strive to seem competent warm honest and willing to listen Their work should also convey a desire to make the world a better place Highlighting time tested methods for building rapport with an audience through several modes of communication Besley and Dudo explain how to achieve each strategic objective All scientific communication is goal oriented and Besley and Dudo discuss the importance of recognizing the right goals then employing strategic and tactical communication i