Biophysical Society Bulletin | January 2018

Public Affairs

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Talking Science to Non-Scientists One of the main purposes of the Society’s public affairs programs is to convey why conducting fundamental biophysical research is important and the exciting findings that come from biophysical research. Empowering our members to tell their stories and giving them the tools to do so is one way the Society can reach a broad audience. Why not make being a better science communicator one of your New Year’s Resolutions? The Public Affairs Committee has three suggestions on ways for BPS members to do just that: Read If I Understood You,

Join Friends of Joe’s Big Ideas. This program started by Joe Palca at National Public Radio provides a more interactive and hands-on experience for scientists who want to become better communicators.

Attend the Scientific Storytelling Workshop. This workshop will be at the BPS Annual Meeting on Saturday, February 17, 2018. See the information on page 10.

Would I Have This Look on My Face? See the review of this latest book by Alan Alda below.

Book Review: If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating In his new book, Alan Alda relates his experience in talking with and to sci- entists. He distills his experience into a handy guide for those scientists to talk with non-scientists. The essence is: Tell

students and even some established investigators. He con- cludes that scientists and improvisation may be an unlikely combination, yet it has yielded some memorable moments (Chapter 2: “Theater Games with Engineers”). Building em- pathy between individuals is the ultimate goal to realize true communication. Most of us give seminars to our peers. They typically begin with some background, move on to our data, then unveil the novel conclusion. If we’re experienced, we consider our audience (students, general science audience, expert peers) to calibrate our presentation. However, our brains are wired for story-telling (Chapter 18: “Story and the Brain”), and emotions cement memories (Chapter 17: “Emotions Make it Memorable”); the most unforgettable seminars will combine both. Then, relating to your audience is the next step. This advice comes at a time when scientists need to be proactive about their practice and its rewards, both intellec- tual and practical. We need to communicate beyond our own community, to draw the public into the scientific enterprise and realize its contributions. Alda’s book is an engaging guide to anyone who takes on this challenge. If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating.

a story that connects you with your audience. Alda is no stranger to scientists and science. He has part- nered with Stony Brook University to create the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, which sponsors work- shops and classes in the art of communication. He has worked with scientists in the PBS show Scientific American Frontiers , which he undertook because he is a confessed sci- ence nerd. Because he sincerely wants to understand discov- eries and experiments and principles, their explanations must be accessible and even stimulating. Alas, they often weren’t (Chapter 20: “Jargon and the Curse of Knowledge”), and hence he began his mission to teach scientists to talk to people. Alda is also an actor. He draws on those experiences and training exercises, which he brings to groups of graduate

2017. Random House, NY. ISBN 970812989144. — Kathleen Hall , BPS Public Affairs Committee

January 2018

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