How Can I Find My Unique Voice in Science Communication?
This is one of the questions I hear most… and it’s a big one! Finding your unique voice can be both a challenge and an adventure. It will lead you to be your authentic self, whatever the medium you choose.
With so many platforms available, how can you ensure that your message stands out, resonates, and makes a lasting impact? This initiative ‘Creators For Climate’ took me a long time to put together. But once the puzzle pieces fell, everything became clear. Now everything I do comes from a place of authenticity and passion. And it’s up to you to do the same!
This journey of self-discovery does require some introspection, experimentation, and a dash of creativity. So let's delve into some actionable tips and techniques to help you use your personal strengths in communicating science. Because your voice matters!
Reflect on Your Passion
Before diving into the mechanics of communication, take a moment to reflect on what drives you. What aspect of your research excites you the most? Is it the intricate processes, the broader implications, or the potential for innovation? By understanding your passion, you can create from a place that truly matters to you, making your message more authentic and compelling.
“People don't buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe. Finding your 'WHY' is the first step to achieving greatness. It's the driving force behind every success story.”
- Simon Sinek
Experiment with Different Mediums
Not all scientists are writers, and not all love to stand in front of the camera. The beauty of modern sci com lies in its diversity. From blogging and podcasting to creating infographics, tiktoks or hosting webinars, there's a platform for everyone.
Experiment with different mediums to discover where your strengths lie. You might be surprised to find that you have a knack for visual storytelling or that you excel in interactive discussions. Here are just a few of the things you can consider adding to your toolbox (there is waaaaay more you can do):
Copy: blogs, articles or social media
Science paper breakdowns
Opinion Pieces
Interviews with experts
Tutorials
Infographics
Audio: Podcasts or radio
Panel discussion
The Stories behind scientific discoveries
Deep Dives into your field
Q&A Sessions
Curated science news
Video: Vertical or long form video
Experiment Demonstrations
(Animated) Explainers
Interviews with experts
Virtual Tours through your fieldwork
Document your work with daily / weekly stories
When you feel more comfortable with the medium you’re working with, you’ll be more enticed to share from within yourself, your knowledge and in your own style. Extraverts will prefer more direct forms of content, like short form video or podcasts, and introverts can find their flow in writing a blog in the comfort of your coach. Just start with what feels right for you, the rest can follow!
Seek Feedback
Constructive feedback is a goldmine for improvement. Share your science communication efforts with peers, mentors, or a broader audience. Their insights can offer a fresh perspective, helping you refine your approach and identify areas of strength. And find some people who dare to speak the truth!
We often share our work with friends and family in our inner circle. That can definitely be good for morale (except for that annoying uncle), but you won’t learn from the yay-sayers. You need people that dare to give creative criticism and push you to revise your own work.
Engage with Your Audience
Communication is a two-way street. Engage with your audience, don’t let those comments or dm’s just waste away in your notification centre. See it as a chance to get to know your audience on a more personal level. Soon the numbers become actual faces you recognise!
You can also facilitate engagement through Q&A sessions, interactive polls, or discussions. By understanding their questions, interests, and feedback, you can recalibrate your content to be more relatable.
Continuous Learning
I want to say: the field of science communication is ever-evolving... But you actually have to go one step above that. The way we communicate is always flowing through different platforms and different media. If you want to reach people you need to know where they hang out, on- or offline!
Stay updated with the latest trends on social media, tools you can use, and techniques to become a better communicator. You can attend workshops, webinars, or courses that can equip you with new skills and insights. The more tools you have in your arsenal, the better equipped you'll be to communicate in a way that resonates with your unique voice.
This is something we’re developing here at Creators For Climate, together with people like you. So keep reading to see if we have something that applies to you!
Join the Movement
Eager to learn how you can apply science communication for your own research, and find your natural strengths? Sign up for the waitlist of the Science Communication 101 and be an integral part of our community of change!
Community driven knowledge
We’re testing the workbook with a handful of driven scientists at the moment. Please join the waitlist if you want to be notified when we launch.
