The Softer Side of Science Communication (Coursera)

Course 2 of 3 in the Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization.

What You Will Learn

- Explain the role of emotion in human behavior and how it can come up in science communication.

- Explain why authenticity, trust, and empathy will help foster connection and consequently science communication.

- Explain how improvisation, storytelling, and nonverbal communication can improve your science communication activities.

- Describe how to be an inclusive and trauma informed science communicator.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

The Power of Emotion

In this module, you will learn about human emotions.

WEEK 2

Building Connection

In this module, you will discuss the importance of fostering trust in science communication. We will also discuss how to use empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity to do so. Finally, the third part of this module will talk about the use of storytelling, improvisation and non-verbal communication to build connection with your audiences.

WEEK 3

Conflict and Adversity in Science Communication

In this module, you will learn about conflict and science communication. We will also discuss strategies for managing active conflict and/or adversarial audiences.

WEEK 4

Inclusivity in Science Communication

In this module, we will discuss how to be inclusive science communicators. This includes how to be trauma informed, the balance of power in communication, designing for inclusion, and how to be culturally relevant. We'll close with a discussion of an ethical code for science communicators.