Science Communication Toolkit by Meredith Morgan

SCIENCE COMMUNICATION TOOLKIT

BYMEREDITHCALEB

"Somewhere, something be

incredible is waiting to be

known."

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

The Problem

Disseminating your research and communicating your work can feel challenging, especially when translating the nuance of your field into language that anyone can understand. But don’t worry science communication isn’t something you ’ re born with; it’s a skill you can master with practice, feedback, and time.

This toolkit will guide you through the process, helping you build the skills and confidence needed to share your research clearly and effectively, step by step.

Why It Matters

Communicating your research effectively bridges the gap between science and public understanding. This skill opens the door to funding opportunities, partnerships, and collaboration. Investment in communications has the potential to enhance the impact of your discoveries, inform policy decisions, and foster trust in research.

What’s Included in This Toolkit

Best practices for simplifying complex research

Templates for effective communication

Guidance on crafting compelling research narratives

Tips for engaging with social media

Tools for refining public speaking and media engagement skills

3 INDUSTRY STANDARDS

Crafting a Clear Message is essential to translate your research, acquire fundraising or grant opportunities, & disseminate the findings of your work to a broader audience

Identify 2-3 key takeaways from your research that are relevant to a general audience.

Avoid jargon and use simple, relatable language.

Develop an elevator pitch a 30-second summary of your research that captures interest.

Storytelling for Research makes complex ideas relatable and memorable. This frames the narrative into an accessible thought process of problem, to solution, to real-world impact.

Structure your message with a narrative: Problem → Solution → Impact

Use real-world examples or analogies to make concepts more tangible

Keep your audience engaged with a logical flow and clear transitions

Effective Public Speaking Techniques transform a dry presentation into a confident, relatable, genuine conversation

Focus on body language, tone, and pacing to maintain engagement.

Practice presenting to non-expert audiences and gather feedback.

Record and review your presentations to identify areas for improvement.

Inspire Connect Impact

TEMPLATES TO BEGIN

Showcasing your research isn’t just about presenting facts it’s about making your results engaging and memorable. A strong elevator pitch distills complex ideas into a compelling message that sparks your listeners’ interest. Storytelling, on the other hand, brings research to life. It connects your work from the lab into realworld solutions Applying both of these techniques will hook and maintain your audience’s attention

The Elevator Pitch

The elevator pitch is a short summary– typically 30 seconds to two minutes–applied when you need to make a strong impression Typically this is useful during job interviews or networking events Your goal is to capture the listener’s attention quickly and leave them wanting to learn more about your work

Elevator Pitch Template

Opening Statement: A brief, engaging sentence that introduces your research topic

Start with a statement problem or question to be investigated

Key Takeaways: Identify 2-3 main points that summarize your research.

Real-World Impact: Explain how your research applies to everyday life or addresses a critical problem

Call to Action: End with a statement that invites further discussion or interest

EXAMPLES

Economic Inequality & Policy Solutions

Opening Statement: Why do some communities thrive while others struggle? My research examines the root causes of economic inequality and explores policy solutions

Key Takeaways: I analyze income distribution trends, assess the impact of minimum wage policies, and evaluate government programs designed to reduce poverty

Real-World Impact: By identifying effective policy interventions, my research helps policymakers design strategies that promote economic stability and social mobility

Call to Action: If you ' re interested in how economic policies can create a fairer society, I'd love to discuss my findings further

Checklist for clarity & impact: Does your message avoid technical jargon? Is your narrative structured for clarity and engagement? Have you practiced delivering your message with confidence?

Behavioral Economics & Consumer Decision-Making

Opening Statement: Have you ever wondered why people make irrational financial decisions? My research focuses on behavioral economics and how psychology influences consumer choices

Key Takeaways: I investigate the biases that shape spending habits, how people respond to financial incentives, and ways to improve decision-making through better policy design

Real-World Impact: Understanding these behaviors can help businesses, policymakers, and individuals make smarter financial choices, reducing debt and improving economic well-being

Call to Action: Let’s talk about how insights from behavioral economics can be applied to everyday financial decisions and public policy

The Future of Work & Automation

Opening Statement: Automation and AI are transforming the job market how will they affect workers and the economy? My research explores the future of work in an increasingly automated world.

Key Takeaways: I study how technology is reshaping industries, the skills workers need to stay competitive, and how governments can support workforce transitions.

Real-World Impact: By anticipating these changes, my research helps businesses adapt, policymakers design effective workforce programs, and workers prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.

Call to Action: If you ’ re curious about how automation will impact your industry, I’d love to share insights from my research.

WHEN TO USE THE ELEVATOR PITCH

Job interviews

Networking

First impressions

Storytelling in Research

Storytelling is an effective way to present complex ideas or data in a relatable and memorable way. The key here is memorable. Research shows that emotional storytelling is far more likely to be remembered by an audience. It is used in formal presentations, marketing, and education to connect emotionally with the audience. It helps them understand your work and your message more deeply. When you want your work to be remembered, frame your research in the context of narrative.

During introductory meetings, the elevator pitch gets to the point without overwhelming the listener This is ideal for first impressions when it comes to grant funding or interviews Storytelling shines when you want to build a deeper professional relationship or explain the nuance of your work during workshops or presentations.

Storytelling humanizes your research It reveals the broader societal or environmental impact of your research, which is often what resonates most with funders and others outside of your area of expertise This emotional connection can be crucial when competing for resources like grant funding or research opportunities

However, both can complement each other; for example you might use an elevator pitch to introduce a topic and then follow up with a story to dive deeper into the research’s significance

The key point here is that from your audience’s perspective, elevator pitches help open the door, while storytelling invites investment

Storytelling Template:

The Hook: Present a relatable problem or question that your research addresses

The Challenge: Provide context and explain why this issue matters

The Journey: Explain your methodology and unique approach

The Discovery: Describe your results and key discoveries

The Impact: Explain how your findings contribute to solving the problem and their real-world relevance.

The Next Chapter: End with a thought-provoking question or call to action.

The Hook

Begin with a personal story or vivid scenario

The Challenge

Introduce the challenge your research sought to address

The Journey

Tell the story of your research like an adventure

The Discovery

This is where the “eureka” moment happens

The Impact

Illustrate how the discovery impacts not just the scientific community but the people and world outside the research lab

The Next Chapter

Invite the audience to become part of the story

THE HOOK

Begin with a personal story or vivid scenario to draw the audience in emotionally. Use a character this could be you, a colleague, or even a community affected by the issue.

“Last summer, while diving into the deep blue waters off a small island in the Pacific, I met Maria, a local fisherman whose family had depended on coral reefs for generations. She told me that she hadn’t seen a healthy reef in years. Her words stuck with me: ‘We’re losing the ocean. How much longer will it last for my children?”

“What if I told you that every decision you make what you buy, who you date, even whether you get a loan might already be predicted by an algorithm? And what if I told you those predictions aren’t always fair?"

My grandmother used to tell the most vivid stories until one day, she didn’t. Watching her struggle to remember names, places, and even family members was heartbreaking. I kept wondering, ‘What if we could find a way to restore lost memories?”

"When I met a little boy named Alex, he had spent his entire life battling a genetic disorder. His parents had tried everything. Then they asked me, ‘Is there any hope?’"

"Meet Sarah, a single mother She wants the best for her son, Daniel, but quality childcare is out of reach By the time he starts kindergarten, he’s already behind his peers through no fault of his own What if I told you that by the age of five, a child’s future earnings, health, and even likelihood of graduating high school are already being shaped?"

"Let’s talk about money Because when it comes to climate change, we’re not just losing ice we’re losing billions "

THE CHALLENGE

Introduce the challenge your research sought to address, emphasizing the stakes and the struggle involved. Bring in the conflict something is at risk, and the journey to solve the problem is difficult.

“Maria’s story is just one of many The health of coral reefs has been steadily declining worldwide, and for years, scientists were unable to pinpoint exactly why We knew the oceans were changing, but no one could tell us how or if we could still save these underwater worlds before they were gone forever ”

"Take predictive policing. Law enforcement agencies use AI to determine where crimes are most likely to occur. But here’s the problem if the historical crime data is biased, the algorithm is biased

"Memory loss, whether due to Alzheimer’s or brain injury, affects millions worldwide But for decades, scientists believed that once memories faded, they were gone forever. The idea of ‘rewiring’ the brain to recover them seemed like science fiction "

"For decades, genetic disorders were seen as unchangeable written in the DNA like an unalterable script But what if we could rewrite that script?"

"Two years ago, I stood on the rapidly melting ice in the Arctic A local guide pointed to where glaciers used to be and said, ‘We used to fish here. Now it’s all water ’ But this isn’t just an environmental issue it’s an economic one "

"For decades, we’ve treated early childhood programs as a social issue but my research reveals they’re an economic issue, too The challenge? Governments and businesses often see these programs as costs, rather than what they really are: high-return investments in human capital And when we fail to invest early, we all pay the price through lower productivity, higher crime rates, and increased public spending down the line " 18

THE JOURNEY

Tell the story of your research like an adventure. Introduce the characters (researchers, collaborators, communities, or even the data itself) and the obstacles you faced. Bring the audience along on your journey to discovery.

“With a small team of marine biologists and local divers, we embarked on a year-long mission From the coast of the Caribbean to the Pacific islands, we faced countless challenges raging storms, equipment failure, and uncooperative weather But through it all, we were driven by the urgency of Maria’s words We knew our work could determine the future of these reefs.”

My team set out to answer a critical question: Can we make AI more just? We analyzed thousands of data points, tracing how bias enters machine learning models and more importantly how we can correct it. And what we found is promising

"Our team set out to challenge that assumption Using a combination of brain scans, neural implants, and AI-driven analysis, we mapped the way memories form and store themselves. It wasn’t easy working with the brain is like trying to fix a complex circuit with missing instructions. But one experiment changed everything."

"Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, our team worked to correct the genetic mutation causing Alex’s disease But the road was filled with ethical dilemmas, technical challenges, and opposition. Editing human DNA is a responsibility we don’t take lightly "

"To understand the true impact, my team analyzed decades of data on early childhood education, income mobility, and economic growth As the data poured in, a clear pattern emerged: Every dollar spent on highquality early childhood programs generates as much as seven dollars in long-term economic returns "

"As an economist studying climate change, I dug into the numbers Every ton of ice that melts raises sea levels, damaging coastal cities. Every hurricane made worse by climate change costs billions in disaster relief Every drought disrupts global food supplies, raising prices. The global economy is bleeding money, and the longer we wait, the more expensive it gets "

THE DISCOVERY

Now, reveal your results, but frame them as a moment of triumph after overcoming the odds. This is where the “eureka” moment happens your characters (and audience) can feel the weight of the discovery.

“Months of data collection and countless hours spent in the field, we uncovered something incredible Some coral species, against all odds, were adapting to the changing acidity levels in the water It was the breakthrough we’d been hoping for Maria, when she heard the news, smiled for the first time in months ‘Maybe there’s still time,’ she said ”

“By designing AI systems that detect and adjust for bias in real-time, we can create algorithms that don’t just reflect the past, but actively shape a fairer future."

"By stimulating specific neural pathways, we triggered the return of previously ‘lost’ memories in lab models. It was as if the brain had stored the information all along it just needed the right key to unlock it."

"After years of work, we succeeded correcting the faulty gene in lab models Alex became one of the first patients in a clinical trial His cells, once faulty, now functioned normally "

"The numbers don’t lie Children who receive early support are more likely to graduate, earn higher wages, and stay out of the criminal justice system This isn’t just good for families it’s good for everyone Strong early childhood policies fuel economic growth, reduce inequality, and create a more resilient workforce And yet, we continue to underfund these programs, missing one of the greatest opportunities of our time " 21

"The data is clear: Investing in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and conservation isn’t just about saving the planet it’s about saving the economy. Studies show that every dollar spent on climate resilience saves us at least six in future damages. That’s a return no investor would ignore "

THE IMPACT

Illustrate how the discovery impacts not just the scientific community but the people and world outside the research lab. Make it clear why the audience should care emotionally about the results.

“This discovery could change everything If we can help other reefs adapt like those we studied, we could save entire ecosystems and the people who rely on them people like Maria It means future generations could see healthy, thriving coral reefs once again, and the ocean could continue to provide for communities across the world.”

"Because in the end, AI isn’t just numbers It’s us And if we can teach machines to recognize and correct bias, maybe we can do the same for ourselves "

"This means that memory loss may not be permanent One day, people with Alzheimer’s or brain injuries might be able to recover their lost moments their stories, their identities, their loved ones This research brings hope to families like mine, who have watched their loved ones slip away."

"This is more than one boy’s story CRISPR has the potential to cure genetic diseases that were once death sentences It could change the future of medicine "

"This isn’t just about Daniel It’s about the millions of children like him kids who could thrive if given the right start It’s about businesses needing a skilled workforce It’s about communities that could save billions in future costs by making smarter investments today When we invest in early childhood, we don’t just change individual lives we build stronger economies and a better future for all of us "

"This affects every one of us. Rising insurance costs, disrupted supply chains, inflation climate change isn’t a distant problem; it’s an economic crisis unfolding in real time And yet, we still treat action like an expense, instead of what it really is: the smartest investment we can make."

THE NEXT CHAPTER

End by inviting the audience to become part of the story. Frame the next steps as part of a collective journey. Leave them inspired and ready to take action.

AI has the power to divide us or to build a more just future. The question is: Which will you choose?"

"But we’re not there yet. We need more research, more funding, and more people working to decode the mysteries of the brain. What if, in our lifetime, we could bring memories back?

Imagine the possibilities "

"But we need to ensure this technology is used responsibly. The future of genetic medicine is in our hands what will we do with it?"

"So here’s the real question: What kind of economy do we want to build? One where we react to problems after they arise, or one where we invest early and reap the benefits for generations? The research is clear the smartest investment we can make isn’t in stocks or real estate It’s in our children And the time to act is now "

"So the real question isn’t ‘Can we afford to act?’ it’s ‘Can we afford not to?’ We have the data. We have the solutions Now, we just need the will to invest in a future that works for both the planet and the economy "

USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO LEVERAGE IMPACT

Use Visuals (Infographics, Videos):

Visual content helps break down complex ideas and makes them easier to understand Always include high-quality, relevant images, infographics, or short videos that complement your message

Write Clear, Concise, and Engaging Captions:

Your captions should be informative yet easy to digest Avoid jargon and keep the language straightforward Use hooks to capture attention at the beginning of the post and include a call to action (eg, “Share your thoughts below!” or “Check out the full paper here”)

Interact with Your Audience Through Comments and Discussions:

Don’t just post and leave engage with your audience! Respond to comments, ask questions, and invite feedback This builds a community around your research and increases visibility

Choosing the Right Platform for Engagement

Twitter/X/BlueSky: Share quick insights, threads, and connect with journalists

Sharing your latest work

Did you know that the #futureofwork is rapidly changing due to automation and AI? My latest research dives into how automation is reshaping industries and the skills workers will need to stay competitive

Visual: Infographic illustrating key findings on automation's impact on jobs and skills

Hashtags: #AI #Automation #FutureofWork #LaborMarket

New Publication

Exciting news! My new study on the #impactofinequality in low-income communities has just been published! Discover how income distribution trends shape policy and social mobility

Visual: Cover image of the published paper or a preview of a key graph from the research

Hashtags: #EconomicInequality #SocialMobility #Research

Sharing Your Results (Thread of Tweets)

Tweet 1:

Thread: Let’s talk about #behavioraleconomics and how it influences everyday consumer decisions It’s not just about numbers it’s about how our minds work!

Tweet 2:

1/ Research shows that consumers often make irrational choices based on biases like loss aversion Here’s how it works

Tweet 3:

2/ These biases can lead to poor financial decisions like overspending or avoiding investment opportunities So, how can we fix it?

Visual: A chart or infographic that visually explains one of the concepts in the thread

Hashtags: #ConsumerBehavior #Economics #FinanceTips

LinkedIn: Share in-depth research summaries.

Informative

Automation is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace. My latest research explores how automation will impact workers, with insights into new skill requirements and workforce transitions.

Key Takeaways:

Automation is already reshaping jobs in manufacturing and services. Workers will need to adapt to new technologies to stay competitive. Governments and businesses must collaborate on workforce retraining initiatives.

Visual: A visual comparison showing jobs affected by automation vs. emerging opportunities.

Hashtags: #Workforce #Automation #FutureofWork #SkillsDevelopment

Opinion

The conversation around economic inequality needs to go beyond income It’s about opportunities, education, and healthcare access My recent analysis examines the multifaceted nature of inequality and its long-term effects on society

Policymakers need to take a more holistic approach when addressing economic disparities Only then can we create a truly fair society.

Visual: A thought-provoking chart or graph showing the impact of income inequality on social mobility

Hashtags: #EconomicInequality #SocialChange #PolicySolutions #PublicPolicy

New Publication Announcement:

Thrilled to share my new research on #BehavioralEconomics, exploring how psychological biases affect consumer decisions. This work is aimed at improving policy designs that nudge consumers towards better financial choices.

Read the full paper to understand the implications for businesses and policymakers.

Visual: Link to the published paper with a snapshot of the abstract or key findings.

Hashtags: #BehavioralScience #FinancialDecisionMaking #PublicPolicy #Research

Best Practices for Engagement

Use visuals (infographics, videos) to make content more accessible

Write clear, concise, and engaging captions

Interact with your audience through comments and discussions

EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING TECHNIQUES

Speaking with confidence shows your audience that you can be trusted, your work is credible, and your message is clear

1) Prioritize Body Language, Tone, and Pacing

Your body language should align with the message you ' re delivering to reinforce your points Stand tall, demonstrate confidence, and avoid crossing your arms or slouching This can make you appear closed off or disengaged Eye contact is key maintaining it with various members of the audience creates a sense of connection and keeps them engaged Use gestures to emphasize key ideas These add a visual dimension to your words and will help your audience better grasp the content

Tone is just as important A varied tone will keep the audience's attention and highlight the importance of particular points Avoid a monotonous voice, as it can cause listeners to disengage Pacing also plays a crucial role in communicating with clarity Speaking too quickly can make your message hard to follow, while speaking too slowly can lose the audience’s interest Aim for a balanced pace, only pausing occasionally to allow your points to sink in

2) Practice Presenting to Non-Expert Audiences

Researchers are often acclimated to speaking with their peers, but it's vital to practice communicating to non-experts or the general public If you can communicate your work to anyone, the opportunities at your disposal compound You may be invited to more speaking engagements, funding opportunities, or collaboration with interdisciplinary teams

Simulate real-life presentations where you explain your research to a lay audience Keep in mind that your storytelling template employs simple, emotional language so that it can be memorable

Practice these skills with various types of audiences whether it's friends, family, or colleagues who don't have specialized knowledge in your field Ask them for feedback on aspects like clarity, engagement, and overall message Their suggestions will help you refine your delivery to make sure it resonates with different types of listeners

Remember, explaining complex ideas in simple terms doesn’t mean dumbing them down; it's about finding relatable analogies, using metaphors, and breaking concepts into smaller, digestible chunks that anyone can understand

3) Record and Review Your Presentations

One of the most effective ways to improve your public speaking skills is to record yourself while presenting Review the video critically to identify areas of improvement Pay attention to your tone is it varied enough to hold attention? Pacing are you rushing through key points, or do you pause long enough for your audience to process the information?

Watch for non-verbal cues Are your gestures purposeful and help convey your points? Is your body language open and engaging, or are you crossing your arms, looking at the floor, or avoiding eye contact? After reviewing, write down specific changes you can make for your next presentation

You can also record practice sessions and share them with a colleague or mentor who can provide constructive feedback By continually recording, reviewing, and refining, you’ll gradually become more comfortable and skilled in delivering your message clearly and confidently

4) Engage with Your Audience

Public speaking isn’t a one-way street It’s important to maintain a dialogue with your audience, even if it's just through subtle cues If possible, encourage questions during or after your presentation This gives you an opportunity to clarify concepts Adjust your tone or pacing based on audience reactions (eg, pausing after a complicated point to give time for thought) This will help improve the overall experience for your listeners

5) Prepare for the Unexpected

Be ready for technical issues or unexpected questions Have a plan in place for dealing with these situations, whether it's having a backup presentation on hand, knowing how to reframe a difficult question, or simply pausing to regain your composure if something unexpected occurs This ability to handle disruptions gracefully adds a layer of professionalism to your delivery and keeps the presentation on track

As a researcher, these techniques can elevate your ability to communicate with confidence and engage a wide range of audiences

These skills are not just about making an impression they’re about ensuring that the key messages of your research resonate, are understood with the utmost clarity, and make an impact.

6 BEGINNER EXERCISES FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING

Walking While Speaking: Enhance Natural Movement and Presence

Objective: Develop fluid body movements and confidence while speaking, creating a more dynamic and engaging presence.

How it Works:

Choose a short speech or topic to talk about (e.g., your research or a personal experience). 1.

Practice walking around the room while speaking don’t remain rooted to one spot. Walk at a relaxed, natural pace.

As you speak, practice varying your gestures to accompany the movement. For example, take a step while emphasizing a key point or stop when explaining something critical.

Focus on not rushing or speaking too quickly while moving. Practice maintaining a natural pacing.

Try recording this and reviewing whether your movements look natural and if they complement the speech or distract from it.

Benefit: This exercise helps break the habit of remaining still and encourages you to speak with a more open, flowing body language, improving engagement.

Record & Review Exercise: Improve Tone, Pace, and Clarity

Objective: Enhance speaking clarity, pacing, and tone variation

How it Works:

Choose a short speech or presentation (around 2-3 minutes) to deliver on a topic you ’ re passionate about

Record yourself while presenting, making sure to focus on your tone (avoid monotony), pace (don’t rush or speak too slowly), and clarity

After recording, listen to the playback. Pay attention to any areas where your tone becomes flat or your pacing is too quick or too slow.

Review specific segments of the presentation where you felt uncomfortable or stumbled. Practice those parts again.

Re-record the presentation with improvements and compare it to the original recording.

Benefit: This exercise helps you become aware of your vocal delivery, giving you a chance to adjust tone and pacing for better clarity.

Objective: Use purposeful hand gestures to complement your words and reinforce key points

How it Works:

While practicing a speech or responding to interview questions, actively incorporate gestures For example, use your hands to:

Emphasize a point (eg, holding up one hand to show "this is key")

Describe size or quantity (eg, making circles with your hands when discussing growth)

Organize information (eg, using your fingers to list items or steps)

Record yourself delivering the speech or answering the questions and review your hand movements

Assess whether your gestures align with the message you want to convey Are they exaggerated? Subtle? Do they add meaning or distract from your message?

Practice again, adjusting gestures to make sure they are natural, purposeful, and fit with the tone of the speech or answer

Benefit: This exercise ensures that your gestures feel natural and serve to amplify your message, making your communication more dynamic and impactful

Objective: Improve your pacing by learning to control pauses, creating a calm and confident speaking rhythm How it Works:

Take a 2-minute passage or speech you are preparing to give and practice delivering it while consciously incorporating pauses

Use pauses after important points, when transitioning between ideas, or before responding to a question 2 During these pauses, breathe deeply and take your time to collect your thoughts 3

Record yourself and listen for moments where you can improve the timing of your pauses Adjust the pace to avoid speaking too quickly in stressful situations

Repeat this exercise until the pauses feel natural and calm your nerves

Benefit: This exercise helps you control the pace of your delivery and can also reduce nerves by providing natural breaks to breathe and think

Objective: Work on structuring your speech and engaging your audience through storytelling

How it Works:

Pick a simple story or an anecdote from your life or research It could be something like how you first got interested in your field or a challenge you overcame

Structure the story using a simple framework: Beginning (set the scene), Middle (explain the journey or challenge), and End (share the resolution or key takeaway) 2

Practice telling the story out loud to a friend or family member, focusing on making it engaging Add gestures, vary your tone, and pause for emphasis where needed 3

After telling the story, ask for feedback on how engaging it was, whether the structure was clear, and if the pacing worked 4

Try refining the story, adjusting how you emphasize key points to improve the overall flow 5

Benefit: This exercise sharpens your ability to deliver information in an engaging and structured manner, a key component of effective public speaking With practice, these exercises will support your message with confidence and composure

CONCLUSION

Disseminating research and effectively communicating your work can often feel daunting, especially when trying to bridge the gap between technical language and the general population Science communication is not an innate skill; it’s something that’s built over time

The good news is that every small step whether it's refining your elevator pitch, engaging in social media, or mastering public speaking techniques adds up to measurable progress By applying the strategies in this toolkit, you’ll gradually gain the confidence to share your work clearly, secure funding, present with ease, and become an influential thought leader in your field

Remember, consistent effort leads to big changes, and each piece of the puzzle you master brings you closer to becoming a more confident and impactful communicator

WHAT NOW?

You’ve spent hours, months, maybe even years working on your latest research paper. Finally- it’s been approved for publication! But will anyone read it? These next two pages will guide you through a workflow (with examples) for how to share your paper with the greater public.

But first...

Choose the platform that’s the right fit for you. Here’s 3 platforms with examples to get you started:

Youtube: Ideal for long-form discussions, video essays, displaying graphs or data, storytelling, teaching in your area of expertise, and recording your elevator pitch

2025 UCalgary Postdoc Research Slam (elevator pitch)

Three Minute Thesis

How Repressed Emotions Make Us Sick (use of graphics/visuals)

Blog: Writing casual essays, op-eds, and research updates.

The Thesis Whisperer

Conversable Economist

Ray Truant Laboratory

Substack or Newsletters: Sharing your work, written in your preference of casual or formal tone Opportunity to build an audience and freedom to write outside of university or journal constraints

Dr Andrea Love

Dr. Julia Fratantoni

Universal Sci-Weekly

TAKE ACTION- NEW PUBLICATION WORKFLOW

1) Write an elevator pitch for your research subject. Record yourself presenting this Revise and edit

2) Draft your storytelling narrative for this specific paper. Record this Revise and edit

3) Post your elevator pitch on your chosen social media platform.

4) Write 3 social media posts on your chosen platform: New publication announcement 3 Takeaways from this work

Here are our results: Now we ask the question of (related to the research topic) ?

5) Post your storytelling narrative on your chosen social media platform.

6) Tag relevant universities & partners. Use appropriate hashtags.

7) Schedule your posts to be released (at least 1xweek).