ABS Human-Wildlife Interactions

What story do you want to tell about your complex issue?  The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has the AAAS Communication Toolkit which points out the differences in communication styles between scientists and the general public.  Knowing the key to your audience is important and having a concise message is very important.

AAS-Center-for-Public-Engagement-Different-Styles-of-Communication-Triangles

When speaking with other researchers you may tend to start with the background to offer context for your work.  With the general public, it's important to capture their attention first. Focusing your message can be done with these two strategies:

• Why should I care?  Start with the big picture and then offer supporting details.
• Three-point structure. What are the three things you want your audience to remember and to respond to?  

AAAS Communication Toolkit | American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). (n.d.). Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://www.aaas.org/resources/communication-toolkit

Shepherd, M. (n.d.). 9 Tips For Communicating Science To People Who Are Not Scientists. Forbes. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2016/11/22/9-tips-for-communicating-science-to-people-who-are-not-scientists/

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is a competition which began in the University of Queensland to celebrate graduate research.  This competition challenges students to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.  This short format can be helpful to frame your complex issue.

• 3 Minute Thesis Guide

  Take a look at each section for further information: 3MT drafting, 3MT slide, 3MT presentation, 3MT recording

3MT drafting:  Guidelines for crafting your 3MT

• Write for your audience
• Tell a story
• Have clear outcomes in mind
• What not to do
• Revise

3MT slide: Guidelines for crafting your slide

• Less is more
• Personal touches
• Creativity drives interest
• Work your message
• Legible, clear, and concise

3MT presentation:  Suggestions for preparing your presentation

• Practice
• Vocal range
• Body language
• Record yourself
• Look to the stars!
• Dress

3MT recording:  Suggestions for recording options

• Location
• Light
• Sound
• Setup

Higher Degrees by Research...Start your 3MT journey here. (2017, January 27). https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/higher-degrees-researchstart-your-3mt-journey-here