Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Outside of journal articles and student papers, my reading list is extremely limited. A Scientist's Guide to Talking with the Media is not the sort of book that is likely to make that list. Nevertheless, having received several recommendations from colleagues, and forced into convalescence while recovering from surgery, I picked up a copy of the book and was pleasantly surprised. The writing was crisp and entertaining, and still the book was relatively fluff-free. Though I generally don't think the public would be interested in my rather esoteric research, this book made me realize that I do have a lot to offer on many topics that are covered by the press, particularly relating to environmental issues and evolution. In fact, I finished the book inspired to be less reclusive and I now relish the opportunity to serve as a source to the media, even if it is something as minor as scientific advisor to the local Woolly Worm Festival.
Beyond communicating with the media, this book offers practical advice on summarizing one's research work for non-technical audiences. That skill comes up more and more frequently in grant writing, as organizations such as the NSF require you to explain the significance or your proposed work to a general audience (i.e., broad significance statements). Some journals also ask that you write "press releases" to accompany your article submission. I will definitely be referring to this book repeatedly for these purposes, even if I chicken out regarding reaching out to the media. In short, this is a wonderfully written, entertaining, and to-the-point book that I think just about any scientist would be the better for reading.
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"This book is essential medicine for the pandemic of scientific illiteracy. The architects of the explosive growth of science-based technology must communicate as never before and there is now a lucid guide." --Leon Lederman, 1988 Nobel Prize in Physics"This is an invaluable guide for scientists seeking to learn how to better communicate with--and through--the media. The book gives the kind of insight into new operations that will allow researchers to better understand the process of and to feel more comfortable talking with reporters. And the timing is just right--now more than ever we need an improved public understanding of science and the way it affects our lives." --Deborah Blum, 1992 Pulitzer-Prize winner for beat reporting on primate research. In this book, Richard Hayes and Daniel Grossman draw on their expertise in public relations and journalism to empower researchers in a variety of fields to spread their message on their own terms. The authors provide tips on how to translate abstract concepts into concrete metaphors, craft soundbites, and prepare for interviews. For those looking for a higher profile, the authors explain how to become a reporter's trusted source--the first card in the Rolodex--on controversial issues. A must-read for all scientists, this book shows how it IS possible for the discoveries that hibernate in lecture halls and academic journals to reach a broader audience in a way that is accurate and effective. Richard Hayes is media director of the Union of Concerned Scientists, an independent nonprofit alliance of more than 10,000 scientists and citizens. He lives in Arlington, Virginia. Daniel Grossman is a science journalist, radio and web producer, and educator who has covered the science beat for more than eighteen years. He lives in Watertown, Massachusetts.
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