Science communication training for researchers:
Writing for a lay audience
Researchers are now expected to be able to communicate their work outside academia – but this requires a very different approach and writing style to those used in academic papers or grant bids.
This workshop helps researchers understand how to think about the audience they’re writing for and tailor what they write accordingly. It provides them with the skills needed to write accessible and engaging copy.
Although the focus is on writing for the media or for project websites (blogposts or news items) the skills are transferable to impact statements and lay summaries.
COURSE LENGTH
3 hours
GROUP SIZE
1 - 8
FORMAT
Online / in-person
Who should attend?
Anyone actively carrying out research – from PhD students onwards, although it’s probably less suitable for students in the first year of their PhD.
What to expect
Guidance on general principles
Practical exercises
Analysis of good and bad writing examples
Group discussions and hand-outs
Advice and information to put the skills learned into practice
What you’ll learn
How to identify the audiences for your research to achieve the greatest impact
How to translate academic findings into a story of interest to a lay audience
The importance of the ‘news triangle’ structure in writing for lay audiences
How to write a news story on your research
When and how best to use quotations
How to ensure your writing is accessible to a wide audience
How to improve your writing skills to keep your readers engaged
What research teams say about our workshops:
