University of Colorado Boulder
The Softer Side of Science Communication
University of Colorado Boulder

The Softer Side of Science Communication

Melanie Peffer

Instructor: Melanie Peffer

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll 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.

Details to know

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Assessments

2 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate
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There are 4 modules in this course

In this module, you will learn about human emotions.

What's included

4 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt1 plugin

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.

What's included

5 videos8 readings1 peer review3 discussion prompts

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

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment2 discussion prompts

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.

What's included

4 videos8 readings1 peer review2 discussion prompts

Instructor

Melanie Peffer
University of Colorado Boulder
8 Courses28,851 learners

Offered by

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