Why you should make science communications easy to understand
If you read our blogs, you’ll notice that we talk a lot about making whatever you publish about science easy to understand. This may feel repetitive sometimes. And being scientists ourselves we get why you may think it’s the least important part of any presentation. Facts are everything right? Well….not really. Facts are key, but if no one is able to reproduce what you’re saying, then all the facts in the world are not going to make a difference. In short: Facts + clarity = impact To quench that thirst for a more in-depth explanation of that other side if the medal, here’s an entire blog devoted to why we think it is key to any talk, article or website to be easy to understand. Introducing mental bandwidth Every person, whether they’re old, young, rich, poor, man, woman, soldier or scientist, has a certain mental bandwidth. That bandwidth, like a talent, varies between people, but what doesn’t change is that it’s finite. And various things can take it up. When you have to keep track of a shopping list you are using bandwidth. When you have to remember until what time your parking meter has been paid, you are using it too. But it also works on a longer term: financial troubles or a sick child can take up a lot of bandwidth. And just like with an internet connection, trying to download too much at the same time will slow everything down. If nobody can understand your message, no facts will make a difference in the impact you have with your communication! Not all burdens are created equal Some people are incredible at keeping lists in their head, while others find it easy to [...]
