Alan Alda on Science Communication

Alan Alda gave a great presentation on Science Communication for talking to all kinds of audiences.  His inspiration came from a simple question, "What is a Flame?"  He asked scientists to describe a flame for an 11-year-old to understand AND asked the kids to judge the best answers!!!

This is a great idea.  We have to remember to provide enough information and contest to explain the idea, but you also have to make it personal.  Science communication is more about the personal connection between the speaker and the learner - the teacher and the student.  Too often we answer these questions with sterile, polished answers.  We turn off the listener by not really talking to them.

This video gives you some great insights into how to really explain something.

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