Ben McLeod has been fascinated by cellular biology since he was 13. He remembers learning that cells are just like miniature cities – with factories, data storage, waste disposal, transportation and communication systems. That fascination drives his work in cell and gene therapy (CGT) today. He has honed his skills in CGT manufacturing, technical strategy and scientific communication. As a Technical Product Manager at OmniaBio Inc., he aims to provide valuable resources to his peers, while also showcasing why the company is the best choice for next generation therapeutic manufacturing.
The author, explaining his research poster
It needs to be said: Most people don’t find science intriguing.
Why is that?
Is it the subject matter?
No.
Is it the way it’s presented?
Mostly, yes.
The ability to explain complex science in a simplified, engaging way is at an absolute premium in biotech.
Most of us aren’t good at it.
But it can be learned.
Trust me.
Master it, and you’ll go far in the world of science – either in academia or industry.
In this article, let’s outline seven steps to help you develop this skill.
1.Play to your niche of science.
The first step in explaining complex science is to understand the topic you are explaining really well.
You cannot simplify something that you do not fully understand.
If you talk about something you don’t grasp yourself…It will be very obvious.
Therefore, play to your strengths and focus on the areas of science that you are most familiar with.
2.Analogies are your friend.
Analogies can be a powerful tool in explaining complex science.
By relating scientific concepts to well-known objects or ideas, you can make them more accessible and easier to understand.
Take, for example, the popular analogy “the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.”
It conveys the function of the mitochondria without requiring a complex explanation of cellular respiration.
Take the time to think about analogies that work for your niche of science.
The results will (literally) speak for themselves.
3.Stories are king.
Once you have developed analogies for your scientific concepts, compile them into a captivating story.
A list of random facts is unlikely to engage anyone.
But stories?
They have the power to captivate and hold attention.
Plus, stories capture imagination, activating additional parts of the brain.
Use your analogies (from step 2) to weave a narrative that will engage your audience.
4.Visuals are queen.
Visual aids can be incredibly helpful in explaining complex science.
A picture truly is worth a thousand words, and perhaps even more when it comes to explaining scientific concepts.
Try to explain the Krebs cycle without any visual references.
Ouch. What a nightmare.
But with a diagram or animation, the concept becomes much easier to understand.
5.Be concise.
Keep your explanations short.
Avoid jargon.
The longer you rattle on…The more people you’ll lose.
(Need to stay concise here, or you’ll judge me).
6.Consider the audience.
The way you explain science will vary depending on who you’re talking to.
Consider the following three scenarios:
- Your grandmother who is curious about your work.
- A social event filled with sales people.
- A room full of scientists.
Tailor your message to the understanding level of your audience.
7.You need enthusiasm.
Let’s get real for a second.
The previous steps fall flat if you don’t care.
If you don’t seem to enjoy it, why should your audience?
Your enthusiasm for the subject material will drive engagement in what you are saying.
Is the science something you’re excited about?
Your audience can tell.
Cultivate your personal interest in the topic – people will see it when you speak.
In conclusion, explaining complex science in a simplified, engaging way is a valuable skill in the biotech industry. By following these seven steps – playing to your niche of science, using analogies, telling stories, using visuals, being concise, considering your audience, and showing enthusiasm – you can master this skill and go far in the field.
Guest
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