Randy Olson (marine scientist and producer/director of Flock of Dodos and Sizzle) has a book coming out in September. Here's a bit of the blurb from his publisher (Island Press):
"Don't Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style" has been 30 years in the making. It draws on Randy Olson's 15 years as a scientist (Ph.D. Harvard University, tenured professor at University of New Hampshire), followed by 15 years of making films (In 1994 he resigned from his marine biology professorship in, moved to Hollywood, entered film school, and took acting classes). The book opens with the pivotal moment in his journey -- his first night of acting class when his psychotic acting teacher screamed her lungs out at him for being, "too cerebral." Thus began his journey of realization that came full circle when he returned to working with scientists and science communicators, and began to concede his acting teacher wasn't as crazy as he originally thought.I've pre-ordered my copy from Amazon. You can also order it from Barnes & Noble, or directly from Island Press. I haven't read it yet (obviously), but I am certain that it will be very useful. If you're a scientist at all concerned about communicating science to the public, I recommend that you get yourself a copy (and buy your friends a copy too).
In this short book he draws together what he's learned about communicating science to the general public, and offers up his observations in the form of four main chapters which he calls, "The Admonitions." They are:In an effort to practice what he preaches, Olson infuses the book with plenty of humor, storytelling, and even a little bit of emotion.
- Don't Be So Cerebral
- Don't Be So Literal Minded
- Don't Be Such a Poor Storyteller
- Don't Be So Unlikeable
It will be interesting to see how people react to this book. I was in a distinct minority of scientists in finding Sizzle interesting and compelling (my initial reaction, a collection of blog reactions, a review in Nature, some of my later thoughts). Those who didn't like Sizzle seemed primarily to complain about ways in which it seemed inaccurate or misleading. I have a suspicion that at least some of those people aren't going to like the advice Randy has to offer in parts 1 & 2. I may not like it myself, but you can be sure that I'll pay attention to what Randy has to say. My bet is that there will be a lot that's useful in this book.
Perhaps we could revive the Science Communication seminar this upcoming semester and read this book together. I think that it could stimulate some interesting discussion. I will definitely be adding it to my reading list. Thanks for sharing.
I'm up for it if Margaret and others are up for it too. We could even watch a couple of movies that Randy's done -- Flock of Dodos and Sizzle! -- to get an idea of what he thinks we should be doing