STORY ART TECHNIQUES FROM FILMMAKING ENHANCE SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

Scientists need to have excellent communication and presentation skills to convey their research to both academic and public audiences. Communication training is underemphasized in science degree programs, however. It is widely recognized that use of narrative can make scientific presentations more effective. Here we offer a framework that employs storytelling strategies from filmmaking. In addition, we offer story art techniques that translate narrative into visual presentation.

Our framework first employs critical thinking questions to construct and refine a narrative around a scientific story (e.g., Is the protagonist the scientist or the study subject? What is interesting about them? What is the protagonist’s objective, and what obstacle is preventing that?). We then explore methods of developing a visual language, an image-based shorthand to manage information density and help the audience follow the story. We also discuss key elements of design such as layout and color palette.

As a pilot test of this idea, we offered a workshop for students and faculty at the University of California Museum of Paleontology in Berkeley. The workshop attracted 60 participants, ranging from undergraduates to emeritus faculty. The co-authors, who are story artists and animators, introduced the story art techniques and discussed how those strategies could be used in science communication. Post-workshop surveys unanimously indicated that attendees gained practical tools and motivation to enhance their scientific presentations in a variety of formats.

In order to test the efficacy of this approach, the lead author, a doctoral student, used this framework to create a research presentation for a public venue. This format proved to be highly effective for communicating paleontological research to a general audience. We are now developing a guide that will be made available through an open access online platform. We are also developing expanded workshops for conference venues. This framework promotes creative and effective science communication for students and scientists at all levels.