To increase your effectiveness in science communication with public or non-scientist audiences, and avoid using technical jargon at the same time, find ways to describe science in terms with which the greater public is familiar. Think about how you discuss your work with friends and family who are not scientists. Then test your stories and metaphors on them before using them in communication with a public audience or reporter. Think of it as speaking a different language – one that is more accessible and easier to understand for non-scientific speakers.

For an example of explaining science for a public audience, watch this clip of John Holdren, past president of AAAS and president of the Woods Hole Research Center, discussing climate change on The Late Show with David Letterman. The interview aired on television April 17, 2008.

Resources for finding ways to explain science concepts and issues abound. Here are a few to get you started:

Explain it in 60 seconds - short physical science descriptions from Symmetry magazine

Qs and AAAs - commonly asked questions and answers on science topics

Science for All Americans - science topic definitions from Project 2061 at AAAS

Science, Evolution, and Creationism  - National Academy of Science and Institute of Medicine

Understanding and Responding to Climate Change - National Academies

Understanding Stem Cells - National Academies