I loathe it when people insult science students about having all the knowledge on how the world goes round, but have no clue on how to express it when it is required. However, that being said, I don't really blame "those people" from mocking us- science students, since the lack of communication skills were evident in history. (check out these sources: Bueno(1999). The Craft of thinking: Logic, Scientific Method and The Pursuit of Truth or Penrose(2004). Writing in the Sciences: Exploring conventions in scientific discourse.)
Are these stereotypes still relevant? Is it possible to effectively explain a simple scientific concept to a room of executives from a MNC or a Thai villager? How can one convey a message that is void of ambiguity while hitting home the core message?
Indeed, with good communication skills. all these can be achieved. In our world today, "No man is an island". Though this statement sounds cliche, it still holds some truth. As our society is intricately interconnected with one another, information exchange is free-flowing and human contacts through various channels are limitless. No one stands alone. Unless one devotes one's life to seclusion as a hermit or a Carmelite nun, human communication is an important tool for survival.
To be an effective global scientist, the ability to understand the target audience is as equally important as knowing the facts. It's about analzying the situation while deciphering cultural sensitivities, and then adopting the appropriate channel of communication before interaction. These and all the other aspects of communication should be honed by everyone - regardless of age, gender, race or occupation.
Are these stereotypes still relevant? Is it possible to effectively explain a simple scientific concept to a room of executives from a MNC or a Thai villager? How can one convey a message that is void of ambiguity while hitting home the core message?
Indeed, with good communication skills. all these can be achieved. In our world today, "No man is an island". Though this statement sounds cliche, it still holds some truth. As our society is intricately interconnected with one another, information exchange is free-flowing and human contacts through various channels are limitless. No one stands alone. Unless one devotes one's life to seclusion as a hermit or a Carmelite nun, human communication is an important tool for survival.
To be an effective global scientist, the ability to understand the target audience is as equally important as knowing the facts. It's about analzying the situation while deciphering cultural sensitivities, and then adopting the appropriate channel of communication before interaction. These and all the other aspects of communication should be honed by everyone - regardless of age, gender, race or occupation.
Hi Mario,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the issue of science students not being able to effectively share their scientific ideas with the general public is a source of concern. Perhaps, the issue could be resolved if science students considered the background of their audience. Within a group of science students, we may find that the use of scientific jargons pose minimal hindrance in the flow of our conversation. However, an individual who specializes in a different field of study may find great difficulty in following the same conversation and unintentionally jump to the conclusion that science students are unable to communicate their ideas effectively. Instead, a science student eager to share his ideas with the general public could phrase his ideas in a way which would be digestable to the lay man. Such versatility in paraphrasing one's message to cater to the intended audience would contribute to effective communication and help bridge barriers between different academic fields.
Hi Mario!
ReplyDeleteI am from Science; let me take my own experience as an example. My major is quantitative finance, which is quite similar to finance in Biz school; but when it comes to job interview, biz students have an absolute advantage..We understand the theory while they are taught how to present themselves to appear expert..Hmm, science students do need more training on effective communication.
Anyway, science students do have their own merits, like they tend to be logic when speaking.