SPECIAL CFCAS SESSION - CMOS CONGRESS 2008

Communications Boot Camp - Getting the message out

Conveners: Kelly Crowe (crowe@cfcas.org), Dawn Conway (conway@cfcas.org)

Communication of results is an essential element in the research enterprise: publicly funded scientists have a responsibility to get their results known – and do, in scientific fora. Step outside that context and it can be a minefield. What if the press gets the message wrong, sceptics ridicule your work, or undermine its credibility?  What if you – or your family - are attacked for your opinions? How to you respond to unanswerable questions? This special session will review effective messaging; interview techniques and presentation; dealing with bad press; preparing op-ed articles or letters to the editor; organizing public events; handling ‘loose cannons’; influencing decision makers; and other ‘popular’ science communications.  The session is organized in three parts: Who, what and how?; The interview; and the Weird and wacky. 

WHEN: Thursday, May 29, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Vaseaux Room, Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort and Conference Centre

*** NOTE: A light lunch will be served. 

Please indicate your participation to Kelly Crowe (crowe@cfcas.org) to ensure you get a copy of materials.