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Introduction

This course will help to you communicate your research accurately and engagingly to a wide range of different audiences.

Although it is grounded in theory – we will cover everything from Aristotle to much more contemporary thinkers – most of our time will be invested in group and individual exercises, so that you can develop practical skills alongside cognitive techniques.

The course takes place at ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ over 3 days. In addition to this, you will get to choose a follow-up project, either on your own or jointly with others, to actually communicate to non-specialists.

You will:

• Learn how to tailor your oral and written communication to several different types of non-specialist audience
• Write your own press release
• Have a 1-on-1 interview with a BBC journalist about your research
• Create a magazine radio programme and record it (we will provide you with all the equipment and teach you how to generate stories, interview experts, speak with an engaging voice etc.)
• Learn how to make best use of your ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ webpage and social media
• Explore how to engage effectively with policymakers
• And eat plenty of food!

Communicating with non-specialists timetable

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the varying needs of different types of non-specialist audiences
• Be able, orally and in writing (including on the web), to communicate their research to non-specialists in an engaging, accurate, and appropriate manner
• Understand how journalists and the mass-media operate and be able to generate press releases and communicate effectively with journalists
• Be able to effectively communicate and engage with policy makers, schools groups, and specialists from an unrelated field.
• Prepare an independent communication project

The project proposal for those who have been reminded to register what their follow-up project is.

Any queries regarding this module, please contact transferable.skills@warwick.ac.uk 

See the module handbook for the full detail of the course and forms to be completed as you progress through the course.

Examples of project work for DC954/935: Reports by Joana Vicente