Talking science communication with Sheeva Azma from Fancy Comma
As a science communicator, I’m always interested in the person behind the research. What drives them? Why do they care about the science they do? And how does that affect what I and other people care about?
Showing this human element can be challenging because it involves being vulnerable. But it helps to create a connection that can make facts and figures relatable for non-specialists. It’s a central idea behind my work at Humant Element Communications.
I recently did an interview with Sheeva Azma from Fancy Comma, LLC. I spoke to Sheeva about my ideas around humanising science and much more. I also shared what I have learned about building a business as an independent communications specialist over the past five years.
In the 20-minute interview, Sheeva and I cover:
The opportunities available for independent science communication specialists (1:08)
The importance of identifying, developing, and marketing your niche as an independent science communicator (2:12)
Why independent communication specialists need to continually upskill and invest in their professional development (5:36)
Generative AI and the short courses I did through the University of Johannesburg and the University of South Australia to upskill on this technology (6:00)
The need for more science communication training at the university level (8:40)
Why science communication training needs to be paired with longer-term thinking about how to develop a supportive environment for science communication at research institutions (9:50)
How scientists can create more impact with their communication by sharing more about who they are and why they care about the science they do (12:30)
The value of collaboration and my experiences developing and running a science communication training programme with my fantastic colleague Tali Hoffman. As I mention here, when it comes to creative thinking and problem-solving "two heads are better than one." (15:18)
I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation!
If you’re a science communicator, check out Fancy Comma. Sheeva runs a great blog with helpful tips for effective science communication and interviews a variety of science communicators for Fancy Comma’s YouTube channel.
And, if you found this interview helpful, please share it within your network!
Want to talk scicomm?
I am available for speaking opportunities and podcast interviews. Get in touch and let me know how I can contribute.
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Brendon Bosworth is a communications specialist and science communication trainer. He is the principal consultant at Human Element Communications.
