Storytelling, Meaningful Connections and Making Science More Inclusive

Hear Me Out: Making Meaningful

Connections through Storytelling 

Union of Concerned ScientistsThe Science Network Workshop Series

June 29, 2015

Mónica I. Feliú-Mójer, Ph.D. @moefeliu

Vice-director, Ciencia Puerto Rico

Program Manager, iBiology

@CienciaPR

@iBiology

STORIES

SO WHAT?

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

STORYTELLING

interactiveempathy

engaging empower

STORYTELLINGto make science

INCLUSIVE

Modified from Liz Neeley

"The value of science is not

universal across every

community.”Dr. Danielle Lee

@DNLee5

Science discourse is seldom diverse & contextualized, which further marginalizes certain groups & communities.Making meaningful connections through storytelling can help counter that marginalization.

Getting started• Know your audience• Know your goal• Know yourself• Structure your story• Give people a reason to

care• SO WHAT?

Practical advice• Use analogies,

metaphors, images/imagery

• Engage first, details later

• Empower, don’t alienate

• Be careful of making assumptions

• Beware of the dangers of a single story

• Listen• Be memorable• PRACTICE

SCICOMMTOOLBOX

storytelling

will make you a more effective communicator,

better scientist.

STORYTELLING

THANK YOU!@moefeliu

[email protected]