Tips for Popularizing Science

• Handle technical terms properly.

  • Use familiar terms.

  • Use acceptable, popular substitutes for terms not well understood.

  • Define technical terms.
• Explain or interpret information.

  • Answer questions about how or why.
  • Be personal in reporting a process.
  • Provide background information.
  • Inject a human interest angle.
• Use simple, conversational language.
• Make the text readable.

  • Simplify complex sentence construction.

  • Use transitions

  • Be wary of big words.
• Descend to the particular.

  • Give examples.

  • Use comparisons.

  • Relate ideas.

  • State conclusions.
• Use visuals.

  • Photos

  • Illustrations

  • Graphics
• Aim for:

  • High recall
  • High enjoyment
  • Reading ease
  • Favorable attitude
• Encourage information-seeking.
• The 7 tips for Popularizing Science

  1. Handle technical terms properly
  2. Explain or interpret information
  3. Use simple, conversational language
  4. Make the text readable
  5. Descend to the particular
  6. Use visuals
  7. Encourage information-seeking