the bare bones: your research story michael robin apr, research communications specialist
TRANSCRIPT
The bare bones: your research storyMichael Robin APR, Research Communications Specialist
www.usask.ca
You gonna make this worth my while? People are busy. Why should
they stop and read your story? You need a good hook to pull
them in. Create a sentence – the “lede”
that raises questions, that intrigues the reader.
Janna Schurer, parasitology, La Loche
Yeah, man, I can relate
What matters to your audience?
Why do they care about it? Make it personal. Use
anecdotes, describe real people’s experiences.
Jeff Sereda, Lake Diefenbaker
We’re live, on location Have some stories from the field? Bring your
readers with you. What does it look like?
Sound like? Smell like?
Gregg Adams: something in semen messes with the female brain
But is it a story? These principles apply:
a) News is newb) Timing – breaking story,
current topicc) Significanced) Proximitye) Prominencef) Human interest
The “cool” factor Tracy MacDonald: effects of mercury toxicity in fish
That is *way* cool Look for anything that is
surprising, startling, or just plain cool.
Start with plain language, and have some fun with it.
E.g.:“Godwin’s Electric Bugs.”Jonathan Godwin: microbial fuel cells
Cool – you’ll know it when you see it
The “cool” factor:a) Doesn’t necessarily
affect people’s lives
b) People interested: think kids and dinosaurs
c) “I f**king love science blog and associated social media
ExamplesStory criteria:a)Global warmingb)Drinking waterc)Publication prominence
Show me… Da money
a) Tri-agencies need content, we want their audience
b) Who needs to know? Are there any embargoes?
Da respecta) Name your supervisor, and
any collaborators as appropriate.
Sarah Crawford: bioavailability of uranium around mines
Do not open until ___________ Respect embargoes
a) Tri-agencies have rules on how and when your grant information can be released
b) Published a paper? Work with the journal to respect their
Look for opportunitiesa) Does your story coincide
with something in the news?
Heather Allaway and friends: Mars Desert Program
Exercise Write the “hook” for your research story. Answer the 5Ws (who, what, when, where, why) and
“how.” Identify your funding agency. Identify what photos or visuals you will need to support
your story. Identify any time restrictions (embargos,
opportunities). Where are you going to shop your story around?
Questions?
Michael RobinResearch Communications [email protected]
Ryan Taschuk: a vaccine against chronic wasting disease