Communication Skills and Publication: Graduate Student Resources
Communicating Your Research: Presentations and Talks
Using plain language to describe your work is not only important, but also part of the NIH mission and federal law. The following are some tips for telling the public about your research and helping them understand why it matters.
Plain language is grammatically correct language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the audience. Come learn and practice these skills at the Communication Academy.
Making your research understandable to non-scientists can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. Effective communication not only increases the reach of your own work, but it also contributes to better public understanding and helps build trust in science. Learn more at Plain Language at NIH.
Mason graduate students have several opportunities to present their research right here on campus:
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The Mason Graduate Interdisciplinary Conference hosted in Spring semester April: This one-day in-person event will showcase graduate student scholarly research and creative works across disciplines through posters, oral presentations, and creative, visual, and performing arts.
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Students are also encouraged to participate in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT): In this research communication competition, graduate students present their original research to a non-specialist audience using only one visual aid—in three minutes.
Other Resources
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Academic Publisher Taylor & Francis provides guidance to researchers looking to publish, present, or blog. Check out resources here: https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/blog/research-impact/presenting-your-research-effectively-and-with-confidence/