Let’s Talk About It: Science Communication Through Small Conversations 

The holidays should be a wonderful, joyous time for loved ones to gather and catch up with each other every year. Unfortunately, for some, these gatherings can be a major source of stress and anxiety. In addition to hectic travel or the hassle of hosting visitors, many of us must carefully navigate the ideological differences of our parents and extended family. Friendly conversation can quickly turn emotional and contentious as more polarizing topics are brought up at the dinner table such as climate change, vaccines, and women’s and LGBTQIA rights. In fact, nearly one in five Americans dread having these volatile conversations every year.  

It’s almost always easier to avoid these discussions. Sometimes, it’s actually best to avoid these volatile discussions altogether, especially when faced with hostility or irreconcilable differences. However, if you believe a family member would welcome calm, non-judgmental conversation, you should consider opening a dialogue with them.  

If you’re a scientist, you could provide an important perspective on these topics. If you’re a well-informed consumer reading SciCommPLOS, you might also be able to share your experiences in a way that encourages curiosity rather than judgement. Regardless, we want to encourage respectful dialogue rather than just discussing the weather (again). 

Here, at Indiana University School of Medicine, our team of scientists and science communicators have created a new Humanizing Science and Medicine training course, which helps scientists and medical professionals have friendlier, more accessible, and more empathetic conversations about science and medicine. Here are a few key lessons we’ve learned from creating the course.  

Adapt Your Message for Your Audience 

When discussing the topics of science and medicine (or any topic), a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.  

Rather than focusing on which facts are most convincing, focus on the experiences of the person with whom you’re speaking. Each person’s experiences, worldviews, and values guide how they interpret information, how they act, and how they respond. As a report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (2016) explains, “[p]eople rarely make decisions based only on scientific information; they also take into account their own goals and needs, knowledge and skills, values and beliefs.” 

To better appreciate why they believe what they do, you can use active listening. In this communication technique, the goal is to listen and understand rather than respond. 

The listener makes a conscious effort to internalize what is being conveyed by the speaker, both verbally and non-verbally, and then provides feedback by asking clarifying questions or paraphrasing what has been said. Listen more, talk less (at least at first). 

This technique allows us to develop a deeper understanding of the speaker, avoid miscommunications, and demonstrate genuine interest in the speaker, ultimately leading to a stronger relationship.  

Think about how to add small pieces into their Web of Belief 

People don’t just accept new information at face-value, they need to assimilate it into their existing experience.  

According to Quine & Ullian (1978), an individual’s belief system is structured similarly to a web of uniquely interconnected beliefs. Towards the center of the web sit the individual’s core beliefs, which are closely held and rarely revised, as it would require heavy revisions to the rest of the web. Peripheral beliefs sit external to the core beliefs and are based on evidence gathered by the individual. These peripheral beliefs are more easily revised with additional experiences and observations that contradict the existing belief.  

This theory likely has face validity with you–think about how long it’s taken you to develop your core beliefs and values about controversial topics in faith, science, or public policy. Adding new information to the periphery of someone’s web of belief, which is more susceptible to revision, can lead to ripples through the web that result in revision of a core belief in the future.  

Continue the Conversation…Later 

Inevitably, your discussion will have to come to an end. At this point, you likely may feel you have not made any difference in an attitude/area of discussion. 

And that’s ok. 

A single conversation is an extremely limited time frame to alter what are often deeply rooted core beliefs. Forcing the issue can discourage future conversations and potentially sour the relationship altogether. Remember: people are more likely to remember how you made them feel more so than what you specifically said. Instead, set realistic expectations for one conversation. Focus on building a positive relationship with the person and keeping the lines of communication open to continue the conversation at another time…like the following holiday season. 

In the future, the Humanizing Science and Medicine training will be freely available through IU Expand, Indiana University’s online course portal, for any scientists or medical professionals who would like to learn more about how to have small conversations with the public about science and medicine.  

Funding

Many thanks to Research!America for funding this project through the Public Engagement Content Award. We greatly appreciate your support! 

Authors

Andrew S. Cale, PhD teaches anatomical sciences for graduate and health professional students at Indiana University School of Medicine.  

Soumilee Chaudhuri, PhD is a neuroscience researcher at IU School of Medicine. She also co-founded the science communication and advocacy organization IMPACT-IN and supports several science communication initiatives.

Matthew R. Allen, PhD is a researcher at the IU School of Medicine. He also helps direct research training programs through the Indiana Clinical and Translational Science Institute, a partnership between Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame. 

Krista J. Longtin, PhD studies communication education in the sciences and health professions at Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Indianapolis.