Why Researchers Should Think Like Communicators?

 The reason why researchers need to learn to think like communicators is not obvious to everyone. The researchers are educated and accustomed to analyzing difficult questions, evidence, and new knowledge. But communication itself is often considered a secondary skill to be taken into account only at the last stage of an investigation. That kind of attitude in today’s academic field can sometimes be detrimental and significantly reduce the impact that even a very important research could potentially have.

The logic is fairly basic: if people do not comprehend your work, then it is extremely unlikely they will contribute or be influenced by it in any way. Communication is not about diminishing the accuracy and depth of your research to make it accessible. Communication is about presenting and discussing concepts in such a way that various types of audience can grasp the significance of what has been discovered or what problem has been solved.

Clarity is the primary objective of research communication. Every element of research, from the titles and abstract to presentations and summaries, must inform and persuade that an issue has been investigated and it does matter. The truly gifted researchers often manage to communicate complex ideas clearly. They simplify those difficult issues, helping other academicians, policy makers, industry experts, or even general public members to understand why their discoveries are important and of real significance.

Moreover, successful communication can significantly increase the visibility of your research. Understandable scientific articles and discussions are more probable to be cited and referred to by other scholars, institutions, and various forms of mass media. A modern researcher is equipped with the array of new tools for dissemination of information that former academics could only dream of. Blogs, webcasts, podcasts, academic and professional social networks, and video platforms provide researchers the capacity to present and distribute their research much more widely and quickly than conventional academic journals ever could. These forms of interaction will allow scientists to present their findings, discussion their implication and get involved into a wider discourse.

Clear explanation of research findings is especially necessary for interdisciplinary researchers. Colleagues who belong to different fields and sectors may have differing backgrounds and specialized terminologies. The communication bridges the gaps between disciplines and creates opportunities for joint investigation. Last but not the least, researchers who are skilled in communication enhance their own image and professional reputation; not only they acquire a valuable knowledge but they know how to communicate it to others and they have a positive impact. In the context of current academic field it seems that influence matters and this influence may depend on your skills as communicator.

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