As fisheries professionals, the work we do has critical implications for supporting fisheries and the human communities that rely on these resources.  Yet, the science needed to inform decision-making is often difficult to communicate broader audiences.  Through much trial and error, communication specialists have learned that one size does not fit all when it comes to communicating about fisheries science with non-scientific groups.  Innovative methods and techniques have now emerged that borrow techniques used in other professions that rely on public participation.  This workshop provides a multi-layered and in-depth assessment on the skills and proficiencies needed for fisheries professionals to do meaningful outreach and education.  We will teach effective practices within three main elements of communication1) Audience connection –This component will address the importance of finding connections to audiences, including those that be more challenging or unreceptive. 2) Effective messaging – Exploring the psychology of how people receive and retain information, this section will focus on how to structure and refine messaging so that it is both impactful and memorable,  3) Better presentations – The status quo of how scientists typically present their work will be examined to demonstrate why it can form a barrier to having an audience understand, remember, and believe the science that is being presented.  Training will focus on ways to break these barriers to inspire both science and non-science audiences.  Opportunities to practice various skills and use the training throughout the Congress will be provided.   

Organizers:

Julie Claussen, Fisheries Conservation Foundation, [email protected]
Carolyn Hall, Exact Communication, [email protected]
Katie O’Reilly, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, [email protected] 

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