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Abstract:
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To make a difference in today’s policy ecosystem, scholars must think beyond the academic journal. Many resist the idea of developing a communication strategy, thinking either that it doesn’t matter, that someone else will do it, or that their work will be naturally discovered. Developing a communication strategy—and implementing that strategy—recognizes the importance of making research accessible to wider audiences, decisionmakers, and policymakers. In light of changes in the media landscape and technology, I discuss the various skills that tomorrow’s scholars will need to help make their research accessible to broad audiences. I draw up on my extensive experience teaching data visualization and presentation skills to undergraduate and graduate students, private-sector businesses, nonprofits, and public sector government agencies to develop a framework for effectively teaching these skills. I also use my team-teaching experiences to show how to teach other communication tools and strategies. Finally, I suggest several specific techniques and lessons instructors can use to help researchers understand, embrace, and use these skillsets.
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