Includes bibliographical references (pages 233-238) and index.

The scientist communicator. Introduction ; The decision to speak out -- A clash of cultures. What you need to know about journalists ; Tell me a story : what journalists want from you ; What the changing world of the media means for you ; What you need to know about policymakers ; Inform my decision : what policymakers want from you -- The how-to toolkit. Deliver a clear message ; Ace your interview ; Fine-tune for radio and television ; Reach out instead of waiting ; Promote a paper ; Enter the political fray -- Becoming an agent of change. After the splash, the backlash ; Leading the way : ten steps to success. To effectively reach journalists and public officials, scientists need to learn new skills and rules of engagement. No matter what your specialty, the keys to success are clear thinking, knowing what you want to say, understanding your audience, and using everyday language to get your main points across. In this practical guide to communicating science, Baron explains how to engage your audience and explain why a particular finding matters. --From publisher description.