The bare bones: your research story Michael Robin APR, Research Communications Specialist

The bare bones: your research storyMichael Robin APR, Research Communications Specialist

www.usask.ca

You gonna make this worth my while? People are busy. Why should

they stop and read your story? You need a good hook to pull

them in. Create a sentence – the “lede”

that raises questions, that intrigues the reader.

Janna Schurer, parasitology, La Loche

Yeah, man, I can relate

What matters to your audience?

Why do they care about it? Make it personal. Use

anecdotes, describe real people’s experiences.

Jeff Sereda, Lake Diefenbaker

We’re live, on location Have some stories from the field? Bring your

readers with you. What does it look like?

Sound like? Smell like?

Gregg Adams: something in semen messes with the female brain

But is it a story? These principles apply:

a) News is newb) Timing – breaking story,

current topicc) Significanced) Proximitye) Prominencef) Human interest

The “cool” factor Tracy MacDonald: effects of mercury toxicity in fish

That is *way* cool Look for anything that is

surprising, startling, or just plain cool.

Start with plain language, and have some fun with it.

E.g.:“Godwin’s Electric Bugs.”Jonathan Godwin: microbial fuel cells

Cool – you’ll know it when you see it

The “cool” factor:a) Doesn’t necessarily

affect people’s lives

b) People interested: think kids and dinosaurs

c) “I f**king love science blog and associated social media

ExamplesStory criteria:a)Global warmingb)Drinking waterc)Publication prominence

Show me… Da money

a) Tri-agencies need content, we want their audience

b) Who needs to know? Are there any embargoes?

Da respecta) Name your supervisor, and

any collaborators as appropriate.

Sarah Crawford: bioavailability of uranium around mines

Do not open until ___________ Respect embargoes

a) Tri-agencies have rules on how and when your grant information can be released

b) Published a paper? Work with the journal to respect their

Look for opportunitiesa) Does your story coincide

with something in the news?

Heather Allaway and friends: Mars Desert Program

Exercise Write the “hook” for your research story. Answer the 5Ws (who, what, when, where, why) and

“how.” Identify your funding agency. Identify what photos or visuals you will need to support

your story. Identify any time restrictions (embargos,

opportunities). Where are you going to shop your story around?

Questions?

Michael RobinResearch Communications Specialist306-966-1425michael.robin@usask.ca

Ryan Taschuk: a vaccine against chronic wasting disease