Strategic Communication for Sustainability Leaders

This course is a part of Science for Environmental Management, a 4-course Professional Certificate series from edX.

Effective science communicators are in short supply during a time of unprecedented environmental challenges. As policy-makers, businesses, and communities seek solutions, the need for science communication skills will only grow. In this course, you will not only learn how to identify the tools of science communication, but will be able critique, refine, and develop them.

Any leader understands that data is the underpinning of competent decision-making. Complex systems require that data be presented in a clear and accessible format. You will learn to construct easy-to-interpret data visualizations that will enable you to build consensus and facilitate decisions across a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

Data tells us a story. Articulating and messaging this data-driven narrative to communicate the latest research is a key skill for any manager. You will learn to use proven techniques to develop such narratives so that you can effectively communicate complex data-sets to any audience.

Cogent science communication requires the effective integration of a captivating and accessible narrative with appealing multimedia data visualizations. These two new skills are the foundation for telling a larger story. Compelling “stories” are a proven approach to explain complex problems, involve the target audience, and motivate diverse stakeholders to work toward change.

What you'll learn

• How to identify and critique features of science communication products that utilize effective visualization and narrative techniques.
• How to produce appealing data visualization that avoid ‘chart junk’ or ‘map clutter’.
• How to articulate a succinct, captivating narrative using the ‘and, but, therefore’ template.
• How to develop a compelling science communication product that integrates best-practice visualizations and concise narrative.