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Communication

Communication is key to a flourishing research career

  • What is communication?
  • Why is communication important for researchers?
  • How can you improve your communication? Including communication methods and communication media

How well can you communicate your research?

Being able to communicate your research is key.

Communicating well involves constructing arguments and condensing complex concepts for an audience to engage with. Our guide will help you to assess which aspects of communication you can develop.

A man standing at a podium giving a presentation in front of a big screen.

What is communication?

  • Communication is a key skill for researchers and is vital to your success in academic and non-academic career paths.
  • Good communication is about conveying complex concepts and information to a diverse range of people. This requires using tools and techniques to engage your audience.

Why is communication important for researchers?

Effective communication is at the heart of the researcher’s research practice. Communication is key, as without it, you will be unable to communicate your work and may not receive the recognition you deserve.

How can you improve your communication?

Communication methods

  • Seek opportunities such as volunteering to chair a seminar or conference session, which will enable you to develop the skills of asking questions, understanding other people’s research, and enhancing your critical thinking under pressure.
  • Or become involved in a public engagement activity, which will help you communicate the complexity of your research topic to non-specialist audiences.
  • Practice your argument skills with someone you trust. Put forth an argument with someone who has some knowledge in it too and see how you construct and defend your argument. The point is to develop and communicate your argument quickly. The other person can provide a critique or a counter argument.
  • You can take part in a knowledge transfer scheme to ensure that your research ideas, knowledge and skills all reach the widest possible audience.

Communication media

  • Make two lists – one of all the ways you communicate your research, for example oral presentations, and another list of all the media you use to communicate your research, for example by PowerPoint. Are there any gaps in these lists where you could improve upon the method or media you use? How would you find and implement using a new media type?
  • Seek out the training opportunities provided by your organisation or funder. There will be courses available in public engagement, media and academic presentations.
  • Utilise social media and a website of your own to communicate your research.
  • Can you make your presentations more interactive, more than a PowerPoint? Think about how to engage the audience and incorporate feedback polls or videos.
  • Once you are confident in your communication skills can you help others to improve as well? Share your knowledge of types of media with your colleagues.

Final takeaways

  • Good communication is about conveying complex concepts and information to a diverse range of people. This requires using tools and techniques to engage your audience.
  • Practice your argument skills with someone you trust. Put forth an argument with someone who has some knowledge in it too and see how you construct and defend your argument.
  • Make two lists – one of all the ways you communicate your research, for example oral presentations, and another list of all the media you use to communicate your research, for example by PowerPoint. Are there any gaps in these lists where you could improve upon the method or media you use? How would you find and implement using a new media type?