On September 29, 2022 we had the pleasure to facilitate a workshop on “Science Communication and Storytelling” at Bielefeld University. A big highlight within the training were once again the interactive exercises, especially writing “Elfchen” – little poems – and building a research aspect with Lego.
The “storytelling technique” for science communication.
Stories inspire, stories connect, stories immerse you in another world, stories evoke feelings, stories can make connections. This interactive training in science communication supports and inspires young scientists to present their research topic to diverse publics and/ or media. Through creative writing or building their research topic with Lego, the participants themselves gain new and different approaches to their research.
Advantages of “storytelling” for science communication
Especially when dealing with controversial topics, stories can build connections. Storytelling can build a personal relationship between the person communicating with the person or group of people being addressed. Storytelling can also be used as a method to bring the emotional level into the communication of fact-based science. In particular, with storytelling, as with all forms of science communication and public engagement, it is important to know and understand one’s target audience. The English-language workshop “Science Communication and Storytelling” reflected on the methods and possible applications of storytelling based on the practical examples. In addition, the workshop presented dialogue-oriented formats from the field of “Public Engagement” that could be used in collaboration with different target groups.
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- Tell your story – the card game “Point of view”!
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- Elfchen in the storytelling workshop at Bielefeld University.
