On October 27, the Marine Biology Graduate Program hosted a Science Communication Workshop at HIMB. The workshop was led by Beth Lenz, PhD candidate and Improv in Paradise instructor, Larissa Franzen, Improv in Paradise co-founder and instructor, Betsy Brown, KITV Producer and Paula Akana, KITV Anchor.

The workshop explored the use of improv as a SciComm tool to better listen, adapt, connect with the audience, and maintain confidence in public speaking. It also had Betsy Brown and Paula Akana, from KITV4 Island News share their own experience in journalism, and teach tools on how to share our science, construct a clear and compelling story and decide on the important take home message.

The workshop was organized in 3 parts:1: Improv to Improve Public Speaking (with different improv games), 2: How to Get Your Message to Stand Out (good practices on how to engage with the media and how to distill the message), and 3: Telling a Good Story (how to track down and develop a story).

Recently, more and more emphasis has been put on science communication. Even though scientists focus mainly on their research training, scientists are required to be strong communicators in their writing, presentations, outreach activities, and interviews.

Great job to the organizers in putting together such a great workshop! Looking forward to the next one!