Career Workshop: TL;DR: Put the bottom line up front (BLUF) to impact policy & improve communication

Date: Thursday, February 11

Time: 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. ET

Description:  Scientists and engineers bring critical expertise to policy discussions, especially in this age of a global pandemic, worsening climate-driven disasters, and widespread misinformation. Whether engaging with the public, media, or policymakers at the local, state and federal level, clear communication is essential to having an impact. How can we cut through the noise and have our message heard? Begin by putting the “bottom line up front” (BLUF), a simple technique to streamline your communication. By focusing on a targeted audience and identifying a specific ask or recommendation, you can make your point succinctly and respect your audience's time – critical in this age of character limits and overflowing inboxes. Hear from a current AAAS S&T Policy Fellow and STPF staff member about communication skills that make a strong science policy practitioner.

By the end of this session, you will:

1) Understand the importance and potential impact of clear communication, as illustrated by real-life examples from the S&T Policy Fellow’s career.

2) Develop a BLUF statement for a message you’d like to convey about your own work and receive feedback from other attendees.

3) Understand more about the skills that make for successful science policy fellows. The presenters will specifically highlight how strong communication skills can benefit fellowship applicants, finalists and fellows. 

Join the session:  https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2021/meetingapp.cgi/Session/27402