Using narratives and storytelling to communicate science with nonexpert audiences

Michael F. Dahlstrom

doi:10.1073/pnas.1320645111

journal article Open Access Sep 15, 2014

Using narratives and storytelling to communicate science with nonexpert audiences

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Vol. 111 No. supplement_4 pp. 13614-13620 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

View at Publisher Save 10.1073/pnas.1320645111

Abstract

Although storytelling often has negative connotations within science, narrative formats of communication should not be disregarded when communicating science to nonexpert audiences. Narratives offer increased comprehension, interest, and engagement. Nonexperts get most of their science information from mass media content, which is itself already biased toward narrative formats. Narratives are also intrinsically persuasive, which offers science communicators tactics for persuading otherwise resistant audiences, although such use also raises ethical considerations. Future intersections of narrative research with ongoing discussions in science communication are introduced.

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Details

Published: Sep 15, 2014
Vol/Issue: 111(supplement_4)
Pages: 13614-13620

Authors

M

Michael F. Dahlstrom

Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010

Cite This Article

Michael F. Dahlstrom (2014). Using narratives and storytelling to communicate science with nonexpert audiences. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(supplement_4), 13614-13620. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1320645111

Using narratives and storytelling to communicate science with nonexpert audiences

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