Stop Shop-speak

I have heard comments from bench scientists that what is called “science” in the popular press isn’t really science. I assume they say that because the content of popular science articles does not dwell on the essential minutiae of research lab procedures. One might reasonably suggest that an abstract of research, with technical terms given metaphorical conversion, would be more universally understandable, hence, popular. Science academics, on the other hand, not only fail to see the value in delivering their discourse in a simpler form, but they also brutalize the language to a degree that makes it painful for audiences other than science academics.

For me, wincing at the rattling of mispronounced Latin is enough of a distraction to cause me to leave the hall. English is the richest and most nuanced of the Western languages. Listening to English reduced to the level of a fourth-grade classroom conversation, by anyone, strongly biases me against whatever they may be trying to say. Often, such abuse so obscures the content as to make what is being spoken meaningless.

Adding to the seemingly arrogant obfuscation of the material’s delivery come the speech viruses: ‘ah,’ ‘um,’ ‘right,’ ‘so’ and the monotonous ‘and.’ Has it not occurred to the great universities and smallest colleges to expect their teaching staff to exhibit successful completion of a middle school speech class? Do presenters even go over their presentations out loud before presenting?

Here are three mantras for good speaking: Be clear. Be concise. Know your audience. This alone is not demanding. It does require Theory of Mind, but then we develop that cognitive capacity at about the time we enter first grade.

No scientist should look down on science for the masses. I read articles ranging from virology to astrophysics in Scientific American and even The New York Times. I enjoy them, and they help expand my worldview.

I’m a retired English teacher. This essay is over the head of a fourth-grader, perhaps. It is trying to make a point with some immured post-docs and lofty professors. Jargon is for in-house. It is meant to keep outsiders from understanding. Outside presentations require effective speaking.