> > The simple facts are that the kinds of people who are drawn into
> > scientific
> > and technical fields tend to be TERRIBLE communicators in the way
> > needed to
> > have an impact on the culture at large.
>I wonder why this is. Wish we could talk about this on the list and figure
>it out. It hasn't always been so.
I'm not sure that sci/tech draws people with bad communication
skills. Perhaps it does, but I think there are very few naturals when it
comes to Saganesque standards of skill. All people, even the best, have to
polish and hone their skills. I remember reading Richard Dawkins a while
ago. He met a young woman arguing the creationist cause in a debate. It
turned out she didn't believe a word of it, but was doing it to sharpen her
skills (the old "if I can argue THIS successfully, I can argue just about
anything!" adage). I not sure, but I hope she became involved in the
Sciences!:)
> > Even getting the people who could afford to fund the grooming of good
> > spokespeople to recognize the need seems to be an uphill task.
>This is something the people on this list could begin to remedy immediately.
>Beginning with each person funding their own grooming (funding in terms of
>time as well as money).
>Barbara
>------------------------------
Agreed. Starting with those of us who work for large corporations. Most
of them run assertiveness/comms skills courses, usually gratis to
employees. I'm hoping to look into this myself. For those who don't have
such access, speaking at local events/clubs etc can be a good way to
"blood" oneself, esp. if it's being recorded. Nerve-wracking if you've
ever done it, I know. But sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. Let
your passion for your subject matter drive you. I wonder if doing local
theatre would help someone overcome reservations about speaking out?
You can bet the Luddies aren't luddite about presentation and comms.
Slan,
James...
"If you can't take a little bloody nose, maybe you ought to go back home and
crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wondrous, with treasures
to satiate desires both subtle and gross. But it's not for the timid."
-Q, Star Trek:TNG episode 'Q Who'
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Mon May 28 2001 - 09:56:37 MDT