Conference session

In a world made increasingly more dangerous by climate change and its denial, rampant conspiracy theories and growing political polarity and distrust, further exacerbated by AI, we need reliable, authoritative, evidence-based information and analysis more than ever. Universities and researchers have both the capacity and the obligation to counter mis- and dis-information and to advance public understanding of the complex issues they study in the public interest. However, many researchers, versed in the formatting conventions of scholarly journals and the peer expectations of academic conferences, are not well equipped to share their data-supported insights in ways that connect with the broader population. Many find it difficult to let go of specialized vocabulary and formal structures, to use accessible language or evoke emotional resonance to connect with audiences outside their field or the academy more broadly. In this lively and interactive session, Shari Graydon will demonstrate research-supported communication strategies to invite attendees to imagine and apply alternative ways of amplifying their insights for greater resonance and impact. She will model best practices and share concrete examples from scholars who have successfully adapted the tools shared to position themselves as public thought leaders through legacy and social media, enhancing their ability to engage audiences and increasing the influence of their work.