Writing the Script on Science Podcasts

It is well known that scientific writing is often written to be inaccessible to those outside of STEM disciplines. Back in August of 2023, Carolina Sotério and Sálete Unbares Queiroz wrote an article about chemistry majors writing science podcast scripts to better their writing skills. As a doctoral student and associate professor at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, they analyzed the scripts the chemistry students wrote. They found that the practice of writing scripts for a podcast required them to use less scientific and more creative language. In writing based tutoring, tutors can transfer the skills found within this research into their practice. As tutors, we get writers from many different disciplines and giving them tools, like script writing, can help improve their skills and the accessibility of their work.

Results & Discussion 

Sotéro and Queiroz (2023) analyzed scripts from 5 seasons of the Minuto da Química (Chemistry Minute) podcast, with each script being a full episode. By dividing their analysis into two sections, content and format, Sotéro and Queiroz were able to assess the complexities within each script. Additionally, by using the Popular Science Text (PST) Analytical framework, they identified different strategies the chemistry students employed to relay pertinent chemistry information (Sotéro & Queiroz, 2023). Sotéro and Querioz noted that the scripts were written to include historical contexts, interpretation of the results, and the motivation and applications of content (2023). They also recognized that by using interlocution, colloquialism, direct dialogue, and narratives, the scientific language was more comprehensible for the listeners. 

Sotéro and Queiroz relate their findings to the components found within most scientific writing. Within formal research, scientists will include a description of the experiment or investigation, detailing the methods and interpreting the observed results. The chemistry students included said components within the scripts while incorporating more accessible linguistic choices (Sotéro & Queiroz, 2023). They acknowledged the importance of the employed practices, recognizing the impact they had on the audience of the podcast. It is through their analysis that they argue script writing can build certain linguistic techniques, that then allow for complex scientific research to be relayed to a wider audience. 

Did You Get That?

What I displayed just then was an example of the type of language and tone found in most scientific writing. While it is digestible, those without exposure to this style of writing may experience trouble reading or listening to it. However, based on Sotéro and Queiroz’s research, there are ways to improve accessibility within science writing. As the authors report, “Podcasts can reach different audiences by outlining a multiplicity of themes, formats, and distribution strategies” (Sotéro and Queiroz, 2023). It was through script writing for a science podcast that the students learned to communicate with a non-expert audience. The students wrote in a format that would be spoken. A conversational tone and syntax is how people typically communicate, and it is how podcasts are formatted. It is less formal than academic writing, but it grants the listeners the ability to participate in the discussion. 

The exercise helped the students recognize specific tactics to better engage with their audience. Sotéro and Quieroz claim, “… podcast scripts are written forms of science communication aimed at nonspecialists, employing resources that enable suitability and capture the attention of the target audience” (2023). Interlocution, colloquialism, and appositional elements are linguistic skills that allow for a personal connection between the audience and the writer. As the authors found, the students accomplish this by using direct dialogue, natural voices, and more personal narratives in their scripts (Sotéro and Queiroz, 2023). All of this to say, Sotéro and Queiroz’s study found that practicing script writing can help science students advance their capabilities as writers. 

As a Science Major

As a health science major, I’ve had a lot of exposure to the style of writing within science. Most of my major classes focused on how to “properly” write as a researcher. Something I’ve recognized since working as a writing tutor is how dense scientific writing is compared to other academic disciplines. For example, every word matters. Most research writing does not possess filler language. While that allows for the writing to be straightforward, it also gives the opportunity to pack more information into each piece. This is what I mean when I say science writing is dense. It may not be as heavy in length compared to other disciplines, but every word within the writing is important for comprehending the material.

Still, someone outside the STEM disciplines may find science writing to be difficult to read and understand. The reader can become overwhelmed by the elaborate and intricate style of writing. Unfortunately, this pattern was always deemed non-negotiable for my peers and me. As a result, I’ve witnessed many students become stressed when taking science classes. 

Can Script Writing Help?

I believe scriptwriting is helpful. In my experience, exposing myself to different genres of writing has been beneficial. In college, it can be difficult to find the value in courses outside your discipline, but they have truly helped my abilities as a writer. During my onboarding for the Writing Center, I had to adopt strategies that helped me stray away from the expectations of science writing. Expectations like using jargon, professional or non personal language, as well as dense material are part of what make science inaccessible to non-experts. Similar to the students in the study, if I use jargon, I accompany it with a well-known comparison. Another strategy I’ve learned is to write research or lab reports as a narrative so the reader can better follow the “story” of my work.

After reading Sotéro and Queiroz’s research, I was surprised to see that the developments within the students’ writing were similar to mine. Sotéro and Queiroz mention, “Specifically, students reported overcoming obstacles such as using jargon and making content suitable to the target audience, which was confirmed by most listeners and experts” (2023). I am glad for the students who participated in this study. Unfortunately, I have yet to try script writing as an exercise. That being said, based on this research and my experiences, I believe that script writing can be useful to science writers. 

That’s a Wrap!

By using the tactics found within Sotéro and Quieroz’s research, writing tutors can help science majors advance their writing skills. Specifically, exercises like script writing can help science students recognize linguistic choices that make their writing more accessible. Addressing the unnecessary complexities that prohibit others from understanding and enjoying the sciences, is the type of change I hope to be a part of.

Still, I think further research can be done. Especially doing research within US institutions, so we can examine the ways to break the cycle. It is through challenging the norms within that we can provoke change. For this, the change can help open doors for a better understanding of the sciences, and inspire more to participate within this field

References

Sotério, C., & Queiroz, S. L. (2023). Improving Writing Skills Through Scripting a Science Podcast for Non-Expert Audiences. Journal of College Science Teaching, 52(6), 30-37. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/improving-writing-skills-through-scripting/docview/2866115209/se-2pting/docview/2866115209/se-2