Storytelling as a tool for engaging communication of eye research
Angeles GallarOn one occasion, chemist John Dalton (1766‐1844) committed an etiquette error due to his color blindness. Thinking he wore a gray robe, he met King William IV in bright red attire. Perhaps the Protestant monarch mistook the Quaker chemist for a Catholic cardinal. In the mid‐18th century, doctors believed color blindness resulted from a cerebral defect. Still, Dalton theorized his vitreous humor had a blue tint absorbing certain wavelengths, like wearing tinted sunglasses. Did he discover the true issue?
Storytelling and science get along great. Stories are coherent narrations of interconnected events using context and imagery. Also, they ‘stick’ because they engage our emotions. Moreover, emotions can drive change. Stories enhance the visibility, credibility, and clarity of scientific messages.
Scientific storytelling can be learned through outstanding storytelling examples of science communication. A structure for scientific storytelling can be achieved by finding the hook, the trigger, the action, and the climax of a particular research story. Learning how to draw the story map of scientific research will help audiences (and grant reviewers!) connect the dots for a logical flow of your ideas. It will engage readers. With these storytelling techniques, anyone can write clearer, more memorable grant proposals, papers, presentations, and press releases, improving the impact of scientific research.
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