The Softer Side of Science Communication (Coursera)

The Softer Side of Science Communication (Coursera)

In this course, you will continue to explore how to develop and implement evidence-based methods for science communication. Here we’ll be looking at the softer but no less important side of science communication. We’ll cover the basics of human emotion, building connection with your audience through empathy and authenticity, how improv can improve your science communication game, non-verbal communication, and managing adversity in science communication. We’ll close with a discussion of how to be an inclusive and trauma-informed science communicator.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Course 2 of 3 in the Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization.

What You Will Learn

  • Explain the role of emotion in human behavior and how it can come up in science communication.
    • Explain why authenticity, trust, and empathy will help foster connection and consequently science communication.
  • Explain how improvisation, storytelling, and nonverbal communication can improve your science communication activities.
  • Describe how to be an inclusive and trauma informed science communicator.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
The Power of Emotion
In this module, you will learn about human emotions.

WEEK 2
Building Connection
In this module, you will discuss the importance of fostering trust in science communication. We will also discuss how to use empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity to do so. Finally, the third part of this module will talk about the use of storytelling, improvisation and non-verbal communication to build connection with your audiences.

WEEK 3
Conflict and Adversity in Science Communication
In this module, you will learn about conflict and science communication. We will also discuss strategies for managing active conflict and/or adversarial audiences.

WEEK 4
Inclusivity in Science Communication
In this module, we will discuss how to be inclusive science communicators. This includes how to be trauma informed, the balance of power in communication, designing for inclusion, and how to be culturally relevant. We'll close with a discussion of an ethical code for science communicators.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

University Teaching (Coursera) Coursera
University of Hong Kong

University Teaching (Coursera)

University Teaching is an introductory course in teaching and learning in tertiary education, designed by staff at the Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning at the University of Hong Kong. With input from instructors, guests and interviewees, including teaching award winners, students, and experts in the fields, you will be exposed to research evidence in relation to effective university teaching and practical instructional design strategies. You will also be exposed to multiple examples of effective teaching, and hear the views of teachers whose teaching has been judged to be excellent.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Inclusive Online Teaching Teach-Out (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Inclusive Online Teaching Teach-Out (Coursera)

In this course, higher education faculty will examine students’ barriers to learning, including unconscious bias, physical impairments, and lack of motivation. Participants will explore and discuss how inclusive pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can help to address those barriers and improve student learning outcomes.

Nov 2nd 2026
2 Weeks
Machine Learning and Human Learning (Coursera) Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Machine Learning and Human Learning (Coursera)

This course examines the differences between machine and human learning and the ways in which machines can complement human learning. It examines technical definitions of supervised and unsupervised machine learning, as well as broader views of mechanical intelligence able to replicate or exceed human intelligence.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Introducción a la inteligencia emocional (Coursera) Coursera
UBITS

Introducción a la inteligencia emocional (Coursera)

Con el desarrollo de este curso, se proporcionan herramientas de gran impacto para que puedas aplicar a tu vida personal y laboral en la potencialización de tu inteligencia emocional, a través del autoconocimiento y control de tus propias emociones, comprendiendo las reacciones y emociones que los estímulos externos te generan y así mejorar tus habilidades comunicativas.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Uncommon Sense Teaching (Coursera) Coursera
Deep Teaching Solutions

Uncommon Sense Teaching (Coursera)

Do your students spend too much (or too little) time learning, with disappointing results? Do they procrastinate in their study because it’s boring and they’re easily distracted? Are you working to make your teaching even more inclusive? Uncommon Sense Teaching will give you practical new insights that will help you solve these goals and challenges, and many more.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind (Coursera) Coursera
Arizona State University

Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn how to design assessments around the needs of your ELL students and their language level. You will learn how to incorporate language and content requirements for both formative and summative assessment types. You will learn to assess your ELL students through the use of project and task-based assignments.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Jugar y Aprender Matemática en aulas heterogéneas (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Austral

Jugar y Aprender Matemática en aulas heterogéneas (Coursera)

Cuando se asume la enseñanza de la matemática con el compromiso de la participación de todos los alumnos en una comunidad de producción, en la que se resuelven problemas con distintos procedimientos, se comparan producciones, se analiza la validez de las afirmaciones que se hacen, la tarea resulta todo un desafío. En el caso del plurigrado, el desafío parece aún mayor. ¿Cómo presentar problemas que involucren en este trabajo reflexivo a niños y niñas de distintas edades y con distintos conocimientos?

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Exploring Light: Hands-on Activities and Strategies for Teachers (Coursera) Coursera
Exploratorium

Exploring Light: Hands-on Activities and Strategies for Teachers (Coursera)

This is an Exploratorium teacher professional development course taught by Teacher Institute staff, open to any science teacher (particularly middle or high school level) and science enthusiast. This is a hands-on workshop that explores topics and strategies teachers can use to help their students become active investigators of light.

Nov 1st 2026
4 Weeks
Designing Learning Innovation: an introduction (Coursera) Coursera
Politecnico di Milano

Designing Learning Innovation: an introduction (Coursera)

Where to start to innovate your teaching? But before that, what does it mean to innovate in the classroom? Designing Learning Innovation aims to put the designing culture at the service of learning innovation, supporting those who do not have a specific pedagogical background and those who wish to learn the basic tools of a good teaching design then to continue exploring the frontiers of innovation.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Reign of Pain (Coursera) Coursera
Michigan State University

Reign of Pain (Coursera)

Welcome to the comprehensive course on understanding and addressing chronic pain and associated conditions. This course spans seven modules, each designed to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge. From exploring the brain's role in pain perception to identifying the emotional and psychological factors at play, we delve deep into the mind-body connection.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Mentaliser : de la théorie à l’intervention clinique (Coursera) Coursera
University of Geneva

Mentaliser : de la théorie à l’intervention clinique (Coursera)

Que signifie « Mentaliser » ? Comment cette faculté se développe-t-elle ? En quoi cette notion est incontournable pour comprendre les interactions humaines ? Qu’apporte-t-elle aux pratiques en santé mentale ? Toutes ces questions seront abordées dans notre MOOC « Mentaliser : de la théorie à l’intervention clinique ».

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks