Chapter 1 - Communication

Abstract

This chapter discusses how communication skills can improve one's scientific career in both academia and biotechnology. Everyone uses common nonverbal communication cues, such as rolling eyes, slouching, shrugging, clenching fists, making body contact, frowning, smiling, crying, and laughing. Public speaking takes place in different forums. In a seminar setting, one has the opportunity to prepare in advance, to develop audiovisual aids, and to set out a logical argument for your audience. In one-on-one interaction, speech is less formal and more interactive. In science, one will need to communicate on paper and electronically. Publications remain an important form of currency in academia and in the industry. One's writing skills will be used in generating internal memos, standard operating procedures, test reports, business summaries, manuscripts for publication, and grant and patent applications. All organizations develop some degree of structure. In part, the structure of an organization facilitates and accelerates communication among its members. This has the potential to reduce the time needed to accomplish repeated or similar tasks. Communication does not occur in a vacuum. The society has structures designed to facilitate communication between individuals.