Using narratives and storytelling to communicate science with nonexpert audiences

TLDR

Storytelling, though sometimes viewed negatively, can enhance comprehension, interest, and engagement when communicating science to nonexperts, as mass media already favors narrative formats and narratives are intrinsically persuasive, raising ethical considerations. The paper introduces future intersections of narrative research with ongoing discussions in science communication.

Abstract

Although storytelling often has negative connotations within science, narrative formats of communication should not be disregarded when communicating science to nonexpert audiences. Narratives offer increased comprehension, interest, and engagement. Nonexperts get most of their science information from mass media content, which is itself already biased toward narrative formats. Narratives are also intrinsically persuasive, which offers science communicators tactics for persuading otherwise resistant audiences, although such use also raises ethical considerations. Future intersections of narrative research with ongoing discussions in science communication are introduced.