Art of Speaking Science

If you don’t already think I’m a geek…then this post will surely convince you of that.

Today, I was listening to NPR’s Studio 360. The host, Kurt Andersen, was doing a segment with Gary Hustwit, the director of the recently released documentary “Helvetica.” (It’s a feature-length film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture.)

At the end the segment, Kurt asks, “Do you have any strong feelings about fonts? How much do you hate Comic Sans?” (Ok, here’s the geeky part, ready?) I actually responded by looking in the general direction of my stereo speakers, rolling my eyes up (as if the host could actually see and hear me) and I said aloud, “Don’t get me started!”

Just last week I had been invited to the School of Medicine at Harvard University to work with postdoctoral researchers. One of the PowerPoint presentations that I reviewed used Comic Sans. I politely explained that this font was originally created for cartoon text and in general, communicates silliness and fun.

I suggested instead that she pick a more neutral, professional font - like Helvetica - to communicate her very serious scientific work. It’s simple, well-proportioned, and modern (even though this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of this typeface). For PC users, I should mention that Arial, is Microsoft’s version of Helvetica (although there are differences).

It’s not that I dislike Comic Sans, or think that it should be banned, it’s just that I believe that the characteristics of a font convey tone or meaning (like the tone of your voice) and I think for presentations (or any visual display of information) it is important that the tone match the content.

If you are communicating serious, significant, scientific findings, then a serious, neutral font should be chosen so that the content itself is concentrated on (not the feeling communicated by the font). If someone asks you about the font you are using and not about the science, something has gone wrong!

What I don’t understand is the increased use of this silly font among scientists. With each passing month I see more and more presentations using the font. I don’t get it? What is the attraction? Is it just the novelty? Can’t they see how this how this font can create a negative impression and impact their credibility? (Comic Sans users, I invite you to comment below because I really don’t get understand this increasing trend.)

So, do I think there is ANY use for Comic Sans? Sure, it can be used, but sparingly and thoughtfully. When communicating in a casual manner or in an effort to communicate fun and frivolity then I say- go for it! (In fact, I admit I have used it when communicating with young students in online forums.)

Here’s the bottom line for you, my clients and regular blog readers:

You are a very smart person who is communicating very important, complex ideas, please, don’t EVER use Comic Sans for work. If you do, it will just make you appear unprofessional or worse, not serious about your work.

Yep, Kurt, I guess I do have a strong opinion about a font, I suppose I just didn’t realize it until you asked!

This past week I delivered two seminars for the School of Medicine at Harvard University. At the end of my first seminar something surprising happened.

As you might expect, after seminars, participants often come up to ask questions they didn’t want to ask in front of the entire group. Of course, I answer what I can and if I have supplemental materials that pertains to the question, I usually offer to send the person more information. I always ask for the person’s business card so that I can follow-up with the requested information.

Well, this typical scenario played out again at Harvard, except, this time, each time I asked for a card, the response was “I don’t have a business card.” (It wasn’t just that they didn’t have the cards WITH them–they DIDN’T HAVE business cards at all! Well, to be fair, one guy did have a card, but he was the exception.)

I thought to myself…”What??? No business cards???” The audience was made up of postdoctoral researchers, who by definition, either are currently looking for a job or very soon will be seeking a new position. Hadn’t someone explained the need for business cards?

So, why do I think postdocs (for that matter - anyone trying to advance their career) should absolutely have a business card? Because to most, the very presence of a business card means that a person is serious about their career and they recognize the value of looking professional in all interactions. Besides cards are so cheap (you can get 100 full-color cards for approximately US$15) there is no reason NOT to have them.

So what does a scientific researcher do with business cards?

First and foremost, a card should be exchanged anytime there is an exchange of ideas, a possible collaboration. Certainly, you should be handing them out during poster presentations, after conference talks, during professional meetings with people outside of your lab. You should even consider giving a stack of cards to you mentor/collaborators so that they can network on your behalf. Of course, business cards can also be used to conveniently leave a note or to easily provide your contact info–you’re never stuck looking around for a pen and paper. (For a more unusual use of your business card, read about speed-networking for science geeks).

Those early in their career can also use business cards to make important contacts. When you hand someone a business card, “card courtesy”, dictates that they give you one in return. For senior people, it’s almost a reflex. You can take advantage of this by giving your card to senior research professionals (you won’t have to “work up the nerve” to approach them for their contact information). Simply hand them your card at an appropriate moment.

So what exactly should your card look like?

First and foremost, it should be simple and professional. (For inspiration, take a look at the professional layouts chosen by the postdocs at University of Pennsylvania or perhaps you prefer a more unusual approach). It should be on standard weight card stock and should include the full color logo of your institution. Of course, you’ll want to include your full contact information.

If you have a famous boss, be sure to include “Famous Name Laboratory” in the address of the institution. You’ll also want to include your cell phone and permanent email (institutional email accounts are fleeting) address so that someone can connect with you during personal time or even a few years later.

Finally, you’re card should have a link to your professional blog/website (If you don’t have one, these are free and easy to set-up and are also a job search networking essential) that includes links to your work, your updated CV, and your professional frequently asked questions document.

Every time you meet someone you should be networking. Even when you meet someone at the local coffee house or a wedding, it’s good practice to explain your work and then exchange business cards. It is NEVER to early to start building your professional network –in fact, it’s best to develop it BEFORE you need it. With this in mind, if you don’t have a card, you should get one now!

You should keep some in your wallet/purse, in your glovebox, in your laptop case, in your desk at work, in your desk at home…everywhere, really. You never want to be caught without your card. You never know when you might meet someone that can help you. A professional card can speak volumes about how you care for yourself and how you interact with others.

Oh, and don’t forget, to create the digital equivalent of your business card. There are a number of professional networking sites (I use and have had good success with LinkedIn …see my previous blog post.)