Science and stories

The document argues that narrative forms are more effective than traditional graphs and numbers for communicating science because they help audiences process and remember complex information. It provides a set of building blocks for constructing climate stories, including understanding audience values and using the language of risk, and suggests an 'and, but, therefore' structure to simplify scientific messaging.

• Narrative communication is more effective for public engagement than traditional scientific methods because people are more accustomed to stories than numerical data, which helps audiences understand abstract issues and improves memory and processing of the information.
• Effective climate storytelling requires several specific building blocks: finding one's voice, understanding and connecting with audience values, overcoming psychological distancing through relatable terms, using risk-based language instead of uncertainty, and incorporating personal stories to humanize science.
• The guide recommends using an 'and, but, therefore' structure to create a simple and engaging framework for scientific narratives.

APA

Climate Outreach (2017). Science and stories. https://climateoutreach.org/helix-science-and-stories/

Chicago

Climate Outreach. Science and stories. 2017. https://climateoutreach.org/helix-science-and-stories/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Outreach |title=Science and stories |date=30 October 2017 |url=https://climateoutreach.org/helix-science-and-stories/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateoutreach2017science, author = {{Climate Outreach}}, title = {{Science and stories}}, institution = {Climate Outreach}, year = {2017}, month = oct, url = {https://climateoutreach.org/helix-science-and-stories/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }