Creating Connections: An Introduction to the Alda Method® 

Sponsored by the Mass General Research Institute and Center for Faculty Development

The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science’s Creating Connections program is a two-hour live, online workshop for Mass General researchers designed to help scientists and researchers learn to engage and inspire diverse audiences through effective communication, with a particular focus on virtual interactions.

Participants will learn how to balance being prepared with responding in the moment to address
questions. The program emphasizes universal communication strategies, including avoiding jargon,
and technical skills for creating engagement online, including camera angles and sound levels.

Outcomes

• Identify strategies to make a message memorable
• Recognize and begin to avoid using complex terminology and jargon
• Use a three-step process to design a message strategically
• Develop a personable and engaging online presence

Methodology
The Alda Method is a unique approach to science communication training that combines  improvisational theater-based techniques with message design strategies, including analogies
and narrative. The immersive method emphasizes two-way communication to build trust and invite others to share in the wonder and joy of science. It incorporates research and best practices from science communication, journalism, ethics, and other relevant fields.

*The workshop is limited to 100 participants on a first come first serve basis. If the workshop becomes full, you may join the waitlist here.

In the event you are unable to make it, kindly let us know so the spot can be made available to someone on the waitlist.