Ateneo - UPO

This course focuses on scientific storytelling, a powerful and effective method for communicating complex scientific topics. You will learn to transform scientific information into compelling narratives that are accessible and engaging for a wide audience. By the end of the course, you will be able to autonomously and rationally manage the processes of writing and speaking for disseminating information across both traditional and digital media.

Handouts, PowerPoint presentations and recorded lectures will be uploaded to the University's DIR website.

This course will help you: - learn the basic techniques of storytelling; - receive inspiration, guidance, and support to think creatively about science communication; - find compelling story ideas and develop them into outstanding oral presentations; - acquire the skills to manage social media for disseminating scientific knowledge.

No prior knowledge is required for this course.

Our approach is interactive, practical, and fun. The course will be delivered through interactive lectures and in-class exercises. While attendance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to acquire the skills needed for a successful final presentation. You will receive weekly feedback on your exercises, and the final presentation will be developed and discussed collectively throughout the course.

1. Accessibility and Accommodations. Students with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or special education needs can request specific services and tools by consulting the university's website: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. After contacting the University Staff, you can then connect with the course tutor to define specific examination modalities related to academic aspects. 2.Gender Mainstreaming. The course adopts a gender mainstreaming approach, which aims to ensure equal benefits for all individuals in its actions and activities, promoting gender equality.

The exam will consist of an oral presentation on a science-related topic you have personally experienced. This topic will be agreed upon collectively during the course. You will create a story and a supporting PowerPoint presentation based on the techniques you've learned. The final assessment will be based on the following criteria: • The Story: Self-presentation, introduction, methodology, development, results, the "X-Factor," and curiosity attractors. • The Slides: Layout, graphics, readability, text clarity, and appropriateness of language. • The Oral Presentation: Fluency, command of language, self-confidence, empathy, voice control, and use of non-verbal language.

• Unit 1: What Is Science Communication? Exploring storytelling and its different phases from a broad and narrow perspective. • Unit 2: Preparing a Story. How to build a story. We'll cover inputs, context studies, and strategy. • Unit 3: Building a Story. Understanding your audience, developing narrative projects, and creating character personas. We'll explore the Vogler’s ‘Hero's Journey’ and Italo Calvino's ‘six memos’. • Unit 4: Writing a Story. Using the 'meaty sandwich'; technique and dramatizing your narrative with plot, curiosity, suspense, and surprise. • Unit 5: Public Speaking Techniques. Mastering spoken language and effective presentation skills. • Unit 6: Telling a Story. How to deliver a great story, focusing on oral presentations, gravitas, authority, non-verbal language, and visual aids. • Unit 7: Social Media Storytelling. Choosing the most effective platforms and creating engaging messages. We'll cover content strategies, dos and don'ts. • Unit 8: Story Listening. Understanding feedback and the journey of a story from 'canon' to 'fanon'

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: For a Pass Score: • Knowledge: Understand the basic techniques of storytelling (e.g., the hero's journey, narrative project) and presentation creation. • Skills: Apply the theoretical foundations of storytelling and identify the "X-Factor" of a story. • Abilities: Present a story effectively using both PowerPoint and oral communication. For an Advanced Level: • Use non-verbal language techniques effectively. • Utilize curiosity attractors to engage your audience.