Effective communication in integrative projects

Abstract

Traditional scientific research training focuses on developing skills, knowledge and experience of the particular discipline in which the research is being undertaken. The move to inter- and transdisciplinary research means that further skills are required outwith the traditional disciplinary skill base. Central amongst those are improved communication skills. The ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of different people is often a key element in the success or otherwise of a research programme, but yet this ability is still relatively poorly covered in research-training programmes. In this chapter I outline why effective communication is becoming more important, and how communication can be improved, particularly in presentations.