Courtroom Comms: Testifying about Forensic Science with Communication Best Practices Workshop

Description:

Communicating forensic science is an essential aspect of the criminal justice process. Challenges for practitioners include the interrogative structure, varied audiences, specialized language and adversarial narratives. This workshop addresses those challenges using research-driven communication principles to help scientists convey complexity while preserving accuracy. The Alda Method is a unique communication training technique blending improvisational theater with audience-focused design strategies. Driven by the adaptability and active listening central to improvisation and the empathy and connection prescribed by social science research, the Alda Method helps scientists effectively engage with non-expert audiences. Participants should expect active involvement and iterative moot testimony practice.

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will learn to recognize structural challenges to clear and vivid communication and develop strategies to address them.
• Participants will use specific skills like analogy building, active listening, language adjustment, and engaging with challenging questions.
• Participants will practice reframing scientific conversations and communication goals around the audience (jury) experience.

Intended Audience:

No required prerequisite knowledge. Intended audience is testifying forensic scientists. Although communication principles are also helpful for those scientists involved in investigations and teaching.