Popular Writing

Popular Writing

Storify your science by perfecting the art of writing for the public with words that work.

Who it’s for:


Designed for universities and research institutions looking to support their researchers in translating academic outputs into engaging, accessible content for public audiences.

Description


Academic publications are essential — but not enough when it comes to public engagement. This hands-on course equips research teams with the skills to translate complex work into plain-language stories that connect. Participants learn the principles of popular science writing and apply them to produce a professionally designed one-pager or poster that can be shared across digital platforms, with the media, or with stakeholders.
Ideal for institutional comms strategies, this training builds capacity for broader impact and equips researchers to better meet engagement and dissemination goals.

What you’ll get (learning outcomes):

A practical understanding of how to shift from academic to public-friendly communication.
Storytelling techniques, including narrative structure and audience-first framing.
A professionally edited and designed one-page summary, research profile or poster – ready for publication, media use, or stakeholder engagement.

Course Details:

  • 5 hours

Online
In-person
*Include development of poster outputs for each participant: R64 000 (for 20 participants)

“I appreciate the step-by-step guidance on how to go about writing. This very short workshop was impactful. It exceeded my expectations. The trainer was brilliant, he teaches with so much grace and clarity.”

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Chat to us about tailoring this course to your needs.

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About Us

Jive Media Africa is an award-winning specialist communications agency with a focus on science and research.

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Storytelling for Academics

Turn your research into compelling stories that impact audiences. This bundle covers the power of story in research communications, including how to de-jargonise your writing, and how to structure a narrative for public engagement. You'll also learn to pitch your work to the media, funders, collaborators, and wider audiences.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Popular Writing
  3. Media Training
  4. Perfect Pitch

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.  

You will leave this training series with:

  • An understanding of the difference between scientific communications (e.g. papers and conference presentations) and public communication (targeted at a lay-audience)
  • An understanding of how story creates the structure behind many forms of popular communications.
  • An appreciation for what audiences want, and how to shape your work to engage and inspire.
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Getting your name out there

Clarify your unique research offering, increase visibility and amplify your impact with this workshop series designed to help you stand out in your field. Learn to set clear communication goals, craft accessible stories, and master media opportunities that get you noticed and connected.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Popular Writing
  3. Media Training
  4. Personal Branding

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.

You will leave this training series with:

  • A strategic plan for your science communication and research engagement activities
  • A simple framework for quickly writing compelling popular articles and snippets
  • Confidence for working with the media to achieve your communication goals
  • Knowledge and skills for using digital platforms to grow visibility and impact
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Pitching for partnerships

Learn the fundamentals of strategic science communication—what you’re asking for, why it matters, and why funders and partners should trust you. Then, master delivering your message with confidence and clarity. This series is designed to help researchers build credibility, inspire action, and make a lasting impression.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Personal Branding
  3. Power Presentations
  4. Perfect Pitch

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs. 

You will leave this training series with:

  • A clear understanding of your strategic goals, key stakeholders for engagement and messages for each stakeholder group
  • A clear articulation of your value offering, your unique selling points and your ask
  • A powerful presentation or pitch and the confidence to deliver it
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Public speaking for academics

Build your confidence as a communicator with this short public speaking series for researchers. Learn to pitch, present, and handle media interviews while exploring why public engagement matters—and how to do it well, even if the spotlight isn’t your thing.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Media Training
  3. Power Presentations
  4. Perfect Pitch

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.

You will leave this training series with:

  • Confidence for delivering public talks about research no matter the context or audience
  • An appreciation of different kinds of public speaking platforms and how to use each to achieve your strategic goals
  • Practical steps and proven techniques to ensure that your speaking opportunities have the desired outcomes and impacts
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The Art of Research: Full package

Break through with our full research engagement training series. This 6 part, series is designed for researchers and knowledge holders ready to take their work into the public realm. Learn to communicate with clarity, write and speak for public audiences, engage youth, pitch to media, and share your science for real-world impact.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Popular Writing
  3. Personal Branding
  4. Media Training
  5. Perfect pitch
  6. Power presentations

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.

You will leave this training series with:

  • Clarity and confidence to undertake a wide range of public engagement activities
  • Skills for written, spoken and digital communications, through the media and your own channels
  • Growing platforms for ongoing public engagement and communication to support your career and enhance the impact of your knowledge
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