As I prepared for this two part lecture series, I spent so much time searching for my once enthusiastic and motivated self to sign in to blackboard and access the panopto recordings baring last year’s recorded versions of these lectures. I was not motivated at all. In a class setting, the lecturer takes command of the session as well as the audience’s attention. And as much I zone out sometimes, it’s not so long before I am drawn back in by a question he/she asks simply because I do not want to be caught absent-minded. I have always believed a lecturer can tell who is attentive or not because they have the best view of everybody’s face and body language. Online studying is different for me, the fact that I am in control does not simply translate to wanting to do the right thing. The fact that it’s not even a live presentation makes me procrastinate the more. But luckily, I still have my conscience haunting me. The voice at the back of my mind reminding me to keep my focus has not completely faded out, so I am thankful for that.

Considering I was not excited about the lectures, I did not anticipate much from them. I simply thought they would be related to what goes into advertisement of scientific innovations, research and other aspects as well as production of science radio shows just as we learned in the science TV production. During Gemma’s lecture, I found myself going back a couple of times on the panopto recording because I didn’t quite catch what she was saying. She talked really fast and it was difficult to keep up throughout the lecture. But I found my ground and slowly had to catch up. Since she was a guest lecturer, it meant she had to tell us about her career journey into communicating science -my favourite aspect of this module (as I always point out). I appreciated when she pointed out the paying challenges that comes with taking a career in communicating science. That was an important aspect for anyone considering going into this field and it is indeed necessary to diversify into other aspects and not just focus on one aspect such as writing.

Gemma’s lecture focussed on marketing and how science is advertised today. Previously advertisements were made to capture the customer’s attention by use of attractive videos, packagings, soundtracks etc to get them to buy a product or get engaged but today like Gemma put it, adverts have to touch people’s emotions. It has become really important to make an ad that moves people, gets them curious and involved rather than just offering focussing on the product. Adverts about health, saving the planet or endangered species etc have major impact on people because they can relate to it and want to help. From the three adverts Gemma showed in class, the NHS blood donation and the Always #Likeagirl campaigns were more relatable and most likely drew a lot of attention from the general public. Ad campaigns in science today follow pursuit to evoke thoughtful-thinking, learning, reason to help and sometimes just fun, in the general public. And we see more people getting involved to simply support it. I was not particularly happy with the long discussions or explanation of some examples in the lecture because it was driving us away from the main point.

Part II focussing on radio production and interviews by Max, was equally informative and interesting. Like visual ads campaigns, radio and podcasts are used today to communicate to target audiences. Of recent, I am not particularly a huge fan of radio but I have certainly tuned in a few times to science talk shows, of which one was facilitated by a colleague. Back when I was growing up, radio was rather popular because of the health education talk shows for adolescents that they hosted. At my school, we had an hour dedicated for such shows to engage students with various aspects related to health. Most of the shows were actual interviews with health experts who tailored the information specifically for the young adults hence its popularity in schools. Max, discussed some interview tips which I appreciated not for the upcoming vodcast assessments, but also for my future career and podcast, which I plan to try out someday.

So, although I started these lectures uninspired, I am glad I actually found my focus and completed both sessions because they turned out to be fun and informative. Kudos to me!!