The Genre Switch Game: Tailoring for Audience and Format

Abstract

Genre is an essential concept in the arts, where it describes the collaborative relationship between artist and audience. Genre gives the artist structure and the audience familiarity, raising impact where they meet. So, too, in the sciences! Students of science must also frame concepts within varying genres, whether based on audience (i.e. general public or scientific peers) or format (i.e. TEDx talks or grant proposals). In this lesson, students will gain an understanding of genre in the sciences, learn how to relate genre to communication modes, and examine how adopting genre conventions—and sometimes deviating slightly from them—can impact the efficacy of their message. The lesson incorporates an interactive improvisational activity with written assignments to train students as flexible, effective communicators.