The Conversational Scientist: How to Engage, Explain, and Inspire in Everyday Life

Learn how to turn complex psychological concepts into accessible, engaging conversations with the public that build trust and understanding. 

This book is a practical, accessible guide for psychologists and social scientists who want to communicate their work clearly and confidently beyond academic settings. Drawing on research from psychology, education, and linguistics, it offers actionable strategies and exercises for engaging the public in informal spaces, where conversations matter most. It emphasizes approachable, personalized interactions that build trust and make complex ideas accessible. Whether for advocacy, informal education, or everyday conversations, it provides the tools to share science meaningfully. 

Laura Wagner, PhD, is a professor of psychology at The Ohio State University. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the Linguistic Society of America. She is the director of the Language Sciences Research Lab, where she conducts conversations with a range of people and trains students to engage in public science communication. 

Cecile McKee, PhD, is professor emerita of linguistics at the University of Arizona and fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her research and teaching emphasize language and literacy development in young children. She has received support from the Fulbright Program, the James S. McDonnell Foundation, and the National Science Foundation. 

Together, Drs. Wagner and McKee received the Linguistics, Language, and the Public Award from the Linguistic Society of America in 2024.