As writers in the life sciences and medicine, we use precise and specific terminology to deliver complex medical and scientific concepts.
But did you know that lay audiences may easily misunderstand the meaning of certain words?
Be mindful of how your words might be interpreted by non-expert audiences, so you can ensure that your message is clear and easy for them to understand.
There are a few ways you can do this.
1. Replace certain scientific terms with words that are easier to understand.
Examples
Error
Public meaning: mistake
Better choice: difference from true number
Scheme
Public meaning: devious plot
Better choice: systematic plan
2. Use the scientific word, but make sure you briefly explain it in the text.
Examples
Cytokine: A small molecule that directs the movement and actions of cells in the immune system
Inflammation: A complex biological response that is initiated by the body’s immune system to protect it against harmful agents
Drug target: a part of the body that is changed by a drug to give a desirable effect
Clinical trial: A drug development study conducted in humans
Choosing the right word to indicate a complex concept or explaining a word’s correct meaning will be especially useful if you write health features or journalistic pieces, but also for certain sections of research proposals, such as the Narrative in NIH grants.
Want to learn more about writing for non-expert audience?
Explore Introduction to Health Writing, now available as a self-study course.
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