How do we communicate effectively about complex scientific issues such as climate
change, GMOs, or the novel Coronavirus when the very terms used to describe the phenomenon have become politicized? This talk will discuss a rhetorical concept called “dissociative framing” that offers a way to present information by finding common ground with specific audiences and developing consensus about what is important while avoiding what divides us. Dr. Shirley’s research is focused on communicating with rural communities about climate change, and the concepts presented here are applicable across issues and audiences.

Beth Shirley is an Assistant Professor of Technical Communications in the English Department at Montana State University. Her research focuses on bringing together traditional and scientific knowledges toward engaging rural communities in science communication. She has participated in research projects with communities in Utah, Ohio, and Morocco, and is most recently involved in a collaboration with faculty in the College of Agriculture at MSU toward developing communication models for building sustainable agritourism practices across the state of Montana.