The world has never more needed public understanding of science than it does now, and those of us in science education have a special obligation in this regard. The answers to health care, climate change, conservation of the environment, and so forth are not going to be found in science alone, but if they are to be addressed rationally, science literacy will be necessary. Cornelia Dean has helped to make it easier for all of us to be effective when we are given an opportunity, or when we make our own opportunity to communicate to the public. This nice little handbook (it is even the size of your hand) provides excellent specific guidance for writers and speakers, from public lectures and debates to TV or radio "sound bites", letters to the editor, or writing for the Web. This book will help you make the most of those occasions. I intend to consult it regularly. ( )

This is really about communicating science for print media like newspapers and a How To for being interviewed as a scientist. There are a lot of common sense basic tips on how to be best prepared. The author provides perspective from the journalists point of view for the scientist so that interactions can go as smoothly and positively as possible. Nothing really earth shattering here, but potentially useful advice. Unfortunately, with science journalism on the decline despite increasing demand and rapidity of reporting RESULTS, this game will likely change as independent bloggers, aggregators, and self-made media dominate rather than the traditional in-depth science column or science show in traditional print and radio media. ( )