Interlude: Hard Work, Research Talks, and Intentional Language
I recently read an article that discussed the value of being hands on to foster learning, accomplishment, perseverance, and connection. In the article, one sentence in particular stood out to me:
"In a world where efficiency is often prioritized above all else, it's important to remember the intrinsic value of doing some things the hard way."
This sentence made me think about our new era of using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Many scientific and medical researchers dream of using AI tools to do the hard work of writing their manuscripts and grant proposals. Although these tools may generate a draft quickly (and are getting better at it), they take away from the intrinsic value of writing the hard way.
In the hard way, you foster learning how to communicate well, feeling a sense of accomplishment, persevering through a challenging task, and connecting with your writing and with readers.
And, more notably, you develop your thinking skills, formulate original ideas, and express what makes you authentically you.
I'm not recommending that you avoid AI tools. They can be helpful. But remember that the hard work of writing has intrinsic value to your thinking.
Now onto this week's round-up...
💌 Round-up
👓 Reading
How to structure a talk about research
I've had the pleasure and honor of working with Tamsen Webster to help speakers craft talks for the upcoming TEDxNewEngland. In this article, she shares the Red Thread®, her six-step process for structuring a research talk to tell a powerful story.
How being intentional with your language can shift your thinking
"Because the issue with 'stakeholder' isn’t just that the term might 'offend people,' dear letter-writer: it’s that the use of this language brings along with it a particular way of thinking about all the people who are interested in or affected by a particular outcome. . . 'It is not enough to just say the right words. . . 'Using inclusive language consciously, intentionally, enables us to be the critical thinkers that we signed up to be.'”
...Oh, and if you're interested in learning more about inclusive language, enroll in my Inclusive Language Course—for free!
💬 Quote
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison
💭 Thoughts
Talented people make their work look easy.
Talented writers make their readers’ job easy.
✅ Action
On a sticky note, write down three ways that writing the hard way has been valuable for you. Place that sticky note in a place where you will see it every time you sit down to do the hard work of writing.
Thank you so much for reading.
Warmly,
Crystal
