Communication and media services

Rachel Rayner, Science Explainer, writes and delivers fun, energetic shows for all ages. There are existing shows to bring to your venue or add to your event for an easy way to engage your audience, or inquire about a show specific to you. 

Training packages are available so any tailored show can be performed by your own presenters, staff, or students.

Rachel brings ten years of experience performing live shows all over the world, plus formal theatre training to the task. She's written and performed shows for Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, the Discovery Science and Technology Centre, Bendigo, Australia Museum, and the South African Agency for Science and Technological Advancement. Now, she's touring her own shows around Australia, delighting in creating enlightening Fringe-style entertainment.

Running for one, three or six hours, the workshops enable you to refine and revitalise your practice, or skill up in something new. There are currently four workshop topics available, which can be tailored to you, your staff, students or community group: 

• Science Poetry
  • For Writers:   

Scientific observations, imagery and vocabulary can provide a wealth of inspiration for poets, no matter what your level of science literacy. We will look at examples of science poetry, discuss some new science research, and write creatively from a plethora of stimuli.  Discover how you can fold some science shine into your own writing - perhaps you’ll find a new source of inspiration. 

• For Scientists and Science Communicators:

This workshop is for those who want to try out poetry as a communication method or want to become more closely acquainted with science poetry. We’ll dive into the rules and methods of poetry (so we know what we want to break), and enjoy some highlights from Australia’s thriving science poetry scene. There will be plenty of time to try your hand at writing from a plethora of stimuli. Scientific observations, imagery and vocabulary can provide a wealth of inspiration for poets and you’re at the forefront of it all.  

• Communicating your Research 

For scientists, engineers and academics, this workshop is about experimenting with words and language, in order to find ways to engage new audiences with your research. We’ll uncover where those audiences are and how best to reach them. We'll look at how the modern media machine works, and test your abilities on radio, TV or a short snappy tweet.

There are so many channels to communicate your work, and each one has its only style and technique. Find out which one will suit you best.

• Presenting for Camera, Radio & Stage

In a fun and interactive workshop for all levels, test your skills in front of the camera, microphone or live audience. With handy tips, style direction and personalised guidance, you will be feeling confident and prepared for your next media event - whether you are selling a product, sharing your research, or reading poetry! 

• Representing your Brand

These days, we all have a brand we present to the world. The clearer we present that brand, the quicker we can get the message across about our product, service or artistic ethos, without becoming a stereotype. In this workshop, we'll explore who you are as a public figure, and find ways to embody that through words, imagery, style and behaviour. 

Some smaller modules can be added to the above workshops are:

• Practicing innovative thinking

Tap into your creativity and problem solving skills with these rapid-fire activities. 

• Realising and Communicating your Skills

You have so much more to offer than you realise. By thinking innovatively about the skills you have, see what you have accomplished and what you can do in the future (especially when it comes to applying for jobs and grants!).

• Introduction to Social Media

Someone told you to "get online" and have no idea where to start? That's ok - we'll go over the basics and find a young person for you to hire. 

If you are an individual interesting in these topics, let us know! We can either facilitate a private workshop or add you to the wait-list for a group session.

To see more on Rachel's experience in each of these areas, visit the About page.  To book a workshop, contact Rachel with an outline of what you are after. 

Training programs allow you to take workshop topics and extend them into longer, more in depth sessions. Whether just an hour a week for 6 weeks, or three hours on a regular basis, let Rachel know what you're looking for via the Contact page, so you can work together to create a great program for yourself, your staff, students or community group. 

Do you have a new business, or are you a new starter, who needs a brand but has no idea where to begin? This stage can be tricky, but it is too important to ignore (however easy that can be, and however annoying the word 'ideate' is). 

It's worth spending the time to sit down and go over what questions you should be asking, what steps you should be taking, and what you need to be aiming for.

Rachel has been on the front line of brand development and establishment for government organisations, charities, start-ups, and national events all over the world. 

In this high-level consultation, give your brand the attention it deserves and start laying out a plan for its development. By doing this early, you'll create something clear and recognisable so you can build an audience base fast.  

Need a speaker for your event? Even at short notice? Rachel will be more than happy to join your science, communications, poetry, or innovation event. Just get in touch!

For more information on Rachel's experiences and specialisations, visit the About page. 

Have a tricky product that needs some clear descriptions? Need an article for your magazine? Looking for a science communicator to create content around a particular subject? Contact Rachel with your brief to get started!

For examples of her previous work, and more information on Rachel's specialisations, visit the About page.