Episode 4: Script Spotting with Dr. Evren Tok Artwork

Designing Science Conversations

This podcast mini-series began as a design research project to explore an approach to science communication that is human-centered ‘science conversation.’ Based on Fred Dust’s book 'Making Conversation', and the principles he describes, we partnered on the live audio platform Clubhouse to record conversations with scientists and the listening audience about their questions, challenges, and achievements. Every conversation can be a remarkable sharing experience – a partnership we design in real-time.

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Designing Science Conversations

Episode 4: Script Spotting with Dr. Evren Tok

October 03, 2022 • SpacetimeLabs • Episode 4

Effective communication is challenging within a culture, but what about between cultures? Can we use traditional methods of communication to have the vital conversations needed to drive innovation? These are some of the questions we delve into in today’s conversation with Dr. Evren Tok, as we unpack the concept of script spotting. Dr. Tok is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of Innovation and Community Engagement at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and is also the Lead Project Investigator for Qatar National Research Priorities Program on localizing entrepreneurship education. Dr. Tok has a passion for understanding and designing ways for productive and meaningful conversations between people from all walks of life and religious backgrounds. His work focuses on the communication of ideas in a holistic way, including faith, to create context-driven solutions. He has vast experience in building mechanisms that disrupt traditional approaches to education and how we share ideas. Dr. Tok is renowned for founding the first makerspace in Qatar centered on the green economy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In our conversation, we learn about script spotting, how it is an essential tool to drive innovation on a global scale, and how the standard approaches to education and communication limit positive change. We also discuss the role of formal and informal spaces in driving effective communication, ways to disrupt the status quo of exchanging ideas, and the role of faith and culture in creating holistic solutions to problems. Dr. Tok also explains the concept of makerspaces and tells us about a unique experiment that provided him with profound insights on the subject. Don’t miss out on this fascinating conversation and the opportunity to learn about a progressive approach to effective communication, with Dr. Evren Tok.

Key Points From This Episode:

We start by learning what script spotting is and hear some conceptual examples.
Dr. Tok talks about script spotting for innovation based on culture.
He outlines some of the challenges he experienced regarding a script spotting experiment.
Fred explains how creating a rhythm facilitates positive and productive conversation.
Ways in which creating a physical space for exchanging ideas can be beneficial.
The concept of Majlis for engaging in conversation is explained.
Learn how economic behavior is embedded in the social and cultural fabric of people.
The role of informal spaces in exchanging ideas and information between people.
Hear some examples of where Fred and Dr. Tok have experienced rich conversation.
Dr. Tok shares an experience of setting up a unique makerspace.
Background about Dr. Tok and his professional career journey.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Designing Science Conversation

Dr. Evren Tok on Google Scholar

Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar

Qatar National Vision 2030

Qatar Red Crescent

Qatar Red Crescent on Instagram

Qatar Red Crescent on LinkedIn

Nic DiPalma on Twitter

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