Within Don’t Be Such a Scientist, Olson’s lay down of four critical ways of thinking (head, heart, gut, and groin) really struck home. Scientists approach discussions and arguments focused on ‘the head’ (intellectual) which is the least powerful path to connect to most humans as opposed to ensuring engagement via ‘groin’ (instinct), gut (basic needs) and heart (emotion) as ways to enable substantive engagement in the intellectual space. It is the difference, in politics, of doing a great 40-page policy paper (which was TLDR (too long, didn’t read) for 99.9% of the public) and an ubiquitous 4-word slogan on a hat (which 99.9% recognize).

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These two Olson books merit inclusion as part of any science education but could be useful for business, political science, public policy, communications students and professionals. Therefore, Olson should be on library shelves, in high school and university curriculums, and should be considered as gifts to those in your lives who are open to learning about how to become better communicators.

This was a great book. I think in parts it could have been condensed down to be more concise, but overall, it gave a really good insight into why some incredibly intelligent people struggle so much with communication.

Randy Olson is a good writer and communicator and gets his points across really well.