It is usually my preference to draft the lay summary at the end of the writing process. In a previous post I talked about the challenges of writing for various audiences, particularly the general public.

A lay summary writing exercise: think about how to explain the research to a next door neighbor (or a neighbor’s 12 year old child). Given their attention span, how would you explain the research so that they “get it” and maybe even “get excited about it”? Recording your “presentation” to this virtual audience can allow free-association and brainstorming on the fly. You might be surprised with what you come up with when you aren’t scrambling to make notes.

How would you encapsulate what you do? Dare I say it – market your research? Entrepreneurs are often told to generate an elevator pitch: a short, to-the-point description of what they are doing, why it is important and what they need to make it better. The WHAT, the WHY, and the HOW MUCH. Lay summaries are somewhat equivalent – an opportunity to describe your research topic, how it is relevant (and important) to your field and why it should be funded. Keep it clear, exciting and easy to read.

Many reviewers use the lay summaries as refreshers prior to presenting your case to the GSC committee. With that in mind – your lay summary is often the first and last impression you leave with reviewers.