Abstract

In this chapter I will address the issue that whilst mathematics is vital to all of our lives, playing a vital role in modern technology and even helping us to understand the brain, it is often perceived to be a dry, boring, and useless subject. The chapter will explore various ways that mathematics can be presented to the general public in a way that makes it seem to be exciting and relevant, and captures its essence without dumbing it down. In particular it will look at strategies that have been shown to work well with the public including the use of careful real life examples and relating maths to people, hands on maths at science fairs, and maths in the media and on the Internet. The chapter includes some case studies of what does and does not work in the field of maths communication.