Scientists increasingly engage in science communication and outreach activities, but public-oriented science communication skills are rarely incorporated into formal scientific training. This editorial describes a simple, practical framework for use by researchers in planning, developing, and evaluating science communication activities. The intention of this framework is to guide inexperienced scientist-science communicators through the basics of science communication (goals, target audience, main message, action, and post-activity feedback, evaluation, and improvement), and in doing so, assist scientists in following best practices for effective science communication.