In this luncheon, sponsored by the UNC and RTP chapters of Sigma Xi, students and new investigators will have the chance to learn best strategies for communicating science to a larger, more public audience.
Fenella Saunders, executive editor of American Scientist magazine (published by Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC) will discuss techniques that scientists can use to break out of research-paper mode and tell engaging stories about their discoveries.
Brian Malow will follow with "A Science Comedian's Guide to Communicating Science:” If you drew a Venn Diagram featuring the two sets "science" and "comedy," you might not expect to find much at their intersection. But Brian Malow draws on two decades as a stand-up comedian to help scientists communicate better with general audiences. In a presentation that promises to both amuse and educate, Brian will offer advice on a range of topics including stage presence, connecting with audiences, using analogies, and abusing PowerPoint.
Come prepared with your favorite elevator pitch or analogy for explaining a scientific concept, from your research or elsewhere. The speakers will select a few at random and will lead a lively, interactive audience discussion about what works or how to improve them.