Keynote Speech at SXSW EDU

Introduction

• Speaker expresses excitement to be the keynote speaker at SXSW EDU.
• Speaker humorously addresses disappointment for not being Lin-Manuel Miranda.
• First-time attendee at SXSW.
• Theme: Science Comedy

Structure of Talk

1. Part One: The concept of science comedy and its importance.
2. Part Two: 18 tools for being funny in STEM communication.
3. Q&A: Opportunity for questions via the Slido app.

Main Points

Boredom in Science

• Experiment: People prefer electrocution over boredom.
• Boredom leads to missed opportunities in STEM.
• High consequences of boredom in science due to potential loss of theories, technologies, and scientists.

Jargon

• Jargon excludes audiences and reduces scientific paper citations.
• Rise in jargon causing decline in readability.

Humor's Role

• Health Benefits: Humor reduces anxiety, blood pressure, and stress.
• Cognitive Benefits: Humor increases memory and retention of information.
• Engagement: Positive humor increases trust in scientific communication.
  • Aggressive humor decreases trust.

Research Findings

• Study with University of Utah: Positive humor increases trustworthiness of scientists.
• Encouraged use of positive, non-aggressive humor in science communication.

Science Comedy Tools

1. Positivity: Channel joy and enthusiasm.
2. Timing: Know when to deliver jokes.
3. Simplicity: Keep concepts straightforward.
4. Relatability: Use familiar examples to explain concepts.
5. Information Burger: Structure information in three steps.
6. Metaphors: Use clear and relatable metaphors.
7. Visuals: Aid retention with visual aids.
8. Confidence: Avoid the Dunning-Kruger effect.
9. Rule of Threes: Establish patterns and break them with humor.
10. Keep Them Guessing: Engage with surprises.
11. Self-deprecation: Be relatable through self-jokes.
12. Absurd Application: Use humor in unexpected contexts.
13. Chekhov's Gun: Introduce only necessary elements to payoff later.
14. Word Play: Use puns effectively.
15. Callbacks & Running Gags: Create cohesiveness.
16. Summaries: Reinforce key points.
17. Interactivity: Engage the audience.

Conclusion

• Science communication can benefit from comedy if it remains positive.
• Humor helps combat fears associated with the frontiers of science and technology.
• Encouragement to contact the speaker for further discussion.

Q&A Highlights

• Addressed challenges of humor for those with disabilities or language barriers.
• Discussed the balance of humor in education contexts.
• Explored different perceptions of humor based on gender and social issues.
• Emphasized the importance of reading the room and audience engagement.

Final Note

• Encouraged spreading of science and comedy.