They say laughter is the best medicine, but it can also be great SciComm!
Humor can be a powerful way to make a meaningful connection and provide effective communication, when used appropriately. Learn the fundamentals of humor and how it helps us learn, remember and engage, with a focus on science communications.
In this course, we’ll cover some basic comedy and joke writing principles to help you find the humor in your science communication. The course will be divided into three modules covering
- Humor as a tool to create memorable messages
- Analogies, subversions, callbacks, and punchlines
- Humor applied to writing, presentations, and video
By the end of this course, you'll have created at least one humorous piece of science communication and gained tools to keep growing as a science communicator with range, personality, and punchlines.
Key Learning Objectives
- Understand the mechanics and neuroscience of humor in relation to learning, attention, and memory
- Recognize the different styles and genres of humor (and why science needs them all)
- Develop the skills to craft quips, jokes, and laughing points
- Master the balance between appropriate and inappropriate humor in science communication
- Build confidence in performing - even if you don't think you're "naturally funny"
Who Should Register?
No comedy experience required! Scientists and science communicators who want to learn about the neuroscience of humor and how to implement it to enhance their science communication. SciComm professionals at any level and background knowledge will find this course of value.
Instructor
Lexa Graham
Lexa Graham is an award-winning scientist, educator, and comedian who created DNAtured Journal, a satirical academic journal on student life and science. Lexa is also a popular host, performer, and panelist for science-based events due to her personable nature, quick wit, and broad scientific knowledge. In the past, she has performed for organizations and events such as Story Collider, The Royal Canadian Institute of Science, The Association of Science Communicators, The Canadian Association of Science Communicators, SciCommTO, ScienceTalk, Spark After Dark, Science Rendezvous, IdeaMosaic, and INKspire.
Lexa also helps scientists, students and business professionals incorporate humor into presentations, pitches, and speeches to capture audience attention and increase engagement. This a skill she has mastered after years of hosting rowdy late night comedy shows, writing science satire for people on the internet, and teaching science over Zoom.
