Time after time TED speakers successfully inspire me to
continue forward as a combined scientist and activist. Earlier this evening, I
sat down for another ordinary pasta with spinach dinner - it's Monday, exciting
dishes only happen on Thursdays when it's almost every other weekend. But on
this ordinary Monday with my ordinary meal, I stumbled upon some extraordinary
public speakers. With millions of views on their TED talks, these people know
how to communicate; they know how to lead.
Sometimes I wonder why I have so many qualms and anxieties
over public speaking. Every time I deliver a practiced presentation or casual discussion,
everything usually turns out great. Yet each time, the relentless butterflies
and flushed complexion deliver a strong dose of unnecessary adrenaline. I've
come to the conclusion that my irrational fear of public speaking lies within
the intense passion and care for my words and how others react to them. So
that's it I guess. I CARE!
Not about what people think of me, but about what people
take away from what I am saying... Have you ever been inspired by someone who
delivers a humdrum and emotionless speech? Have you connected to a presenter
because of their dashingly organized PowerPoint slides or their exquisite poise
on the podium? For me, I take a special liking to the enthusiastic idealists
that wrangle in all sorts of thoughts, the people who start off shaking, then
end with a standing applause and huge smile on their faces. These individuals
put their heart into the carefully constructed thoughts they share with the
audience. By the transitive property, the speaker's excitement becomes your
own. It's truly incredible.
For a few tips on how to effectively communicate scientific
research, take a look at this TED talk by Melissa Marshall (http://www.ted.com/talks/melissa_marshall_talk_nerdy_to_me).
Though she doesn't quite surpass the flying colors of a TED public speaker that I describe,
her relatability and charming take on 'science is sexy' allowed me to hone in
on the dramatic and essential message:
To all my scientist
friends, our work becomes relevant when we can explain it in terms of public
interest! Maybe the future world will be slightly less human-centric, but I
don't see that change coming until we show EVERYONE that science is sexy! I want everyone to talk nerdy to me. Show me that
you care, and I'll keep trying to do the same!
