"Talk Nerdy to Me"

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!