AIMS Cameroon’s Academic Director, Prof. Marco Garuti, and his band of teaching assistants have set the ball rolling on this year’s Science Communication Challenge – the Three Minute Thesis – by organising the traditional Scientific Storytelling and Audience Engagement seminar, to drill the students on how to communicate scientific content to non-technical audiences.
The two-part seminar which was facilitated by teaching assistant James Jr. Njong, captured the various elements of Storytelling and showcased how these can be embedded in the communication of science research to enhance understanding for non-technical audiences.
Using several examples from both pure and applied mathematics, James drilled the students on how they can showcase their mathematics know-how without the traditional complexities that have generally clouded mathematics and science communication in general.
In the later part of the seminar, the focus shifted to more general techniques around public speaking, touching on concepts such as body language, stage presence and even basic vocal techniques that improve message delivery.
This talk sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting couple of days, when students will take turns speaking to peers and guests about their ongoing research. And while this may not be a fireside conversation, it is our hope and intention that these students through this activity, will embody the tools of Storytelling similar to those African grandparents have been known for; tools of unequivocal importance to the development of science on our continent.