Storytelling and Science
Speaker: Sumit Gulwani – Redmond, WA, United StatesTopic(s): Society and the Computing Profession
Abstract
Something magical happens when we hear “Let me tell you a story”. Stories are powerful because they play out upon a universal narrative structure (understood even by a toddler) that helps us understand and construct meaning about the world around us. They involve a relatable character who faces a struggle and overcomes it, or learns from it, in a way that resonates with our emotions and values. Storytelling is not only a captivating art form, but also a vital skill for scientists. It can enhance the dissemination of scientific results by revealing the human and creative aspects of scientific inquiry that purely technical reports and objective data cannot. It can also nurture the appropriate environment for conducting impactful science by driving influence with diverse stakeholders, such as funding agencies, job interviews, academic and industrial collaborators, or even students, by enabling you to connect with them at a deep emotional level. The good news is that storytelling can be learned, and the key is to know your audience and be authentic. The underlying stories often come from your own shared and lived experiences--it can be a story about user pain/resolution, an ah-ha moment that sparked an idea, or a backstory about a research or development effort. All you need to do is to keep your antenna on. We are the stories we tell. We become the stories we are told. Welcome to the world of storytelling!
About this Lecture
Number of Slides: ~30Duration: 60 minutes
Languages Available: English
Last Updated:
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