Reading Geek Night – Storytelling for STEM Professionals

Links to all the STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and come share your geekery and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Everyone welcome!

• 7:00pm Arrivals
• 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
• 7:35pm Storytelling for STEM Professionals (Dave Robertson)
• 8:05pm Networking & beers
• 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
• 8:35pm Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
• 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)

Storytelling for STEM Professionals (Dave Robertson)

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”. So said the sci-fi writer Arthur C Clarke. This quote touches on a perennial challenge faced by people in STEM trying to explain their ideas. Namely, presenting new concepts and discoveries to the world at large in ways that overcome skepticism, confusion or resistance and foster understanding, acceptance and adoption.

Another writer, Stephen Fry, said that “using facts on someone who doesn’t have a shared understanding of the subject comes across as lecturing. The best approach to common understanding is to tell stories.”

By utilising a well-constructed and well-delivered story, geeks can reveal the significance and value of their ideas in ways that resonate with their audiences. Yet, few geeks are good storytellers.

Storytelling is a skill that can be taught and, at the same time, allows the joy of a discovery to be shared much further than just those who are already “in the know”.

The talk has three goals:

Define what stories are and explain how our brains have evolved to use stories to process information.

Explain how effective storytelling can help the communication of ideas that are novel, abstract or esoteric – or a combination of all three
Provide a high-level framework for developing and delivering effective stories in a startup setting.

In the time available, the presentation can only provide a general introduction to this weighty topic. If there is sufficient interest in going deeper, then we can look at a follow-on workshop to explore the ideas in more depth.

Dave Robertson’s expertise and passion is in helping scientists, engineers and technologists to be better at communicating about their ideas, inventions and themselves. He set up Novella Solutions in order to teach STEM professionals and companies to better explain the value of their ideas.

Dave has over 30 years experience in the IT industry mostly working with OEMs. Originally, a software developer, he spent the majority of his career in executive positions helping to bring new software products to market.

For the past 10 years, Dave has been an improv performer and coach, founding and directing Reading-based improv troupe The Free Radicals, an improv troupe that gives a platform for STEM experts to inform and educate in an entertaining way.

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: **talks [at] rdggeeknight.org**