“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough”. - Albert Einstein -
I haven’t written anything for a while, but I have a good excuse. I just completed the FameLab Vietnam Master-class 2017. Yes, I did.
To be honest, FameLab is one of the hardest competitions I have ever participated in, even though in general I don’t struggle with public speaking. A three-minute-long presentation that explain one scientific topic required way more preparation than any 30-minute talk. I had to think carefully about each sentence, each word, because 180 seconds don’t leave much time for hesitation. If I forgot what I wanted to convey, it would be extremely hard to get back on track within the given time.
On the first two days, I had a huge opportunity to work with Dr. Emily Grossman, a TEDx woman, a science communication expert from the UK. I was impressed by her elegance, her wittiness and her inspiration. The class was very, very active and emphasizes developing skills, and through a mixture of talks, exercises and activities. Begining with “Art of Breathing”, “Being a superman”, and the skills of “being on your feet like a big tree”’ in front of a live audience. I have learnt a lot about using body language effectively, making a good stories and being professional in an interview. Especially, Emily always tells us that we do not need to copy anyone else, each of us have unique speaking style, which makes us shine anyway. Those lessons are not only useful for FameLab competition, but also for our personal growth and future career.
Let’s imagine the presentation is a house. If Emily helped us to build it solid and sparkling, Sadie Jane Maddocks made it more cozy and friendly with the comforts inside. As a Senior Training Consultant from British Council, she provided us with many tips to create a good presentation structure. How to hook the audience at the start , then give them a satisfying ending that leaves us feeling they have had a complete journey and learned something about science. She created the space for us to practice our talks, and receive feedback from our peers. Full of enegery with many blooming ideas is what Sadie marked an impression on me.
Last but not least, I think the Master-class this year itself was brilliant. I was gathered with all the best young science communicators in Vietnam, who have so much passion, intelligence and talent. From doctors and lecturers, to biological/physical scientists and even, business students. In the training, we are each other’s critical Supporting Friends. When stepping out of the door room, we are much more likely brothers, and sisters. Laughing, sharing and even fighting.
I appreciate all moments we had together. Trying “Strawberry Theory” aka Kokology (finally I can remember it); having lunch together; sweeting saying “L-I-E-M”; or simply smiling when eyes see eyes. Oh, I miss them already,
I would like to say “Thank you” to Famelab 2017 organizers, supporting team and 18 science communicators. Temporarily put aside work, study and other personal bussiness, we were there, fully participated in every single second of the training.
Look out for FameLab Final Competition next week – even if I don’t take to the stage myself, it still makes for a brilliantly entertaining evening of fascinating science, delivered at lightning speed.