August 17th, 2025, 12:00 am - August 31st, 2025, 2:00 pm CDT
Host: Association of Science Communicators
They say laughter is the best medicine, but it can also be great SciComm!
Humor can be a powerful way to make a meaningful connection and provide effective communication, when used appropriately. Learn the fundamentals of humor and how it helps us learn, remember and engage, with a focus on science communications.
In this course, we’ll cover some basic comedy and joke writing principles to help you find the humor in your science communication. The course will be divided into three modules covering
- Humor as a tool to create memorable messages
- Analogies, subversions, callbacks, and punchlines
- Humor applied to writing, presentations, and video
By the end of this course, you’ll have created at least one humorous piece of science communication and gained tools to keep growing as a science communicator with range, personality, and punchlines.
Key Learning Objectives
Understand the mechanics and neuroscience of humor in relation to learning, attention, and memory
Recognize the different styles and genres of humor (and why science needs them all)
Develop the skills to craft quips, jokes, and laughing points
Master the balance between appropriate and inappropriate humor in science communication
Build confidence in performing – even if you don’t think you’re “naturally funny”
Who Should Register?
No comedy experience required! Scientists and science communicators who want to learn about the neuroscience of humor and how to implement it to enhance their science communication. SciComm professionals at any level and background knowledge will find this course of value.