Session Description: As ecologists and comedians, we believe that humor is one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in the science communication toolbox. Scientific meetings can have cultural norms and expectations that reinforce imposter syndrome, especially for early-career scientists, students, and people of color. We advocate for the use of humor as a pathway to finding one’s voice and confidence in this space. Employing humor in communication has been shown to increase learning, retention of information, approachability, and interpersonal connection. The goal of this workshop is to empower scientists to find their funny and bring their most authentic selves into the professional science communication space. It is a space for collaboration, learning, and safe practice. In this session, we will first discuss the research-based benefits of bringing humor into your scientific talks. We will then introduce specific comedy strategies, formats, theories, and tools that can be used in practice. The majority of the session will be spent working together to discover a comedic element that feels authentic to your sense of humor and integrating it into the talk you’re presenting at this ESA meeting. Please note: this session is not just for people who are already consider themselves comedic. We believe EVERYONE is funny and can benefit from employing humor in science communication. It is our hope that we can collectively shift the atmosphere of scientific meetings to be more inclusive, relaxed, and warm so that all people feel welcomed and encouraged to be themselves in this professional space. We welcome participants from all career levels and cultural backgrounds, and we extend a special welcome to young scientists and people of color.
