People think that, oh, you're either a funny person or you're not, and that's what we've been going through, that there are tools you can utilise to make yourself more consistently funny, and it was just about bringing out what they had. Seaton Kay-Smith: I think it's an inherent human trait that people have, to make other people laugh and smile and entertained. He's quick to reassure the researchers there are skills they can learn to make people laugh. Seaton is a calming presence at this workshop. At this stage, jokes are encouraged, but not necessary. Shelby Traynor: The goal of today's session is to present a rough draft of their science talks for feedback. Seaton Kay-Smith: Yeah, I mean, it's a safe space, everyone is very supportive… Shelby Traynor: Seaton Kay-Smith, stand-up master, has been brought on board because in six weeks these scientists will be performing at the Sydney Comedy Festival. I really enjoy science, and so when the opportunity presented itself to work with scientists to help them bring some comedy and humour into their work, it sounds like a great opportunity. So I did stand-up for about seven years, and I continue to work as a writer. My name is Seaton Kay-Smith, and I am the comedy helper for this program. Seaton Kay-Smith: Are you feeling good and comfortable and confident, or are you feeling scared or like…what's the kind of vibe? And our goal is to infuse humour and comedy in this presentation and in future presentations throughout their career. And what that means is we're adding a different layer to the manner in which they present science.
This rehearsal is a little different.ĭavid Chrisante: What we're doing here today is we're partnering with a comedian. But you'll notice there's no mention of comedy in that format.
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Shelby Traynor: The scientists all have access to some free training sessions to get their talks into shape. And we say to them, hey, why don't you present about either the work that you're doing currently, or something that you're passionate about. He started an initiative called Future Science Talks, where each month a handful of scientists present to a roomful of pub goers.ĭavid Chrisante: They have ten minutes. This is journalist turned communications coach David Chrisante. Shelby Traynor: Before we get to the results of this experiment, how in the world did a group of ragtag scientists get all the way from the lab to Enmore Theatre? To answer that question, we have to go back six weeks to one of the first workshops for this science comedy spectacular. MC: Are we ready to experience some science comedy? Do we know what that is? Can I get a raise of hands if anybody knows any of the speakers? And she's one of five scientists taking to the stage tonight in a very special experiment. Dr Amanda Khoury is a research officer at the Garvan Institute. Shelby Traynor: But this isn't an ordinary comedy show, and Amanda isn't a comedian. And I feel like…I'm a huge fan of Seinfeld, I feel like I'm having my Seinfeld moment. Shelby Traynor: I'm at Enmore Theatre in Sydney speaking to Amanda, who is about an hour away from performing her very first comedy routine.Īmanda Khoury: I actually really like the venue.
And a brief warning, the scientists in this story don't hold back in their pursuit of humour, including on strong language.Īmanda Khoury: I'm feeling nervous, but I'm feeling really excited as well. And The Science Show's producer Shelby Traynor has been following one researcher who set out with a challenging task there to make the epigenetics of cancer funny. Carl Smith: Now, while some are working at the frontlines of science on isolated islands, others are taking to the stage.
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