MY TALKS
When Chimps are smarter than People
Anyone can do it - a beginner's guide to Science
The Story of Life (previously Evolution & Natural Selection)
WHEN CHIMPS ARE SMARTER THAN PEOPLE
In "When Chimps are smarter than People", I look at subjects as varied as world terrorism and marathon times for the over 60's, and explain how our minds are "hard-wired" to give us wrong answers. I suggest ways we can recognise these when they occur; and argue that the world is in better shape than we think!
FEEDBACK
"Superb!" - John West, Chair, Havant U3A.
"Thought provoking. One of the best talks we have attended recently".
"You felt you were participating and not just sitting and listening".
ANYONE CAN DO IT - A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SCIENCE
In "Anyone can do it - a beginner's guide to Science", I look at why we need science, the simple steps that scientists follow, how to tell good science from bad; and how to recognise things that pretend to be science but aren't! Along the way I ask: How sure are we that the sun will rise tomorrow? Is Evolution a theory or a fact? Does "standing tall" for two minutes before an interview really improve your chances of getting the job?
FEEDBACK
"Fantastic!" - Geoff Worthington (Website and internal publicity, Havant U3A)
"Well structured... The right amount and level of information... The mix of talking, video clips, polls and other visual aids makes for an interesting talk" - Jo Derham (Chair, Waterlooville U3A)
WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES?
In “What are your chances?” I explain simple ways to make sense of health statistics from media and doctors: WITHOUT getting a Maths degree or reaching for a calculator! Along the way I ask: Do we worry too much about Bowel Cancer? Should you give up bacon sandwiches? And… are Statins good for you?
THE STORY OF LIFE (PREVIOUSLY EVOLUTION AND NATURAL SELECTION)
In "The Story of Life", I take a whistle stop tour through life's evolution on Earth, outline some of the evidence for it, and explain why Robinson Crusoe didn't eat beef!
FEEDBACK
"Absolutely Excellent" - Hazel Stent, retired teacher.
"Easy to understand"; "Extremely informative and thought provoking".
"The best talk we've had for years" - Tony Paul, Portsdown U3A
INSIDE THE NUDGE UNIT
In "Inside the Nudge Unit", I look at the work of the government's "Behavioural Insights Team", and how small changes, based on Social Science and Psychology, can lead to big improvements. Why did painting Copenhagen's bins reduce littering? How does a simple leaflet reduce speeding by 20%? And are those doctor's appointment reminders saying "500 missed appointment's last month" making matters worse instead of better?
FEEDBACK
"Very clear" - Maureen Vilar, Havant U3A
"Excellent delivery; makes you think" - Chris Hennah, Emsworth U3A
"Interesting topic"