Communicating mathematics effectively
Communicating mathematics is an important part of one’s job as a mathematician. When I started my mathematical career, I needed to devote a substantial amount of time and effort to improve at this skill, and this improvement was greatly facilitated by feedback from my peers and mentors.
I am continually trying to improve, so if you have any feedback for me about parts of my papers or talks you did not understand as well as you would have liked, I would love to hear it!
In addition to continually trying to improve my own exposition, I have also developed a number of resources on how to give effective math talks.
The Value of Mathematical Storytelling (joint with John Voight)
A Notices article laying out the philosophy of mathematical storytelling and how to carry it out in practice.
Worksheets for gaining practice using mathematical storytelling:
- 7 elements of storytelling A worksheet working through translating the elements of storytelling to a mathematical perspective.
- Storyboarding A worksheet with a step-by-step method to develop a storyboard. (See also slides with some examples)
- Talk plan self-assessment A checklist self-assessment to see if your talk is hitting the key narrative elements.
- Peer feedback form A worksheet giving structure for feedback from a practice talk.
Practical tips for giving and preparing a talk (This should be looked at after you have developed a compelling storyboard.)