Every scientist knows the problem: you’re presenting at a conference or giving a research talk to a mildly interested audience, and you’re just one speaker among dozens—maybe hundreds. How do you stand out? How do you make sure people remember your presentation once the slides blur together?
This is where the book Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath becomes surprisingly valuable. While it isn’t written specifically for academics, it offers powerful communication principles that are highly relevant for scientists—especially young professionals, PhD students, and early-career researchers who want their presentations to be clear, engaging, and memorable.
Below are six takeaways from Made to Stick that can help scientists improve their presentations and ensure their ideas truly stick.
Make your ideas simple
One of the biggest challenges in scientific communication is simplicity. Science is complex by nature, and reducing ideas without oversimplifying them can feel uncomfortable. Still, clarity is essential if you want your audience to follow—and remember—your message.
Focus on the core idea you want people to take away. When introducing new concepts, connect them to something your audience already knows. Simplicity doesn’t weaken your science; it amplifies its impact.
Weave in something unexpected
Surprise grabs attention. If your research produced unexpected results or a chance discovery, highlight it. These moments naturally spark curiosity.
If your findings themselves aren’t surprising, consider including unexpected facts or counterintuitive insights related to your field. A well-placed surprise wakes up the audience and makes them more receptive to what comes next.
Be concrete
Abstract language is easy to forget. Concrete details stick.
Be specific about what you did, what you found, and what it means. Replace vague descriptions with clear examples whenever possible. The more tangible your message, the easier it is for your audience to understand and remember it.
Be credible
As a scientist, credibility is already part of your professional identity—but how you present evidence matters. Use data, statistics, and figures to support your claims, but avoid overwhelming your audience with numbers.
Select the most convincing evidence and explain why it matters. Clear, well-chosen data builds trust without draining attention.
Make it emotional
Emotional engagement may sound out of place in a scientific presentation, but it’s one of the strongest drivers of memory. People remember what they care about.
Explain why your research problem matters. Don’t assume the audience shares your passion or background knowledge. When appropriate, introduce individual patients, participants, or case examples instead of relying solely on aggregate data. Human stories create connection.
Tell a good story
Storytelling is one of the most effective tools for making ideas stick. Depending on your research, you might tell a story about the world before a problem was recognized, the journey that led to your discovery, or how your findings affected a real person’s life.
Stories are far more memorable than isolated facts or graphs. By framing your science as a narrative, you work with the brain rather than against it.
If you’re a young professional or scientist looking to improve your presentation skills, these six principles from Made to Stick offer a practical framework. You don’t need to apply all of them at once—start with a few, and your talks will become more engaging, memorable, and effective.