Some of you may know that I am a bit of a nerd, but it does have some purpose! Being a Dungeon Master in Dungeons and Dragons has taught me SO MUCH as a speaker. I did not expect this game to have an impact on my performance as a scientist. Small thread: (1/8)

Engaging listeners: "You find yourselves in a tavern" is boring. "As you walk in, you bump into someone who swears and brushes you off. You make your way past a set of tables and speak loudly to the bartender so he hears you over the noise." Sets a scene! (2/8)

By playing a game, I have trained myself to set a scene, rather than just mention events. I try to bring my listeners to a place and make it easier for them to engage with me. (3/8)

Thinking about the audience: Every once in a while, I ask my players if they still enjoy the game and it if meets their expectations. Do they want more combat, more roleplay, more freedom to travel? What is their reason for listening to me? (4/8)

As much as I enjoy storytelling and roleplaying, my players love big, messy battles. I don't like battles, they are difficult to set up, there are too many tokens and numbers involved. But my job is to make it fun for the players, not for me! (5/8)

Not being scared by questions or suggestions: In the beginning, unexpected questions or suggestions caught me off guard. This happens at seminars all the time. When someone asked something I had not prepared for, I could panic. (6/8)

By experience, I can stay cool when a player wants to drop anchor and clubhaul a boat. (You know what, SURE!) In seminars, I now feel more comfortable answering unexpected questions. I used to be so intimidated that I did not even properly LISTEN, let alone answer. (7/8)

Take away: A lof of speaking just asks for a lot of experience and some nerve, but anyone can learn it. Playing games can help you develop professional skills, don't let anyone make fun of you for doing it! (8/8) #Dndstories