Lessons in Chemistry

What was your favourite book of the Summer? Mine was - by a long way - Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I urge you all to read it. If you haven’t already you’re in for a treat. I’ve also noticed that it’s been made into a drama series on Apple TV. There’s a lot to enjoy. One of the central storylines is how the protagonist stars in a TV cookery show, but teaches it as a chemistry lesson. I thought it was wonderful. Great cooking is all about understanding chemical reactions.

It reminded me of one of my favourite TED talks - this one - which explains how great storytelling creates chemical responses in your brain - dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. Triggering them is easy to do. Create suspense, use humour and evoke empathy. Always look to do this whenever you write or deliver presentations.

So that’s my recommendation - read the book and watch the Ted Talk. You’ll learn a lot about chemistry, feel uplifted and become a much better communicator.