ELI5

You learn something new everyday, usually without trying. Maybe you find a shortcut to a friend’s house, maybe a trick on the computer or maybe you realise that Thermos of tea in the car was a really bad idea. But what if you could get an overview of weird and wonderful topics from folks who know the ins and outs of them really well?

“Explain Like I’m 5” is our collaborative speaker series, where local developers, technologists, entrepreneurs, artists, performers, scientists, and business people take a concept that may be highly specific to their area of expertise or work, and break it down to a lay audience from right across the STEAM spectrum with a minimal expectation of prior knowledge.

This event is sponsored by the very lovely folks from BCS Belfast Branch!

The Audience:

The target audience is anyone and everyone who loves learning and expanding their horizons. No topic is off limits as long as you are confident that it can be delivered to a lay audience within the constraints of the format.

The event is in two parts; an invited and a free-for-all section, separated by an intermission with drinks and a selection of Japanese food (just to shake things up!). There will be ample time to have a chat with all the other good folks who come down.

The Rules:

The rules for both groups are the same:

• Speakers have a maximum of 7 minutes to speak on the subject of their choice, followed by a short open Q&A.
• No Slides! The use of Non-Projected Visual Aids is heavily encouraged, and projectors may be considered for live demonstrations. The blackboard is your friend.
• Before the event starts and during the break, presenters (invited or unplanned) are asked to put a 3-5 word synopsis of their topic on the blackboard along with their name.
• The Compère will decide what order presentations will be done, so be nice to him/her!

If you’ve got something you’d like to share to the audience, email events@farsetlabs.org.uk to discuss it with the subject line “ELI5”. Submissions are also more than welcome on the night!

(Featured image from XKCD)