A Summary by Hannah Milchrahm
Christoph Biemann is a German author, director and actor. He is one of the presenters of the TV show „Sendung mit der Maus“ and one of the experts on the quiz show „Frag doch mal die Maus“.
To explain complex topics in a way that is easy to understand, Christoph Biemann emphasizes several key points:
- Start where understanding already exists and „pick up“ the audience by incorporating familiar elements (e.g. Sendung mit der Maus wanted to teach children about Chernobyl. To „pick up“ the children, they began the episode with a reference to a playground and said: „Unfortunately, you can no longer play on this playground“ (because the playground was in Chernobyl). The children were immediately picked up with what they „knew“ and became attentive.
- Take the audience on a journey by telling a story and asking the right questions. Use mirror neurons to evoke empathy and use heroes to shape the story.
- Pay attention to dramaturgy and use analogies to make complex concepts more accessible.
- Recognize that people, especially children, are naturally open to learning.
- It is essential to familiarize yourself thoroughly with the subject in order to explain it well and simply. A deep understanding of the subject matter is a prerequisite.
- Ask yourself what can be left out and what is crucial to get the main message of the topic across.
Hydrogen drive explained simply (KLUG – Klimawandel und Gesundheit. , 2022, 24:40–25:50).
Personal insight that I gained from Mr. Biemann’s lecture
If I want to present a complex topic in a simple and understandable visual way, I have to be a professional in the field. Because you should be so well versed in the subject that you can explain it well (and simply) so that even children can understand it.
My problem: very complex (scientific) concepts that were originally planned automatically fall out of my list (unless the level of complexity is not too high) & I will most likely go for a topic that is less science-based and more philosophy-based. In this regard, I have already thrown myself into the first philosophical doctrine, Stoicism.
Another aspect emphasized by this lecture is that in order to make complex topics simpler and easier to understand, one should make use of simple elements (see above, explanation of hydrogen propulsion using simple means). In terms of design, this means: Icons & simple graphics
KLUG – Klimawandel und Gesundheit. (2022, 02. Juni). 5. PHA #5 Transformative Kommunikation II: „Wie erkläre ich komplexe Themen leicht verständlich?“[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCqgErJbeXY
