Scientists are trying to be funny at conferences — and falling flat. A new survey of over 500 science presentations found that most jokes either get polite laughs or dead silence. Only about 1 in 10 really work. The biggest laughs? Usually when things break — like slides glitching or mics going out. It’s like the crowd laughing at a blooper instead of a joke.
Talking to a cold crowd is hard for anyone — not just scientists. Even comedy shows start with a “cold open” for that reason. About 4 in 10 scientists just skip jokes completely. That’s safe, but it also makes talks feel longer and less fun.
Study finds most science jokes fall flat, biggest laughs come from blunders
Why do most jokes in science talks bomb? A new survey finds only 9% succeed, and hiccups get the loudest laughs.
Why scientists can’t get a laugh: A new survey asked how often scientists make people laugh during their talks.
Over 500 science talks were watched over two years. Two out of three jokes just got quiet or polite laughs.
Only 9 out of every 100 jokes really made the crowd laugh. The biggest laughs usually came from mistakes like slides not working.
Staying awake at these talks can be hard. Jokes make talks more fun and easier to remember.
Scientists should keep trying to be funnier. Even if some jokes fall flat, being light and friendly helps people pay attention.