“So… what’s your thesis about?”
It’s a simple question, often asked between bites of mashed potatoes – and one that has left countless postgrads mumbling into their napkins.

Academic work can feel impossible to explain without slides, citations, or five minutes of scene-setting. But with a little translation, your research can spark curiosity, not confusion.

Here’s how to keep Aunt Moira interested beyond the first sentence:

1. Ditch the Title – Keep the Theme

Skip the formal thesis title. Start with the human problem:

“I’m looking at how we can make disease detection quicker and cheaper, especially in areas with limited lab access.”

It’s more engaging than, say, “Electrochemical Detection of Biomarkers Using Screen-Printed Biosensors.”

2. Use Everyday Analogies

“Imagine a pregnancy test – but for detecting infections in your blood.”
A good metaphor can save paragraphs of explanation.

3. Answer the ‘Why It Matters’ Question

Link your research to something meaningful: a health issue, an environmental concern, a social impact. That’s where people connect.

4. Read the Room

If eyes start to glaze over, wrap it up. If they’re leaning in, go deeper. Let interest, not pressure, guide the pace.

5. Invite Curiosity

Instead of lecturing, offer a hook:

“Most of us carry 1–2 kg of bacteria in our bodies. My work helps figure out which ones might be causing harm – and how to detect them fast.”

At Deconvolution, we help researchers tell their stories in ways that resonate – with funders, collaborators… and even grandparents.

Want help building your own “family dinner” version of your research? Let’s translate it together.