Your topic is called ‘How (not to) have a dinner table argument’, can you describe this in more detail and share a bit about what you will be covering in your talk?
My talk examines why discussions stall, even when people act in good faith, and what we can do to make such discussions more productive. I build on research in formal  argumentation theory to show where points of disagreement emerge, and I’ll describe some simple ways of thinking about discussion that can help us engage more effectively with different viewpoints.

What has made you so passionate about this topic? How does it relate to you or your background?
I’ve spent more than 20 years as an academic working on formal argumentation theory in the context of applications to artificial intelligence. While this might sound highly technical, many of the ideas carry through to human discussions.

I’m passionate about the topic because it feels increasingly important. We live in a world where (thanks in no small part to social media) debates seem to  quickly become increasingly polarised and where the focus has shifted more to winning the argument than understanding each other. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I believe that understanding how arguments work, and where communication can break down, can help us have better discussions and make it easier to find common ground.

What do you think people will gain from listening to your talk?
I hope people leave with an understanding that good discussion isn’t about scoring points or defeating an opponent; it’s about gaining insight into why someone thinks the way they do and potentially examining our own assumptions in the process.

Hopefully the talk will encourage people to slow down, be a little more thoughtful, a little more curious, and a little more reflective during their conversations.

How has your TEDxAberdeen journey been so far? Is there anything you’ve learned that you didn’t expect, or any highlights?
It’s been an incredible experience, and – at times – very challenging. I’ve learned a huge amount about storytelling, presentation, and how to communicate ideas in a way that’s engaging and accessible, which is very different from delivering an academic lecture.

One of the biggest highlights has been the people. The cohort coaches have created a really supportive environment where everyone is helping each other improve. It’s also great to see others going through the process (and the struggles) together.

What are you most looking forward to most on this journey? What are you hoping to get out of this?
I’m looking forward to continuing to develop as a communicator. I’m used to presenting research in an academic setting, but TEDx has allowed me think differently about how I share ideas and present my research. I hope to continue improving my ability to communicate complex topics in such a way that the audience stays engaged and enthused.

What does being part of TEDxAberdeen 2026 mean to you?
Apart from the privilege of being part of an event that brings together such a diverse group of speakers from vastly different backgrounds and with different experiences, TEDx has given me the opportunity to view my research from a completely different perspective. Thinking about how to communicate these ideas to a broad audience has helped me see new value in my work.