IMPRS workshop 'Presentation Training for Scientists'

1.  Time & place

February 13, 2025: 09.00 - 17.00
February 14, 2025: 09.00 - 17.00
Place: MPI-BGC, B0.002

2.  The instructor

Alexander Schiller

3.  Description

This 2-day intensive presentation training aims to equip scientists (PhD students and early postdocs with the skills needed to effectively communicate their research. The course will cover storytelling, verbal and non-verbal communication, time management, and Q&A techniques. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, including video recordings and peer feedback sessions, to refine their presentation skills.

Additional offer:

• Encourage participants to bring a research topic or presentation they are currently working on.
• Ensure a supportive and constructive environment for feedback.
• Provide materials and resources in a digital learning platform for further reading and practice.

This structured schedule ensures a comprehensive approach to developing effective presentation skills tailored for scientists.

Intented learning objectives:

• Crafting compelling research narratives - Recognizing and utilizing storytelling techniques to create engaging and persuasive research presentations.
• Mastering clear and engaging speech - Developing the ability to use tone, pace, and volume effectively while avoiding jargon and simplifying complex ideas.
• Enhancing non-verbal communication skills - Understanding and applying effective use of gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions to enhance presentation delivery
• Structuring presentations within time limits - Learning to organize content effectively and manage time to deliver concise and impactful presentations.
• Handling Q&Asessions with confidence - Acquiring strategies for managing difficult questions, staying composed, and engaging the audience during Q&A sessions.

4.  Agenda

Day 1: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome and Introduction

• Opener activity

• Course overview and objectives

• Introduction to trainers and participants

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Storytelling in Science

• The Fours Laws of Presentation

• Importance of storytelling in scientific presentations

• Elements of a compelling story

• Crafting a narrative for your research

• Activity: Developing a research story (AND-BUT-THEREFORE)

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM: Break

11:15 AM - 12:45 PM: Verbal Communication

• Techniques for clear and engaging speech

• Using tone, pace, and volume effectively

• Avoiding jargon and simplifying complex ideas

• Activity: Speech exercises and mini-presentations

12:45 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Non-Verbal Communication

• Importance of body language in presentations

• Effective use of gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions

• Managing nervous habits

• Activity: Body language practice and feedback

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Break

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Integrating Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

• Combining verbal and non-verbal techniques for a cohesive presentation

• Activity: Short presentations with peer feedback

Day 2: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Recap and Warm-Up

• Review of Day 1

• Warm-up activities

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Time Management

• Structuring your presentation within time limits

• Prioritizing content

• Pacing and timing tips

• Activity: Timed presentation practice

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM: Break

11:15 AM - 12:45 PM: Handling Q&A Sessions

• Strategies for effective Q&A

• Managing difficult questions and staying composed

• Engaging the audience during Q&A

• Activity: Mock Q&A sessions

12:45 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Practice and Video Recording

• Participants deliver presentations on their research

• Video recording of presentations

• Activity: Reviewing recordings and self-assessment

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Break

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Feedback and Improvement

• Peer and trainer feedback on presentations

• Identifying areas for improvement

• Final tips and closing remarks

5.  Registration

Please register through the "Learning Platform LMS". On the LMS website, click on "Training Center" (pink) and search for the course title. Please do not hesitate to contact the IMPRS office via email to imprs-gbgc@bgc-jena.mpg.de if you have any questions.