IMPRS workshop 'Presentation Training for Scientists'
- Start: Feb 13, 2025
- End: Feb 14, 2025
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.