Course Type: Workshop
Target Group: Doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers

"Wow, that presenter is so good in front of an audience. If only that were easier for me!" Being a good speaker is often just question of developing a set of skills and techniques. The use of voice and body language, an effective presentation structure and the dynamic use of language require awareness and practice.

The workshop helps to identify and explore these requirements, from self-reflection to self-assurance and long-term excellence. This is an activity-based workshop led by a professional trainer with a background in theater whose expertise is in helping the speaker effectively communicate the importance and relevance of the work and the core message of the talk. Participants can strengthen the narrative, the emotional tone, and the physicality of their talk in order to define and support the speaker’s own dynamic style. Constructive feedback from the trainer and group members give the speaker a healthy amount of input while practicing new ideas and techniques to enhance the quality of their speech and overall impact of the talk.

Participants will be required to prepare a 3 to 5 minute overview of their work; the use of slides is optional. Throughout the workshop, participants will be guided through interactive exercises to improve non-verbal communication, improve the ability to listen and react generously, and to integrate focusing techniques, which empower the speaker. Attention will also be given to structural and language aspects to improve clarity and flow of the talk.

Contents in brief:

- Effectively introducing yourself

- Engaging the audience in one’s talk

- Affirming the strengths and individual style of the speaker

- Improving body language and vocal quality

- Structuring your talk

- Constructive tactics for dealing with nervousness

- Networking at conferences

Counting towards the Certificate "Leadership, Management, Science Communication and Knowledge Transfer" (Module III or IV, 16 AE).

Trainer for communication and presentation techniques. He is a professional actor and director as well as a theatre pedagogue (BuT). More than 30 years of experience as a theatre, film, and television actor make him an expert in physical theatre, voice, and breathing. He developed his acting career in Colombia, where he was born, and there he grew his passion for pedagogy not only at the academic level but also in recognized social and cultural projects. His theatrical tools help him to generate an empathic communication with the participants of his workshops and in a didactic and participative way, he creates individual processes that help participants to build self-confidence, fluency in verbal and non-verbal communication as well as their own style of presentation.