Effective public speaking

Dr. Pamela Alean-Kirkpatrick, University of Zurich

Being able to present science professionally to both scientific and non-scientific audiences is one of the essential skills that PhD students have to acquire. During this course, participants learn the essential features of oral presentations. They apply the knowledge by preparing (during a transfer period) and presenting a short oral presentation (10 minutes), which is videotaped and analysed. Participants also learn how to critically review a presentation and give each other constructive feedback.

Goals
The participants will:

• get to know the elements belonging professional presentations,
• learn to use visual aids effectively, especially the beamer,
• discover their strengths when giving presentations and receive ideas for optimising their performance.

Content

• Preparation and structure of a scientific presentation;
• delivery of "powerful presentation";
• use of visual aids, especially beamer presentations;
• performance: body language and contact to the audience;
• constructive feedback for colleagues.

Structure of the course:
Two-hour input talk on oral presentations. All participants.
Transfer period for preparing a short talk and implementing the essential elements of professional presentations.
Half-day workshops (4h) in groups of max. 8 participants (Presentation, Videotaping, Feedback). Each participant attends one of the 2 4h-workshops.
Number of participants: maximum 16
Location: Lausanne
Schedule: the 6th: input talk 10h to 12h, Cubotron building, room III; the 19th: workshop-1, from 8h30 to 12h30, Génopode building, auditorium A; workshop-2, from 13h45 to 17h45, Cubotron building, auditorium I.
ECTS: 1

Deadline: October 31st

The course is full!

Elisa Piaia
Coordinator of the Inter-University
Doctoral Program in Ecology and Evolution
Biophore building
University of Lausanne
Tel: +41 (0)21 692 4244
Fax: +41 (0)21 692 4165
E-mail: elisa.piaia(at)unil.ch

Pamela Alean-Kirkpatrick
University of Zurich
University Teaching and Learning Center
Hirschengraben 84, HRS H-08
8001 Zurich
Fax: (044) 634 17 01
E-Mail: alean(at)access.unizh.ch
Web: www.afh.unizh.ch