Modern scientists need to be able to communicate with non-experts about their scientific work. These non-experts may be industry, civilians, farmers, patients, policy makers, funding agencies, journalists, project partners or colleagues from a different scientific field. Targeted storytelling has a positive effect on networking, on your cooperation with multidisciplinary colleagues and on writing grants and presenting science. The skill of Impact conversations is therefore applicable in many aspects of your work as a scientist.
You will practice choosing specific messages and stories for specific target groups. The participants interview each other and help each other filter out the most important elements. The trainer offers you a structure in the story that you tell. She tests the quality of your story using the 6 Cs. She helps you embellish it with strong metaphors, one-liners and examples.
You will put your story to work with a professional training actor: How can you apply this in the interaction with the non-experts around you? How do you keep people interested? How do you avoid misinterpretation? How can you deal with various types of (loaded, steering, suggestive, political, or stupid) questions? How can you leave out nuances but still tell a truthful but concise story?
This training is very active and fun, and results in a recorded segment of you with the actor (your 'finale'), that you can later reflect on. Learn how to be able to convey inspiring stories about your work to a targeted audience!
Practical information
A maximum of 6 postdocs can participate in this training. The language of communication is English.
Attendance at the entire training is required. This training is live at VU Amsterdam.
Costs
As a compensation for programme costs, we ask participants for a contribution of € 85. This contribution is automatically charged to your department.
Contact
For more information, please contact Carin Maas, VU Learning & Development or 020 59 83049