Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Faculty of Life Sciences

Trainer: PD Dr. Daniel Mertens, DKFZ, Heidelberg

Date: 9th October 2018, exact course time tba

Target group: Doctoral candidates from all research fields of our Faculty in their 2nd or 3rd year

Description:

A major issue of ineffective communication is loss of information. Basis of the course is the four laws of getting information across: maximize signal to noise, tell a story, use effective redundancy and adapt to the audience. Even though we scientists believe that we are capable of communicating effectively, the participants will learn from hands-on in examples how information can be transmitted effectively. Arguably the most important part of communication, be it via writing or presentation, is identifying the key message and focusing on this message. While this may be obvious, it is striking how frequently the key message is not well defined.

One of the most intense means to convey scientific data is the oral presentation. Building on their skills, the participants check whether in their own presentations the key message and storyline is sufficiently well established, data is visualized most effectively and text and slide structure is good. From this platform of expertise, we will then collectively optimize the non-verbal communication, that is estimated to be up to 70% of the information we convey! After interactively developing the fundamental guidelines, the participants practice presenting in front of video and afterwards receive precious feedback from their peers and from the trainers that have substantial expertise and experience from 30+ conferences.

Registration