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Continuing Professional Development Programme
Space for Reflective Learning

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SYSTEMS skills

Science in a nutshell - the heart of a chalk talk

Aim

To plan and practise delivering a short scientific talk using a white-board or flipchart as the only visual aid - no powerpoint!

Language

English

For

Mid-career & senior scientists and support staff. Year 3 or 4 PhD students.

Contents

This course will help scientists and support staff hone their story so that they can communicate it crisply and clearly, without using power-point.

Participants will:

  • Identify the essential elements of their talk
  • Structure those elements in an effective way for oral delivery
  • Explore ways to spark audience interest through story-telling
  • Expand visual vocabulary so that whiteboard use is clear and creative
  • Practise delivering a short, pithy and engaging talk

The course consists of several sessions. You should be able to attend all of them.

Study commitment

Participants should come to the workshop with an idea for a 4-minute talk about a programme of scientific work, or a current/recent scientific research or management project (see the pdf with more information for details). On confirmation of registration you will be asked to submit a short summary of this idea.

Other relevant information:

This course is especially relevant for those who have already attended the course Say it so it stays and who wish to take their skills to a higher level.

Comments from participants

Trainer

Elinor Thompson
Elinor Thompson

Elinor Thompson is an educator and consultant with a background in clinical medicine and public health. Co-founder of the PRBB Intervals programme, she continues to lead the strategic direction of the programme.