“Whose turn is it? … Do we have a connection problem? … Is anyone there?” – Running virtual meetings simply differs from having face-to-face dialogue. Besides handling technical issues, team communication is often challenging and can be met with competent moderation, solid documentation and pro-active feedback. Integrating interactive exercises, trainer input and discussion, this online workshop is designed to acquaint you with the Zoom Pro platform, enabling you to prepare, host, and revise professional virtual meetings.

“What a pleasant surprise to discover how much we have in common professionally and personally!”
This invigorating one-day workshop is designed to help participants of the PhD community get to know each other on a personal and professional level in a pleasant atmosphere. A trainer with a theatre background will lead motivating icebreaker activities based on respect, interest and appreciation of the research fields and methods of the others. The workshop goal is to facilitate the curiosity about and appreciation of the different disciplinary backgrounds among the peer group of PhD candidates.

“Sometimes things don’t go as planned and I need to keep my cool instead of panicking. How can I stay focused when dealing with surprises?”

This unique two-day improvisation workshop gives participants the tools to accept the unexpected with confidence. Practical techniques help participants to step out of their comfort zone and to develop their authority, focus their anxiety, prepare for blackouts and become more self-reliant. The training is tailored to individual participant questions and uses role-play to investigate proposed scenarios and to train coping strategies, which can be used in real-world situations.

“Alot is riding on this talk! I need to make sure that my presentation and discussion with the funders is clear, motivating and convincing.”
The competitive aspect of a funding talk demands a high level of commitment and confidence. Throughout the two-day workshop, participants will focus on clarifying and optimizing their funding talks which address the following questions: Where are we now?, What aren’t we doing? How are we going to get to where we want to be? What will be different when we get there? Who else is investing?

“How do I answer the question ‘What do you do?’ so that it’s brief, memorable, authentic and engaging?”
Understandably, with complicated research this is challenging to do but well worth the effort and preparation. In this interactive workshop, participants develop an “elevator pitch” for professional networking contexts, that tells the story, captures the listener’s attention, positions the individual accurately, communicates passion for the topic and motivates the listener to want to hear more. Activities and exercises include working with a partner to “pitch” one’s research topic, identifying professional connections in the network, and sharing best practices for effective networking.

„If only my voice and body could only communicate what I am clearly thinking!“ We know communication is far more than rhetoric. If the words seem to be the right ones, they can still leave you in the lurch. Without tuning in to breath and articulation, the message doesn’t reach the listener. Without the right attitude and dynamic use of the body, language remains buried. This workshop supports the conscious use of voice and body and can be tailored to the needs of every group.

„The best responses always occur to me after the key moment has passed!” Especially in a foreign language, but often in principle, a quick reaction in the in the heat of the moment is a matter of training. The workshop helps to act appropriately and confidently in the context of many situations relevant to scientific communication – in networks, in discussions and in contacts with high status individuals. As a one-day and a two-day format, this decidedly practical training uses structured feedback and active forms of practice, in both formal and informal situations, to make sure listener’s are getting the message

„Are there any questions?” Following the successful lecture, the final discussion is often a challenge. After everything has been prepared in detail, surprises still await. The workshop helps to react adequately in emotionally charged situations and provides strategies to ultimately act with authority and actively manage the Q & A. This includes the use of professional language as well as effective non-verbals, which contribute significantly to the success of last impressions.

„Basically I know what is important, but I feel like I don’t deliver effectively.” Where exactly do your strengths lie when it comes to the presentation? And how, with some work on the weaknesses, can this impression of a precise and authentic delivery of central messages be optimized? The workshop’s methods and exercises are rooted in those of the theater and, in this context, allow us to improve our own eloquence and our own style. Intensive coaching for body language and vocal expression enhances the session, which is consciously oriented towards investigation and making strong choices

„I’d like to know how to structure my talk and get my point across more creatively.“ Presenters are comfortable using a standard talk structure and want to try something new. Talks rarely vary from the known to the unknown in a compelling way and they want to lead the audience forward to a memorable conclusion. The workshop introduces unique ways of positioning your topic and structuring content by exploring and presenting in a variety of story formats. Central characters, motivation, storyline, action, dramatic tension, transitions and a satisfying conclusion are aspects of the playful investigation.