Presenting for Scientists
Presenting can be nerve-wracking. What if you forget your lines? Or the projector doesn't turn on? What if the audience asks you questions you don't know the answers to? You want to do well, because failing is not an option. But you cannot prepare for everything. How do you stay confident in an important presentation and in unexpected situations?
In this training you learn to embrace the unexpected and to have fun during your presentation. Whatever happens. You learn how you can tell your story in a relaxed way and authentically make contact with the audience.
Theater exercises agains fear of failure
We will use exercises from improvised theater. These are playful exercises who help you deal with perfectionism and fear of failure.
You also learn how to make a connection to the audience, during your story and when they ask you questions. How do you start a dialogue about your research?
You discover how to have fun on stage, even when the stakes are high.
What can you expect?
You wil work on presenting your own story.
Trainers Jenny and Marloes will use theater exercises to improve your presenting skills. We will start by warming up body and voice. Then, we will work on the most important lesson from improvisation: embracing the unexpected and not being afraid of failing. We say "yes" to everything that we encounter and use this to our advantage. You will present your research through various exercises. For example, making eye contact with the audience, communicating clearly and finding out what your authentic presenting style is.
A fun, playful and educational workshop that will benefit your future presentations!
Practical details
Target audience: PhD students and postdocs
Time: 1h - half day
Group size: 6+ participants
Language: Dutch or English
This workshop can be taught on location or remotely.
About the trainers
This workshop is taught by two trainers who combine their knowledge of science and science communication with theater. They can teach you how to make a presentation that really makes an impact.
Jenny Hasenack
Jenny is a chemist, science communiator and a teacher of improvised theater.
Jenny got her Masters Degree in Chemistry from the University of Amsterdam and the Free University. After working several years in the science communication field, she made the switch to teach (applied) improvised theater.
Jenny is specialised in translating complex stories to a broad audience.
Marloes ten Kate
Marloes is a science journalist, improvisation actress and presenting coach for scientists.
Marloes started her career as science journalsit at different radio and TV programs. She worked in front of as well as behind the camera as an editor and presenter. After her BSc in Biology she graduated with honors from the Master of Science communication for the University of Groningen.
Marloes knows exactly what journalists are looking for and how you can make "news" from science.
English 
Dutch