Science Communication Days

Storytelling, Self-Presentation & The Science Show

IMPRS-QST and MCQST have teamed up to offer this exciting workshop focused on science communication. The workshop combines theoretical input and learning with hands-on and creative methods in order to provide a framework for deep learning. Three days are divided in two 1-day workshops and one final “team day” which ends in a science show.

The goal is to combine effective skill learning with fun exercises, resulting not only in highly improved communication skills throughout different formats, but also in an engaging science show format. Overall, it will be a great learning and self-improvement experience.

Workshop description

Day 1 – Storytelling | January 30th, 10.00-17.30
Trainer: Kathrin Keune
Location: MPQ

This workshop offers an insight into the basics of storytelling with the focus on designing a scientific talk in an interesting, compelling way. The participants learn how to create a common thread throughout their story in order to captivate the audience's attention. Working with images and metaphors is key in this approach. In addition to the structural design, we will shed light on the delivery of a presentation in terms of body language and effective gesturing.

• Storyboard – turning your science project into a story
• TED Talk Elements: Ppersonal introduction and simplified contextual links to data and results
• Body Language and use of voice
• Practice of improvisation

Day 2 – Self-Presentation | January 31st, 10.00-17.30
Trainer: Kathrin Keune
Location: MPQ

This workshop offers tools and skills-practice to enable the participants to present themselves at conferences and in the science community. With the development of an elevator pitch, the participants learn how to communicate their professionalism to potential collaborators or future colleagues in an effective and enticing way. With the refinement of body language and the use of voice they shape their appearance and learn about the impact of physical effects.

• Elevator Pitch – presenting yourself and your work in a compelling short introduction
• Self-Presentation and appearance at conferences
• Making conversation
• Body language and voice training
• Practice of improvisation

Day 3 – The Science Show | February 1st, 10.00-17.30
Trainers: Kathrin Keune and Thomas Müller for Directing
Location: CALA Multifunktionsraum, TUM Physics

Team day and preparation: 10.00-16.00; Science show: 16.30-17.30

“Elevator pitch” presentations, “storyboard stories” of science projects and “improv games” with the whole group are being presented in an interesting science show format. The goal of the show is to use the learned skills and to perform them in a friendly and safe atmosphere. The benefit of bringing it all together in a final performance is that the learning of the tools and experiences is substantial and long-lasting.

The science show audience consists of all workshop participants and may be opened to close friends and colleagues if that is ok for the group.

• Practicing improvisation as a group
• Becoming more fluent in body language, use of voice and flexibility in presentation
• Practicing spontaneity, improv rules that are important for communication in general
• Preparation for the show – staging, dramaturgical set-up, order of elements

Workshop Poster

Who can apply?
IMPRS-QST and MCQST PhD Students and PostDocs.

Workshop Registration

The number of participants is limited to 12 for the workshops. You are welcome to attend either of the workshops on day 1 or 2, or you can choose to attend both. Make sure to mark your preferences in the form below.
All participants are encouraged to participate in the science show.

Registration is now closed.