Conference Agenda

Facing an audience is stressful, even for seasoned speakers. For a researcher, the ability to present their own research is critical and can shape (positively and negatively) an entire career. Coping with what can be a challenging situation is not trivial and a lot of scientists are not properly trained to master the many factors influencing the audience’s perception and reception of a talk. This interactive workshop is designed to equip young researchers with a mindset and concrete tools to efficiently face and engage an audience.

Using exercises inspired from the world of improvised comedy, we will explore many components of stagecraft. The workshop will be highly active and interactive. Throughout the day, participants will engage in activities in small groups and with everyone, receiving feedback from their peers and from the trainer.

Hedwig Ens is  a multi-talented scientist, publisher, and improviser, is a firm believer of making science open and accessible for all through the power of stories. After working as an evolutionary ecologist, she turned to the world of science publishing: working for the journal Frontiers for Young Minds, a non-profit open access journal with science for kids, edited by kids. With SamSpeaksScience she trains doctoral students in public speaking using the tools of storytelling and applied improvisation. And as a senior member of the Catalyst theater, which creates new media to communicate science, she performs and teaches improvisation theater with a science twist.