The Q&A Session: Preparing for the Audience Discussion (Natural and Life Sciences) - in person

 Before booking a workshop, please make sure that you can attend for the entire duration and save the dates. When participants do not show up or cancel on a very short notice, other interested parties are denied a chance to participate. 

Participation

For doctoral candidates in Natural and Life Sciences.

Objectives

This activity-based workshop, led by theatre professionals, aims to help speakers evaluate and reflect on best practices for handling the question and answer session. Participants will learn how to deal with "worst case scenarios" and handling aggressive comments and difficult questions while staying polite, confident and succinct. They will practice listening, expanding thinking time and use the discussion to reiterate their key message. Participants will have an opportunity to test their performance in a Q&A roleplay session and get tailor-made a feedback from both the trainer and fellow participants.

Content

• Developing effective tactics for handling difficult questions
• Thinking on one's feet
• Improvising listening skills
• Using professional language
• Economizing language
• Managing anxiety

If there are free spots, we also allow postdocs to participate.