Many scientists can relate to the anxiety of presentations. You know your research inside and out, but explaining it in an engaging way is challenging, and a simple question from the audience can tie your tongue in knots. You're not alone. 

You've spent years making important discoveries, so don’t let the impact of your work get lost in translation. Your next career move depends on how you communicate your science—Whether you’re presenting to your department, landing a faculty position, interviewing for industry roles, or winning grant funding.

By joining the Communication Skills Community, you will benefit from:

• Access to early-bird registration for workshops with limited seating (see below to learn more)

• A peer community who can give you feedback on your presentations and writing

• Registration reimbursement for all courses if you compete in the Postdoc Slam (3-minute talk competition).

• Gain a competitive edge for our Postdoc Slam competition and possibly win cash prizes!
  (Submission for the Slam is highly encouraged as part of the community, but not mandatory).

Planned and proposed workshops:

Take them all, or pick and choose the courses you’re interested in! There are no mandatory courses for joining the community. 

• Improv for Science Communication with Peter Felsman, PhD: July 8th 4:00-5:30 PM I Alumni Hall MPR (limited to 20 participants)

In this workshop, participants will learn to think on their feet, adapt to unexpected questions, and engage audiences with confidence and authenticity. Learn how to apply improvisational theater techniques to enhance your oral communication abilities. 

• Scientific Illustration Workshop: July 2025 (exact date TBD)

This program teaches the basics of creating scientific artwork and diagrams. Students will explore how scientific illustration has developed over time, discover its many uses across different fields, and develop hands-on abilities to produce compelling visual materials. The course combines conceptual learning with practice-based activities, helping students master design techniques that effectively communicate scientific concepts with precision and clarity to various target groups and situations.

• Telling Scientific Stories/Presenting Data Effectively with Tim Requarth: July 29th 4:00-6:00 PM I Alumni Hall MPR

This workshop will teach you how to design engaging presentation slides and effectively present your data to reflect your audience and make the most interesting, flowing story. 

• Confident Communicators of Science with Susanna Baddiel: Fall 2025- Date and location TBD (limited to 20 participants)

This four-hour public-speaking workshop explores practical rehearsal techniques scientists can use to understand what an audience needs from them—whether it’s an audience of 1 or 1,000—so that their message can be heard.

• Postdoc Slam! September 16th 4:00- 5:00 PM I Alumni Hall B

The renowned 3-minute talk competition with cash prizes!

To join the community you can use this link to enroll