Communication in Engagement Masterclass

What techniques can you use to capture your audience's attention? How can you create a clear message with an interesting story?

In this interactive session, you will practise techniques to effectively communicate your research or other scientific content to a range of public audiences. These techniques are applicable to a range of engagement formats; from science festivals to focus groups and activity sheets. You will consider both verbal and nonverbal communication, clear messaging, story structure and narrative, and approaches that build trust, remove barriers and make science relevant and accessible to your intended audiences.  

We strongly recommend you attend our Core Engagement masterclass before completing this one. They often take place on the same day to allow you to develop your skills further and build ideas across the sessions.

Key areas covered

• Removing barriers to engagement through effective presentation and communication skills: top tips and techniques for a range of engagement formats.
• Creating key messages you want to communicate through your engagement.
• Breaking down complex scientific concepts and how to avoid scientific jargon.
• How to structure your engagement by using hooks, storytelling and narrative to grab your audience’s attention and keep them engaged.
• How to use objects and props in your engagement.
• Managing challenging situations.  

Who is this session for? 

This session is available to Imperial staff members, doctoral students and postgraduate research masters students  who have attended our Core Engagement Masterclass or similar training, or have equivalent experience in carrying out public engagement. 

Doctoral students attending will receive 1 credit from the Early Career Researcher Institute.   

If you have previously attended the training for the Great Exhibition Road Festival or Bugs, Birds and Beasts Day, we advise that you do not need to attend this masterclass due to cross-over in the content.
 
If you are unsure about whether this session is for you, please e-mail the Societal Engagement team.

Learning Outcomes 

On completion of this masterclass, you will be better able to:  

• Develop confidence and motivation to communicate with public audiences
• Identify and articulate key messages to share in your engagement activities  
• Use appropriate language to communicate with a diverse range of public audiences  
• Apply a variety of techniques to engage different target audiences (including hooks, storytelling, props and facilitation) 

How to book your place  

This course is free, but please see the terms and conditions of booking on the registration form.  Places are limited and will be booked on a first come first served basis with a waiting list.  

If you have any queries or need support completing the registration form, please contact the Societal Engagement team.   

Doctoral Students: Please note the sign up through Inkpath looks slightly different to some other Early Career Researcher Institute courses. This is because this Masterclass is open to Imperial staff, research degree students and postgraduate research masters students.  

Further Information 

Where will the session take place?  
This session will be held in-person on our South Kensington or White City campuses.  If you are unable to attend in-person or would like to explore the options for training at an alternative campus, please contact the Societal Engagement team so that we can assess demand and discuss your needs.  
 
Engagement activities supporting teaching and learning practice  
Please note that engagement activities that may support teaching and learning practice can be used to support your application for Advance Higher Education fellowship via Imperial’s STAR framework.