Junior research scientists (all disciplines) from academia and industry, particularly those starting to present their work at conferences and seminars. It is also useful for scientists who want to present technical material to companies or investors.
Our one day course, unlike many presentation skills courses, is designed specifically for the practising scientist. We cover all aspects of verbal scientific communication, asking delegates to present their own research in a conference format prompting feedback on style and content. Because of our expertise in both science and communication skills, we help to solve common problems (such as nervousness and voice control), as well as those unique to scientists presenting the results of their research.
Each delegate is asked to deliver a short scientific presentation with digital slides and to answer questions. The whole process is filmed and played back to highlight positive aspects of delivery style and talk content, as well as to identify areas that require improvement. The rest of the day is devoted to practical instruction on key topics associated with slide content and the process of verbal delivery.
Finally, delegates are given the opportunity to apply this knowledge in a repeat of their earlier presentations while, once again, being filmed and assessed. We usually recommend that a maximum of eight delegates attend each session to ensure that each individual gets as much attention as possible. Each delegate will receive a copy of Presentation Skills for Scientists - a Practical Guide written by the trainers Ed Zanders and Lindsay MacLeod.
Presentation Skills for Scientists can be organised by direct arrangement between PharmaGuide Ltd and companies or university departments who wish to host the course in-house or at an offsite location. Alternatively, it is made available through One Nucleus Ltd (formerly ERBI).
Please email for further details.
In all cases, prices are negotiable.
We have run the course for units of the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, as well as for scientists in high technology companies. Most people recognise the importance of good communication skills and sadly, with the current financial climate, these have to be employed in the search for new jobs after redundancy. We have already run the course for an organisation that was closing down its research centre but wanted to give its staff the best opportunity to find work elsewhere.
PharmaGuide has also contributed bespoke training, for example at the LyfeLyne meeting organised by Roche in Budapest, where clinicians were given training in presentation skills. Finally, it is possible to conduct one-to-one training, as in the case of Arecor Ltd, where a senior scientist was coached in business presentation, both for effective delivery and design of visual material.
"Video of my presenting slides, practical tips for planning intro, middle, end and how to relax and address audience effectively." "I found the sections concerning slide construction and control of nerves very useful, thank you." "The course delivery also put me at ease and made the learning process comfortable." "Enjoyed hearing about body language tips." "Liked getting the chance to practice after constructive criticism; having two points of view was really helpful.”