Have you ever wondered how your scientific stories can be more exciting? Sign up for the special Scientific Storytelling workshop for researchers and science communicators on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 in Utrecht.
Stories are the ideal way to convey information. The human brain is pre-programmed for stories, so to speak. On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Marloes ten Kate and David Redeker will teach you some techniques for telling (scientific) stories.
Below, read more about the workshop and the program.
Workshop for (science) communicators and researchers
The workshop is aimed at researchers and (science) communicators who seek creative angles, want to tell better stories, and want to engage, connect and have more impact.
Communicating about science can be tough. Science is complex, nuanced and has a lot of uncertainties. It can be a struggle to communicate abstract findings in an accessible way. Your audience isn’t always open to receive the information, or they don’t even pay any attention at all.
Luckily, you are not the first to encounter this problem. Storytelling is a great solution to communicate your research in a clear, comprehensible and engaging way.
Would you like to come up with great ideas for your communication endeavours? Do you wish to view research from your institution through a creative lens? Do you want to gain insight into how to communicate research findings more effectively and excitingly? If so, this workshop is for you!
Improv combined with science communication
The workshop combines techniques from theater sports with science communication. Theater sports is a form of improvisational theater in which actors use suggestions from the audience to create a story on stage on the spot. During the workshop you will learn, among other things, the ingredients of a good story and how to create a suspenseful arc.
Programma components
- The phases and ingredients of a story: when is something a story?
- Visual storytelling: take your audience on a journey.
- Angles to tell science as a story.
- Metaphors and analogies: how to make the abstract understandable?
- Practical examples of narrative science communication.
Results
After the workshop you know how to communicate effectively and in an engaging way about science. You have gained tools to tap into your own creativity. You know how to give your research a ‘human factor’, to optimally connect with your audience. Your audience will be more attentive, able to understand and remember your message better.
About the trainers
David Redeker and Marloes ten Kate have been telling stories about science for years. David writes and advises. Marloes presents and makes video and TV. Both are experienced improvisational actors. They know how to tell an exciting story in a short time.
Practical information
Date and time: Tuesday 20 June 2023, 13:30 – 16:30 pm.
Venue: Se7en, Mariaplaats 7, Utrecht, www.sevenutrecht.nl.
Investment: €250 excluding VAT (€302,50 including VAT).
Language: English.
Group size: max 18 persons.
Invoice: After your registration we will email you asking what information we can put on the invoice (such as work order number, mail address of the financial administration).
Reviews from former participants:
”Found the course engaging, effectice and I felt my confidency boosting. At the end of the course I felt calm and motivated to tell my scientific story.”
Sophia Bethany Coban, postdoc CWI
”The workshop was wonderful!”
Ionica Smeets, professor of science communication at Leiden University
”Enthusiasm, active participation. Giving another perspective about how to share science. Made me think creatively about my story. Improves communication skills.”
Madison Carr, UD en PhD aan de VU
”Nice mix of theory and hands-on work forms. Good to learn how to communicate your research in a different way than via classical, boring scientific publications.”
Steven Puttemans, postdoc KV Leuven, campus De Nayer
”Clear structure and tips. Scientific presenting with a twist. Tips and tricks that you can use right away.”
Karin van der Wiel, researcher KNMI
”I have a clear picture now of how I can use examples and emotion to convey my research more nicely and clearly. The improvisation component was unexpected and really added something, because it loosened the group and put the narrative aspect forward. The workshop makes sense for trade shows, laymen’s talks and parties. But it is also works to get clear to yourself what is most important about your research.”
Alex Leighton, PhD-student at the Nederlands Institute for Neuroscience
