“My motivation for taking part in the “Show your Science” course was to learn how to catch an audience’s attention,” says doctoral researcher Pauline Bodson from the University of Gdańsk, who studies the foraging behaviour of little auks breeding in Svalbard. “I want them (the audience) to get as excited about my research topic as I am!” The science communication workshop, run by Katharine Simmons, trainer for English presentation and communication, and Ulf Evert from the Graduate Center at Kiel University, equips young scientists with the tools and confidence to give an entertaining talk about their research, to a wide, non-scientific audience. “Doing a presentation is not just about presenting your data,” says Pauline reflecting on what she’s learnt, “but also how you present yourself. This will influence how the audience perceives your talk.” The workshop is run regularly at Kiel University and includes the offer for participants to check in again with the organisers several weeks after the course to exchange on progress and get feedback on any open questions. Pauline, and her fellow course members also had the chance to put their skills to the test during the 2023 European Researchers Night in Kiel as part of the “SEA-EU Science Show”, a public outreach format where scientists present their research in short compelling talks. Pauline jumped at the chance. “With such a team, it was a big yes!”
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