Workshop - The Art of Engaging and Exciting Presentations: Best-Practice Techniques for Scientists

In this practical, hands-on workshop, you will develop key skills for delivering convincing and engaging scientific presentations to a range of audiences - specialists, interdisciplinary panels, and non-expert stakeholders alike. You will learn best-practice techniques for creating compelling science presentations and pitches, tailored for both in-person and online formats. In addition, we will work with simple rhetorical tools that help you capture attention, communicate complex ideas with clarity, and articulate your research vision in a focused and memorable way.

By the end of the workshop, you will have a practical “toolbox” of techniques and tricks that you can apply immediately to your next talk, lab meeting or conference presentation. The format is highly interactive and dynamic, with individual and group exercises - so please be prepared to actively participate, exchange ideas, and have fun.

You will learn:

• Starting with a highlight: powerful and engaging presentation openers
• Paratactic communication, “power pauses”, and other essential rhetorical techniques
• New ways of structuring your presentations and how to effectively engage your    audience
• Mastering Q&A rounds and responding elegantly to criticism
• Using your voice in an engaging and effective way and best-practice tips on nonverbal communication
• The essential Do’s and Don’ts of PowerPoint design and content

This session will be facilitated by Dr. Michael Gordian. He is a communication and career development trainer, specialised in presentations, social skills, and career development. He facilitates workshops and coaching at more than 20 universities and international research institutes. He is passionate about traveling, expanding his and other people’s minds, flow activities and designing new exciting trainings and learning experiences.

Programme

Thursday, 1 October 2026

• 09:30 Arrival
• 09:45 - 18:00 Workshop - The Art of Engaging and Exciting Presentations: Best-Practice Techniques for Scientists
• 18:30 Dinner and informal get-together

Friday, 2 October 2026

• From 08:30 Breakfast
• 09:30 Reflection and outlook for the iRTG
• 11:00 Coffee break
• 11:15 Leaving for a Social activity (duration approx. 2 hours)

Please note the event is limited to 25 participants and register here by 21^st August 2026.