Science Communication Coaching Begins in October

September 05, 2019

Sigma Xi will offer science communication coaching for researchers and students in October and November. The program consists of two free webinars as well as a workshop and just-in-time advice for oral and poster presenters at the Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference. 

Communication Coaching: Level Up Your Science Communication Skills

Pre-Conference Coaching Webinars: Craft Better Science Talks

Sigma Xi presents a fantastic opportunity to professional scientists and students: Present your research and ideas to a wide variety of peers! What do you want those audiences to be talking about after they see and hear your talk? To improve the chances of your presentation being excitedly talked about, tune into a pair of live webinars to take your science communications to the next level, regardless of where that level is now. 

Tell A Story. Maybe Use Jargon. 
October 1, 2019, 2:00–3:00 p.m.

This webinar will provide tips on how to craft captivating research stories using words that your particular audience finds memorable. Always put audiences first and relay information to them in a form that is easy to remember. Equally important is to use words that your audience finds familiar so that they can repeat your story accurately to others. Learn how to better tell your research story so your audience helps your ideas nurture and grow. 

Visuals for Memorable Talks
October 8, 2019, 2:00–3:00 p.m.

This webinar will discuss tips to make slides an easier-to-follow accompaniment to your presentation.Putting audiences first means designing and showing slides that tell viewers where to look without saying out loud where to look. The ease of digital tools to make slides means that bad slides are really easy to produce. But just because a visual option is possible does not mean it is a good idea. Learn how to guide audiences through a visual talk including data graphs.

Sign up for free at: www.sigmaxi.org/better-sci-talks
(Limited space available! Higher priority will be given to those who are registered for the Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference as well as Sigma Xi members.)

Included in Registration for the Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference

Pre-Presentation Advice
November 15, 2019

Presenting a talk or poster at the Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference? Get just-in-time advice on how to refine your specific presentation. 

Oral Presentations: 10:00–11:00 a.m. and 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Poster Presentations: 8:00–10:00 p.m.

Workshop: Principles of Slides-Based Talks
November 16, 2019, 2:30–5:30 p.m.

After a two-hour session on conscious word choice, narrative structure, and slide design, receive live critique of slide decks from attendees. Volunteer your deck for some immediately actionable improvements or see from others’ examples what might work for your talks.

The Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference will be held November 14–17 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Meet Your Coach

Darcy Gentleman  

Darcy J. Gentleman, PhD, is a professional science communicator and the principal of DJG Communications, LLC. In his 15+ years of experience, Dr. Gentleman has coached speakers and led workshops for organizations across academia, government, and the private sector.

Share the Flyer

Please help spread the word about these opportunities by downloading and sharing the program flyer.  


More About Sigma Xi: Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society is the world’s largest multidisciplinary honor society for scientists and engineers. Its mission is to enhance the health of the research enterprise, foster integrity in science and engineering, and promote the public understanding of science for the purpose of improving the human condition. Sigma Xi chapters can be found at colleges and universities, government laboratories, and industry research centers around the world. More than 200 Nobel Prize winners have been members. The Society is based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. www.sigmaxi.org. On Twitter: @SigmaXiSociety

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