Communication skills

How do I talk about what I do so that my grandmother, potential investor or journalist understands it? The language of our speech should be adapted to who and where we speak, but it is not always that simple. Especially if we want to explain a complex issue that we usually describe using many jargon words.

Therefore, during the classes, you will learn the following:

- making speeches - technical side, preparation of presentations and group analysis from the technical side;

- writing texts - short or long articles, posts;

- interview - press, radio, television;

- recording a short film presenting selected aspects of the research.

Popularisation of science and work with the media

Promoting the results of your research has both a pragmatic dimension, related to reaching potential recipients of technologies or business partners, and an ideological dimension, related to building a knowledge-based society. In both cases, scientists often have problems adapting the language of communication to a specific audience (adults, children, journalists, entrepreneurs). Also, giving radio interviews or appearing on television is associated with a particular form, contrary to academic habits, especially in terms of the length of the speech and the degree of its complexity - speaking to the broader public about science, such as promoting your research, requires adapting to this form. It is a matter of understanding the media and training correctly. Scientists also do not always know through which channels to promote the results of their projects: where and how they can publish their popular science materials. Meanwhile, in Poland, there is an obligation to popularise the results of their work in research grants (NCN, FNP, European grants). Active scientists, even if they do not see such a need, sooner or later will have to popularise science - it is better that they do it professionally. The course will help you gain practical knowledge on how to popularise science.

Public speeches and presentation of research results

A business presentation and a conference speech are speeches before a group of people who evaluate us: investors who may depend on financing our project or scientists who can help us further our scientific research. Unfortunately, the scientific community often does not know even the basic rules and techniques related to such presentations, which sometimes leads to the project being lost despite its substantive value. Contrary to popular belief, ideas do not defend themselves - you need to convince your audience to them in a charismatic and transparent manner. The lecturers will present techniques for attractively showing research results.

Useful books:

Aines & Aines (2019). Championing Science: Communicating Your Ideas to Decision Makers. Kindle.

By the end of the course the students should:

1) be able to present the results of a scientific study clearly in both written and spoken form (K_U06)

2) be aware of ethical and legal issues concerning intellectual property in the context of science communication and public engagement (K_W10, K_W11)

3) understand the necessity to continuously update one’s knowledge and understanding of the subject (K_K01)

4) work well in a group (K_K03)

5) identify the audience’s needs and communicate knowledge accordingly and with respect (K_K04, K_K07)

6) be able to present complex ideas clearly without sacrificing important information (K_K06)

Students are expected to pass each component of the course:

40% - popular science article (individual work)

40% - short, few-minute video (individual work)

20% - designing a science museum exhibit/festival demonstration (group work)

Attendance is a compulsory to pass the course. Two absences are allowed. Any additional one requires a note from a doctor or an exceptional personal circumstance. No more than 3 absences are permitted.