The Q&A Session: Preparing for the Audience Discussion (Natural and Life Sciences) - in person

The Berlin University Alliance (BUA) is an alliance of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Together, they are pursuing the goal of creating and shaping an integrated research space in Berlin. This alliance aims to establish Berlin as a leading international science location. All workshops and events offered by the Graduate Studies Support Program are funded by the BUA and therefore free of charge.

Participation

Doctoral researchers (all disciplines) of the Berlin University Alliance in the natural and life sciences.

Before booking a workshop, please make sure that you can attend for the entire duration. Please check our terms and conditions.

Objectives

This activity-based workshop, led by theatre professionals, aims to help speakers evaluate and reflect on best practices for handling the question and answer session. Participants will learn how to deal with "worst case scenarios" and handling aggressive comments and difficult questions while staying polite, confident and succinct. They will practice listening, expanding thinking time and use the discussion to reiterate their key message. Participants will have an opportunity to test their performance in a Q&A roleplay session and get tailor-made a feedback from both the trainer and fellow participants.

Content

• Developing effective tactics for handling difficult questions
• Thinking on one's feet
• Improvising listening skills
• Using professional language
• Economizing language
• Managing anxiety

Further Information

Postdocs are welcome to participate if spots are available.