The Communications Boot Camp is intended to increase students’ confidence communicating to broader audiences and practice developing persuasive skills that will create effective messaging and relay the importance of one’s research. The Boot Camp takes a development approach and is based on practice and feedback. The expected outcomes include a polished elevator pitch for non-expert audiences, increased confidence in impromptu speaking as a novice scholar, and skills with responding to questions about your research. We anticipate participants to be from a broad range of disciplines. Please be sure to register only if you are able to attend the full day. Morning coffee and lunch provided. This is an in-person workshop only.

Skills and contexts explored:

·         Communicate research to non-expert audience and across differences, translating research without jargon

·         Develop skills in conversation and civic discourse, establish and support an argument

·         Gain buy-in and support from others, i.e. persuasion

·         Build confidence and capacity as a storyteller of your research/scholarship

Bri McWhorter of Activate to Captivate will facilitate the Boot Camp

Morning session: Overcoming  nerves,  bringing  ideas  to  life —  Introductions —  Connecting  with  your  audience —  Content  creation  and  organization —  Idea  maps —  PowerPoint  techniques

Afternoon session: Vocal variety —  Storytelling  tips —  Effective  rehearsal  techniques —  Distilling  your  content —  Unanswerable  questions

Participant commitment:

1) Fully participate in the day's activities

2) Complete pre-and post-surveys

3) Complete pre-and post-video submissions and peer review feedback

Students who complete all three requirements will be issued a digital badge through Credly (currently under development)