As a scientist, you need to perpetually compete for the attention and interest of academic gatekeepers. Whether to establish yourself or progress as a researcher, the next application for funds and positions is always around the corner. Communication in such situations, however, often poses a challenge for scientists: although you need to convince others of your scientific qualities, your expertise and rigor are often not sufficient to finally persuade reviewers and boards or to differentiate yourself from your competitors in a crowded field. Facts and logic alone seldom sway.

Rather, your arguments for why you are the optimal candidate or your proposal deserves to be funded need to be wrapped in a communicative fabric that has emotional appeal and generates genuine interest. This workshop will introduce techniques for crafting messages that attract attention – so-called storytelling-principles – and participants will apply them to their own work. Learn to compose, for example, grant proposals and job-talk presentations in a new and compelling way!

Please note: The application of “story-telling” to the realm of science does not mean to replace facts with fiction. Rather, it is about distinct ways of communicating your (factual) work. Also, this workshop is not a presentation- or writing-skills seminar per se. We will cover general principles and techniques for impactful communication that can be applied in various situations but will not engage deeply with specific contexts.

The event will be held in English and is now open to all early career researchers at KIT. It is part of the KHYS Postdoc Days 2022 and is sponsored by the Helmholtz Association.