As our careers in academia develop, we have to speak to an ever-wider range of audiences.
Whether it’s a lecture, conference, meeting or open day, the variety can be deeply satisfying, but it also poses challenges. Audiences can rapidly form lasting opinions about a speaker’s qualities. Even those with extensive experience can find such events daunting.
This session looks at practical approaches to varying communication style and content to suit a range of non-specialist audiences – from an industrial partner to a Government Minister, intelligent layperson or colleague from another discipline. It will enable you to speak with confidence, authority and impact about research and areas of expertise, and to find a style of delivery that is clear and authentic. We will explore ways to achieve physical and vocal presence, connect with people in a variety of contexts and handle difficult questions with aplomb.
Some of the major topics addressed are likely to be:
Speaking about what you do in formal and informal contexts
Convey complex information and challenging ideas with clarity
Avoid ‘dumbing down’ or patronising non-subject experts
[The] interpretation of the brief, tailoring of content and varied delivery made for a productive and enjoyable event … I wouldn’t hesitate to use Pete or VOX again.
… an inspiring coach who makes an enduring difference to the way people communicate, lead and manage.
Participants find the sessions great fun, and at the same time are amazed at how blind they might have been to their own and others’ behaviours, be it in a meeting, or relationships with junior or senior colleagues.
I had a fantastic experience with VOX Coaching … in preparation for interviews for large grants from research councils. In simple words, without [their] help, it would have been very challenging to perform well at the interview.
Engaging, professional, dynamically responsive to clients’ needs. Well said and well done!
Other courses you may be interested in
How to Shine in Fellowship Interviews
Preparing for a fellowship interview means working on style as well as content. This course helps candidates develop a clear, authoritative interview manner that lets their ideas shine through. It also brings out the leadership qualities that assessment panels often look for.
Difficult conversations with those above and below us in the hierarchy are inevitable, particularly during periods of challenge and change. This course builds confidence and helps people interact openly and constructively even when the circumstances are far from ideal.
Giving a presentation can be tough. As well as the challenge of managing nerves, there’s the need to connect immediately with the audience, hold their interest and convey a message with clarity and impact. This course turns competent presenters into outstanding ones.
Meetings, networking events, encounters with high-status individuals, interviews – they all test your communication skills. If those skills aren’t up to scratch, your message may be lost. This course helps people develop an authentic ‘presence’ and make a memorable impression.
This course focuses on relationships between researchers and their principal investigators / supervisors. It’s an engaging exploration of tensions in communication, assertiveness, securing collaboration and ‘managing your manager’ with subtlety and grace.
Live or recorded video material affects the way people perceive the speaker, the subject and the institution. This course equips academics and others to make the most of the medium and do justice to their topic.
It’s important that everyone feels empowered to effectively communicate their ideas and insights– ensuring their voices are heard, regardless of their hierarchical status. This course helps individuals grow in personal authority and influence, making them trusted partners in both formal and informal settings.
Struggling to be heard? Feeling drowned out by more senior or strident voices? This course transforms interactions, fostering confidence and authenticity. Participants develop authoritative personas and learn how to adapt communication styles to fit a variety of contexts.
