Track 1
The Track 1 workshop consists of master classes for scientists and institutional leaders who already are experienced in communicating with the public and who want to hone their skills
- On Day 1 (September 26), we will work on connecting with audiences and distilling messages.
- On Day 2 (September 27), we'll apply the lessons of Improvisation and Distilling in more challenging settings. After a warm-up, each participant will take both of the workshops described below. The day will end with an evaluation session.
- On Day 3 - optional (September 28) track 1 participants can extend their work into a third day by taking two additional sessions. See below for details about these sessions
Program: track 1 [PDF]
September 26, 2013 - Thursday
| | Rethinking fundamental skills |
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | What is the meaning of this?
A group exercise in conveying the meaning of complex information so non-scientists can understand.
Location: 901 Penthouse |
| 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Improvisation for Scientists
Improvisational theater exercises require you to pay close, dynamic attention to others, to read body language and nonverbal cues, and to respond freely. This is not about acting or making things up. It is about shifting your focus from what you are saying to what the other person is receiving. This can help you make a more direct and personal connection with your audience.
Location: refer to attached ''Group List'' for your room assignment |
| 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | LUNCH
Location: 901 Penthouse |
| 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM | Introduction to Distilling Your Message
Speaking clearly and conversationally about science, without jargon or ''dumbing it down,'' is a challenge. This interactive presentation suggests tools and examples to help scientists communicate in ways that resonate with non-scientists.
Location: 901 Penthouse |
| 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM | Distilling Your Message breakout sessions
Meeting in small groups, we will work on engaging listeners, using different approaches and using the power of storytelling to communicate in memorable ways.
Location: refer to attached ''Group List'' for your room assignment |
| 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Feedback on the day
Location: 901 Penthouse |
| | Keynote (Optional) |
| 7:00 PM | "Helping the Public Get Beyond a Blind Date With Science"
Why is it important to communicate about science, and how can scientists do it better? What are the challenges for people representing their institutions or presenting their work to public officials, funders, the press and other groups? Alan Alda will share insights and challenges, drawing on his personal experiences.
Open by reservation to the University of Chicago community.
Location: Perfomance Hall |
September 27, 2013 - Friday
| | Applying Skills |
| 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Warm-up, using improvisation skills
Location: Room 601/603 |
| 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | First sessionLocation: refer to attached ''Group List'' for your room assignment |
| | Media Interview Skills
Participants will practice doing a television interview, answering questions clearly and briefly. This is a challenging form of Distilling Your Message. The interviews will be recorded on video for immediate playback. |
| | Improv II - Improv Applications
Participants will work on applying the skills of Improvisation and Distilling Your Message in different settings. This includes building physical confidence and using role-playing to help participants deliver their message to their favorite -- and least favorite -- audiences. |
| 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Lunch & Group Photo
Location: 901 Penthouse |
| 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Second SessionLocation: refer to attached ''Group List'' for your room assignment |
| | Media Interview Skills
Participants will practice doing a television interview, answering questions clearly and briefly. This is a challenging form of Distilling Your Message. The interviews will be recorded on video for immediate playback. |
| | Improv II - Improv Applications
Participants will work on applying the skills of Improvisation and Distilling Your Message in different settings. This includes building physical confidence and using role-playing to help participants deliver their message to their favorite -- and least favorite -- audiences. |
| 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Reflecting on Our Experiences
We look at video from the media interviews and discuss our experiences. What approaches worked better? What choices were productive? Has your approach to communicating changed and, if so, how?
Location: Room 401 |
| 5:30 PM | Beyond the Workshop: Opportunities & Resources
presentation by Julie Peterson, U Chicago VP for communications
Location: Room 401 |
| | Reception
Location: School of Social Service Administration, 969 E. 60th Street |
September 28, 2013 - Saturday (Optional)
| | Digging Deeper |
| 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | First Optional Session |
| | Advanced media training
Participants will have taken the Media Interview Skills session on the second day of the workshop. In this session on the third day, they will get additional interview practice and feedback tailored to their individual needs and experiences. For many, this is likely to focus on the difficult skill of simultaneously being responsive and being in control of an interview. Or it could focus on meeting a particular communications challenge, such as handling hostile questions or explaining risk, or on preparing for a specific kind of media encounter. Participants will be able to download their interviews later to use as they wish.
Location: Rooms 801 & 802 |
| | Making the case for science
At a time when support for science can seem like a partisan issue, science leaders need to be able to communicate effectively with members of Congress and other policymakers if they are going to build support for their institution, their field, and the overall importance of scientific research and the scientific approach. This session will help participants find common ground (and a common language) with policymakers. The session will be interactive, with role-playing scenarios that can be shaped to the participants' specific needs.
Location: Room 028 |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch
Location: 6th floor foyer |
| 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Second Optional Session |
| | Dealing with the press
With the news industry in turmoil, and many mainstream science journalists gone, science leaders need to be proactive and informed in dealing with the media. This session will provide a crash course in understanding how the media operate, how reporters, producers and editors think, and how science leaders can help them do a better job of covering science and science institutions, including ways to build productive relationships with journalists. Participants are likely to bring to this session experiences - both good and bad - which will serve as a basis for some of the discussion and analysis.
Location: Room 802 |
| | Making the case for science
At a time when support for science can seem like a partisan issue, science leaders need to be able to communicate effectively with members of Congress and other policymakers if they are going to build support for their institution, their field, and the overall importance of scientific research and the scientific approach. This session will help participants find common ground (and a common language) with policymakers. The session will be interactive, with role-playing scenarios that can be shaped to the participants' specific needs.
Location: Room 801 |
