Target group

Members of the Doctoral Schools

Level

All PhD students

Key words

Basic and more advanced communication skill: communication styles, conflict handling, the art of debating, meeting skills, negotiating skills, networking

Contents

Although writing a doctoral thesis may seems a very solitary job, in reality it is not! Your thesis has at least been commanded by somebody (your PhD supervisor) and you need to consult or work together with other people to get all the input needed. Remember this: working with people = communication!

In this 2-days module you will learn to understand the basics of communication and how to apply them in real life: the reference framework, perception filters, communication styles and their SWOT's. This course is conceived as a workshop that combines a minimum of theory with a maximum of exercising and interactive dialogue amongst peers.

Some people simply love meeting ("That's the only time I can read my mails.") while other hate them ("It's really a waste of my time but my boss insist that I go there.") but none of these people is really meeting, are they? We can discuss and complain about it forever but that does not add any value. So why don't we start doing something about it. OK, but where do we start?

In this 1-day module you will explore the rules of the game and then enrich them with practical advice. We will also explore some particular meeting models more profoundly whereas small exercises and role playing will complete this practical workshop.

This module requires having followed the "Communications Skills – Basics" module (2 days) first.

It took me many years of life experience and it helped having travelled a lot but I finally understand that: everything is negotiable, the question is whether that is wise and if so, how to do that?

In this 1-day module you will learn to understand the basics of negotiation and how to apply that in real life, whether at the university, in your private life or in your later professional career. We will explain, explore and practice your BATNA, your ZOPA and your interpersonal skills needed. These theoretical concepts will be put at the test of real life during role playing exercises.

This module requires having followed the "Communications Skills – Basics" module (2 days) first.

Did you know that: conflicts are not to be feared or avoided but rather used to make things better for everyone?

In this 1-day module you will learn to understand the mechanism of conflicts. We will explain and explore both the opportunities and threads behind conflicts and the methods and tactics to make the best out of them. We will e.g. explore the art of debating and discover tactical advice from using Leary's Rose to balance other people's behaviour.

This module requires having followed the "Communications Skills – Basics" module (2 days) first.

Develop your networking skills!

This module requires having followed the "Communications Skills – Basics" module (2 days) first.

Interactive workshops. The communication training starts with module 1. Afterwards you attend at least one other module (module 2, 3, 4 and/or 5).

Tom Jacobs

Teaching and learning material

Syllabus

Teaching methods

Seminar; assignments

Number of participants

12

Language

English

Non-periodic continuous assessment; 100% participation

Time schedule & Venue

Free of charge for Doctoral School members