Presenting your research with impact

Cluster

Communication Skills

Target audience

Members of the Doctoral School 

Trainer

Hans Van de Water is an expert in science communication and the founder of The Floor is Yours. He has trained thousands of researchers in clear presentation and effective communication, from Finland to South Africa. He created the Wetenschapsbattle contest, coordinated the Flemish Science Agenda for FWO, and worked as communications officer at VLIR-UOS. The Floor is Yours is the official training partner for the Nerdland Festival, the Flemish PhD Cup, and VIB Scientists on Stage.

Abstract

Great research deserves to be heard. Yet many researchers and professionals struggle to keep their audience engaged. Messages get lost, and opportunities for collaboration slip away.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to turn complex findings into a story that sticks, whether you’re speaking to colleagues, other researchers at a scientific conference, or policymakers.

We combine insights from storytelling and behavioral psychology with tools such as our AI Pitch Assistant. And we work directly with your own cases.

Already, more than a thousand researchers worldwide use The Floor is Yours’ presentation method, with tangible results: greater visibility, new collaborations, and stronger support for their work.

“The workshop was a real game-changer for me!”
Anjali Verma, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, India / Ghent University

Objectives

How to communicate complex messages clearly and with impact
How to capture and maintain your audience’s attention
How to build a strong structure with a powerful key message
How to design slides that are clear and professional
How to speak with confidence, manage stress, and interact effectively
How to make smart, efficient use of AI tools such as the AI Pitch Assistant

Dates and venue

Programme

Preparation
Participants follow a short video course (15 minutes) on how to create a pitch about their research, supported by our AI assistant.

Workshop day
Three parts:

• Reflect: define audience, objective, and key message
• Structure: hold attention, build logically, design effective slides
• Delivery: body language, audience interaction, dealing with stress

Registration

• Follow this link for the registration and waiting list. We check if you are eligible to participate. Due to limited places, we give priority to PhD students. Your registration will be confirmed by separate e-mail (outlook invite).
• Cancellation of your registration can only be performed by sending an email to doctoralschools@ugent.be.

• The no show policy applies.

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

Number of participants

Maximum 15 

Language

English

Training method

Mix of theory, good and bad practice examples, exercises, group work, and plenary presentations
Work with participants’ own presentations and research cases
Evidence-based techniques from storytelling, behavioral psychology, and strategic communication
 

Materials provided

• Handout and practical step-by-step guide
• Access to the online video course and the Pitch Your Research AI assistant
• Option to purchase the book The Floor is Yours at a discounted rate

Evaluation method

After successful participation, the Doctoral School Office will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.