Storytelling for Researchers

Cluster

Communication Skills

Target audience

Members of the Doctoral School

Teacher

Toon Verlinden is a science communication expert and founder of The Floor is Yours. He has trained tens of thousands of researchers to communicate their work clearly and engagingly. Toon is also a professional storyteller and performer: he brings science stories to life in theatres and events. Apart from having been a researcher in the field of biochemistry, he brings extensive experience as a journalist, author, and festival organizer to his workshops.

The Floor is Yours is the official training partner for, amongst countless others, Nerdland Festival, Docville, the Flemish PhD Cup, and VIB Scientists on Stage.

Abstract

From complex research to a story that moves and inspires.

Facts inform, but stories connect. Research shows that stories are remembered up to twenty times better than data alone. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use storytelling techniques to make your research more relatable, memorable, and impactful, whether you are giving a talk, writing a text or pitching your ideas.

You’ll discover how to find the story within your research, build a clear and engaging narrative, and bring it to life with emotion, structure, and authenticity. The goal: to inspire your audience and give your science the reach it deserves.

Amongst other things, you will learn:

• Why storytelling makes science more powerful and memorable
• How to structure your story clearly
• How to bring a personal essay or a science story
• How to add emotion and imagery without losing scientific accuracy
• How to present your story convincingly and connect with your audience
• How to strategically use storytelling in talks, papers, and communication with diverse stakeholders

Dates and venue

Workshop Structure

Preparation
Before the workshop, participants:

Watch a short online video course on pitching their research and write a short pitch about their research and send it in advance.
Share questions or challenges they want to address during the session.

This preparation allows the trainer to tailor the examples and exercises to the participants’ own cases. (Estimated preparation time: 30 minutes.)

Workshop day
A full-day interactive session, divided into three parts:

1. Foundation – Why stories matter
   Learn why stories are more memorable than facts and how to translate complex research into a narrative with characters, conflict, and resolution.
2. Blueprint – Build your story
   Discover story structures that work for science communication, from classic three-act structures to the simple and effective And–But–Therefore model. Work on your own storyline with feedback.
3. Delivery – Bring your story to life
   Practice storytelling techniques: powerful openings, vivid language, emotion, and body language. Present your story on stage and receive feedback.
    

Approach

We combine insights from professional storytelling, communication science and behavioural psychology. Expect an active mix of:

• Short theory sessions with inspiring example
• Individual and group exercises
• Peer feedback and live storytelling practice
• Discussion of participants’ own research stories
   

Materials Provided

• Slides and handouts with storytelling guidelines
• Access to our online video course
• List of recommended tools and resources, including our Pitch Your Research AI Assistant
• Optional follow-up newsletter with extra tips and inspiring examples

Registration

• Follow this link for the registration and waiting list. 
• 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 12

Language

English

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.