Communication in Engagement Masterclass

In this interactive session, you will practice techniques to effectively communicate your research or other scientific content to a range of public audiences. These techniques are applicable to a range of engagement formats; from science festivals to focus groups and activity sheets. You will consider both verbal and nonverbal communication, clear messaging, story structure and narrative, and approaches that build trust, remove barriers and make science relevant to your intended audiences.  

This masterclass often takes place on the same day as our Core Engagement masterclass to allow you to develop your skills further and build on the ideas from the morning.

We strongly recommend you attend our Core engagement masterclass first to then complete the Communication in Engagement masterclass. Please sign up here for the Core Engagement masterclass. 

Key areas covered

• Removing barriers to engagement through effective presentation and communication skills: top tips and techniques for a range of engagement formats.
• Creating key messages you want to communicate through your engagement.
• Breaking down complex scientific concepts and how to avoid scientific jargon.
• How to structure your engagement by using hooks, storytelling and narrative to grab your audience’s attention and keep them engaged.
• How to use objects and props in your engagement.
• Dealing with challenging situations.  

Who is this session for? 

This session is available to Imperial College staff members and doctoral students who have attended our Core Engagement Masterclass or similar training, or have equivalent experience in carrying out public engagement. 

Doctoral students attending the Communication in Engagement masterclass will receive 1 credit from the Graduate School.  

Please be aware there is cross-over between the Communication in Engagement masterclass and our training sessions for the Great Exhibition Road Festival which take place in March/ April. If you have previously attended the festival training, you do not need to attend this masterclass. 
 
If you are unsure about whether this session is for you, please contact us. 

Learning Outcomes 

On completion of this session, you will be better able to:  

• Develop confidence and motivation to communicate with public audiences
• Identify and articulate key messages to share in your engagement activities  
• Use appropriate language to communicate with a diverse range of public audiences  
• Apply a variety of techniques to engage different target audiences (including hooks, storytelling, props and facilitation) 

How to book your place  

This course is free, but please see the terms and conditions of booking on the registration form.  Places are limited and will be booked on a first come first served basis with a waiting list.  

If you have any queries or need support completing the registration form, please email societal_engagement@imperial.ac.uk.   

Doctoral Students: Please note the sign up through Inkpath looks slightly different to some other Graduate School courses. This is because this Masterclass is open to both Imperial staff and doctoral students.  

Further Information 

Where will the session take place?  
This session will be held in-person on our South Kensington or White City campuses.  If you are unable to attend in-person or would like to explore the options for training at an alternative campus, please contact us so that we can assess demand and discuss your needs.  
 
Engagement activities supporting teaching and learning practice  
Please note that engagement activities that may support teaching and learning practice can be used to support your application for Advance Higher Education fellowship via Imperial’s STAR framework.