Communicating Science

Mark A. McPeek, Nancy Serrell, Christopher Kohn, Gifford Wong (Fall 2013)

Sure, you know how to present your research to the experts, but can you talk about it with other audiences - without your slides? The goal of this 10-week, interdisciplinary graduate course is to help current and future scientists speak about their work more spontaneously, and to connect more directly and responsively with their audiences and each other.

 The course, which is eligible for credit through the Graduate Office, is based on a model developed by Alan Alda at Stony Brook University.  Using improvisation exercises designed to enhance presence, charisma and confidence students will develop their observation and active listening skills and learn relaxation techniques. Peer feedback is an essential component of this course, and students will participate in exercises to develop their skills in story telling and two-way communication. Special focus will be placed on enhancing clarity and vividness, avoiding jargon and using emotion. The class will meet Monday late afternoon/early evening in the fall term from 4:30-7:00.