COMMUNICATION TRAINING FOR RESEARCH TEAMS
The way we communicate research has never been more important. Story Studio is a three-episode programme that helps researchers turn their knowledge and data into stories that funders, reviewers, policymakers and the public remember. Taught by broadcaster Jonathan McCrea.
For doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, principal investigators, clinician researchers and research support staff. No prior training is required.
COMMUNICATION IS A SKILL, NOT A TALENT.
The same issues come up again and again. “We find it hard to tell stories”. “Our team don’t know how to present to the public or to peers at a conference”. “I end up just reading from the slides”.
None of that is a personality problem. It is a gap in training that nobody in a technical career is ever sent on. Storytelling, how we bring people with us, is a skill that can be learnt.
Visual, emotional and logical language. Bringing data to life.
Story structure, messaging and the Pyramid Principle.
Presentation planning, audience adaptation, delivery and Q&A.
Participants bring material from their own work, such as an abstract, a presentation or a funding proposal, and use it to script soundbites, build stories, develop messaging and structure presentations.
BY THE END, YOUR GROUP WILL BE ABLE TO
- Formulate a single-sentence statement of the purpose and significance of their research.
- Translate complex or technical concepts into language accessible to non-specialist audiences.
- Present quantitative data in a form that is meaningful and memorable to the intended audience.
- Apply narrative structures to presentations, funding applications and interviews.
- Adapt a core message for funders, reviewers, policymakers, the media and the public.
- Respond to difficult questions in panel, conference and media settings.
“Story Studio is not a standard communications training programme. I have seen researchers who were initially hesitant to get involved, or who used too much technical information, develop the confidence to speak with greater clarity, engagement and enthusiasm.”
CATRIONA BOYLE, SENIOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATION OFFICER, TEAGASC
“I was able to answer the questions with confidence, even when the reviewers were tough. The training was incredibly helpful for the interview but I will also use the learnings to communicate my science better in general.”
ASSOC PROF, UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY, AFTER AN ERC INTERVIEW
“The course gave me the confidence to accept the offer to do the lecture. I had only hoped that your course would improve my communication skills, I had never considered it would develop my leadership skills.”
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY
HOW IT WORKS
Aligned to the Vitae Researcher Development Framework, Domain D: Engagement, influence and impact.
Jonathan McCrea presents Newstalk’s Futureproof, has presented science programming for RTÉ, and holds 25 national and international awards for science broadcasting. He co-founded SCI:COM, Ireland’s science communication conference.
- FORMAT
- Three sessions, one week apart, online or hybrid. Or a single full day in person.
- GROUP SIZE
- From 6 to 22 participants.
- TAILORED
- A one hour briefing call first, so the content fits your group. A 30 minute debrief after.
- PORTAL
- Twelve months of Story Studio Portal access for every participant: AI tools built on the course, the handbook, worksheets and the Content Tool.
- FEES
- Per participant, on a sliding scale: €220 each for a group of 22, up to €450 each for a group of 6. Discounts for multiple bookings.
EVERY ORGANISATION HAS A STORY WORTH TELLING
Book a free call, no strings attached. 30 minutes with Jonathan, and you will leave with a clear idea of where your team’s communication gaps are, whether we work together or not.
BOOK A FREE CALLPrefer email? jonathan@whipsmartmedia.com · Privacy