Master Your Research Message (two-session communication workshop)
April 30 and May 7
4-5:30 p.m.
In-person only (MSTF 318)
Register by April 17.
Instructor: Audrey M. Huang, PhD, MA, director, Science Communications, and scientific editor, Center for Advanced Research Training & Innovation, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Effectively explaining what you study — whether in a talk, at a conference, or in a hallway conversation — is a core skill for every researcher. If you struggle to articulate the essence of your work or find yourself stumbling when someone asks, “So, what do you research?”, this workshop is designed for you.
Over two highly interactive, in-person sessions, you will learn how to distill your research into a concise, clear, and memorable message. Through guided exercises, feedback, and hands-on practice, you will identify the central themes of your research and shape them into compelling narratives that match different audiences.
Participation in both sessions is expected, and you should be prepared to engage actively and complete light homework between meetings. If you are scheduled to give a talk to a new or unfamiliar audience, this is for you!
Session 1: Introduction (April 30)
- Why having a clear message is so important
- Understanding your audience
- Class member introductions
- Exercise: Deconstructing your research story
Homework will be assigned!
Session 2: Review messaging (May 7)
We will spend this session reviewing everyone’s new research messages.
Rules of engagement:
- We’re all here to help you improve your science communications.
- Constructive feedback is essential and required.
- Active participation is required.
- This is work, but it should also be fun and informative!
Please note: This is an in-person workshop. A virtual option will not be available.
Please contact Dr. Audrey Huang at ahuang@som.umaryland.edu with any questions.