Upcoming Communication Workshops!

OPD helps students and postdocs improve their writing and presenting skills through a variety of programs offered throughout the year.

Spring Shut Up & Write Tuesdays
Tuesdays, February 4th through May 13th - 9:00am-12:00pm (515 Goodell)
Writing alongside others is a best practice for academic writing! This weekly drop-in provides time and space to write while caffeinated - come late or leave early. We'll make the coffee; you do the writing. One pre-registration for the "Spring Series" is required; attend one week or attend them all!

Writing the “Good Enough” Dissertation
Tuesday, March 18th - 12:30-1:30pm (515 Goodell)
A good dissertation is a done dissertation – but what makes a dissertation "done"? In this workshop, we'll discuss the difference between an in-process draft and the "good enough" draft that is ready for defense and submission. We'll also introduce research-based guidelines to help you communicate effectively with your advisor and reflect on your progress.

Revision Clinic: Pushing the Draft Forward
Thursday, March 20th - 1:30-3:30pm (515 Goodell)
If you have a draft, this workshop is for you! You can think of it as a revising boot camp, a place to push forward on projects, refining the argument, purpose, and/or organization of your draft. In this interactive workshop, we will practice three different techniques for revising academic projects – so make sure to bring a draft of your conference or seminar paper, article, chapter, or any other draft.

Communicating with Confidence
Wednesday, March 26th - 6:00-7:30pm (Student Union Ballroom)
Whether you're preparing for a conference presentation, networking event, job interview, or simply want to articulate your work more effectively, strong communication skills are essential. Join the Graduate School Government and OPD for an interactive workshop that will provide you with practical strategies to present your work clearly and confidently. Through expert insights and hands-on activities, you will develop tools for engaging audiences, delivering concise elevator pitches, and speaking with confidence in professional settings. Dinner will be provided. 

Public Speaking—for the Anxious and the Not-So-Anxious
Tuesday, April 1st - 10:00-11:00am (online)
“There are only two types of speakers in the world: the nervous and the liars.”–Mark Twain. Speaking to an audience is important for your professional life, but that doesn’t mean we get a lot of training in it. Come learn the tips and tricks that will make you a more confident public speaker, convince your audience of your brilliance, and leave a lasting impression.
 
Using Simple Words for Big Ideas
Thursday, April 10th - 10:00-11:00am (online)
How do you explain your research? Does it sound like a long list of acronyms? Conveying your point without jargon and overly technical language is a skill that needs to be developed. Learn how to avoid confusing experts and non-experts alike and get a chance to practice talking about your own research.
 
Crafting Slides for Engaging Presentations
Tuesday, April 15th - 2:30-3:30pm (online)
Do you ever envy a presenter’s slick presentation? Do you wish you could convey your data simply and tell a great story that engages your audience? Join us to learn how to design slides that capture attention and convey your meaning!
 
Communicating Your Expertise Quickly
Tuesday, April 22nd - 10:00-11:00am (online)
Communicating what you do effectively can be tough, and it can be even tougher when your audience doesn’t share your expertise. Success hinges on your ability to articulate what you are doing and why it is worth doing, whether your goal is to communicate the relevance of your work, recruit a potential collaborator, impress a prospective employer, or finally have your family understand what you do. In this session, participants will draft a short explanation of their work that avoids jargon and engages audiences.
 
Effective Poster Design
Tuesday, April 29th - 2:30-3:30pm (online)
Conference coming up? Not sure how to make a great poster? Come get a crash-course in making a poster presentation. We’ll cover the basics of graphic design, and the software you need. Get feedback and learn how to use your poster to network in your field and promote your research.
 
Communicating Your Expertise Quickly
Tuesday, May 13th - 10:00-11:00am (online)
Communicating what you do effectively can be tough, and it can be even tougher when your audience doesn’t share your expertise. Success hinges on your ability to articulate what you are doing and why it is worth doing, whether your goal is to communicate the relevance of your work, recruit a potential collaborator, impress a prospective employer, or finally have your family understand what you do. In this session, participants will draft a short explanation of their work that avoids jargon and engages audiences.