Chalk Talks are a key component of faculty interviews and other informal presentations. But what does a Chalk Talk look like? We’ve curated some examples for you.
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Bite-sized research and science communication training
The world is changing. Attention spans are shorter. Teams are distributed around the globe and across timezones. Working from home is no longer the exception. And yet, giving your researchers, scientists and research teams an opportunity to build skills to communicate better is more important than ever before.
With that in mind, we offer short, interactive, and dare we say FUN online sessions and mini-workshops on all aspects of science and research communication.
We can usually turn any of our training or workshops into a short talk or Webinar, focusing on useful tips and actionable insights, too.
Below you’ll find some examples of what people commonly request. Can’t find what you need? Just ask – we’d love to help.
Popular bite-sized sessions & workshops
Tell me a story
Using narrative structures in your research communication for clarity and engagement.
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This is a module from our longer workshop on using stories in science and research communication. A combination of theory, individual exercises and group discussion, it includes:
- a short introduction to what stories are and why they matter
- explores the power of the story – or narrative – structure
- introduces two different methods for adding clarity to written (and other) content with narrative structures without resorting to “once upon a time”
- discussion of applications in different contexts, including social media, blogging, abstracts, and more.
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A picture says a thousand words
Working with images in your research communication
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A fast-paced workshop in which participants will learn how to find, edit and use images in their science and research communication. We’ll look at:
- why visuals matter
- different types of images that we use
- pros and cons of different formats
- free -> royalty-free -> free and paid royalty-free
- where to find free images and icons
- how to edit them using two free tools
Podcast planning, production and promotion (part 1)
In part one of this two-part series, we’ll focus on planning.
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A fast-paced workshop in which participants will learn how plan a new podcast to promote their science of research, including:
- the objective
- audience
- messaging
- format
- title
- theme music and intros
- and scripting
Podcast planning, production and promotion (part 2)
In part two of this two-part series, we’ll focus on the basics of production, hosting and promotion.
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A fast-paced workshop in which participants will learn how record, hosting and promote a podcast to promote their science of research, including:
- how to recording and edit (using freely available tools)
- podcast hosting options and how to publish a podcast
- submitting podcasts to directories and tips for ongoing promotion through other channels
- PLUS tips and insights about time investment, where to find guests and more.
Note: for folks attending both sessions, we give session 1 participants a little “homework” to complete in preparation for session 2. For folks only attending the second session, we provide a pre-prepared script for them to play with during the workshop.
Plain language, please
Making research accessible to non-experts using the right language
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A practical session that provides practical strategies for using plain language in science and research communication – without “dumbing down”. We’ll look at:
- the importance of plain language
- what plain language is
- exercises to help participants play with different aspects of the approach and apply this to their communication
Social media, AI, oh my - for researchers in 2025
The social media & micro-blogging landscape for researchers in 2025 (and how to make the most of it).
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The social media landscape is changing rapidly, so where should researchers and scientists invest their time and energy? In this interactive session, we’ll explore:
- The current social media landscape.
- Which channel is right for what purpose.
- What other researchers are using – and how that might be changing.
- How to think strategically about where to invest your time on social media.
- Tools to boost your productivity.
- Where new generative AI tools can help (or hinder) your efforts.
From social media planning to getting ready to share your first post
A fun, rapid-fire workshop to get you started with social media.
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In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop we’ll challenge you to:
- think about your research, what you want to say, and who you want to say it to
- identify 1-2 social media channels that will serve your purposes
- create a tiny campaign and mini posting-plan
- put together everything you need to launch a new social media account (no sign-ups required – we’ll do it all through planning documents)
- write the content for 1-2 posts AND illustrate them with images
- (optional) get feedback from peers on your ideas
Moving messages and video editing
The power of short (and long) videos in your research communication
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A fast-paced workshop in which participants will learn how to why videos can be powerful in their science and research communication, and how to edit them to make them even more effective. We’ll look at:
- the power of videos
- tips on filming short videos
- how to edit videos using open source, free-to-use software that works with both Windows & Apple computers. This includes creating cover and ending screens, adding music and text, and cutting and splicing frame.
- plus, lots of tips about how to host and promote videos.
Great for anyone using social media, writing blog posts, or doing outreach with youth.
We’re all different
Making meaning in a world of different learning and communication styles
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An interactive session to challenge participants to think more creatively about their content and how to make it interesting for different learning and communication styles. We’ll look at:
- how communicating research—and communication generally—is impacted by a variety of factors, including learning styles
- understanding individual styles using a popular assessment tool
- buildng an understanding of other styles
- exploring how to tailor research communication so that it resonates with different learning styles to aid understanding and relevance
Want to know more? Looking for a talk about a different topic or do you have ideas for a custom workshop?
We’re always open to having a conversation.
Other bite-sized training possibilities
Can’t see what you need? No problem. Over the years, we’ve crafted custom learning experiences for scientists and researchers to help them raise their credibility, communicate clearly, and represent themselves and their group.
Take a look at some of the other areas in which we can offer training, or get in touch to chat through your ideas.
- Facilitation skills
- Multi-media skills (podcasting, video, and more)
- Running online meetings
- Elevator pitches
- Storytelling and narrative skills
- Social media skills
- Networking for success
- How to wow: personal and professional branding
- Workshop design and delivery skills
- Designing infographics
- And more!
In-person or live online, multi-day workshops or bite-sized sessions: we offer a range of delivery options and formats to meet your needs
We offer:
- in-person workshops, training sessions and learning events across Europe
- online sessions in Europe and internationally using collaborative tools, via Zoom (or Webex, Butter, Teams - we're flexible)
- blended learning approaches that combine in-person, live online, and asynchronous learning
Our learning comes in a range of formats, including:
- Interactive learning and participatory workshops that span anything from 4 hours to several days for groups of 6-20 (large group workshops possible)
- Bite-sized practical learning modules that last 2-4 hours - ideal for teams and research groups
- Webinars and talks filled with actionable tips and ideas
- Short sessions for department meetings, retreats, or conferences.
- Engaging webinars for remote participants and large groups.
- Keynote presentations that inspire and inform larger audiences.
Want to know more? Get in touch!
It's been a long time since I have enjoyed a training workshop as much as I did this one! Suzanne took a lot of time to get to know each of our group during the training, quickly spotting where our strengths lay and helping us develop skills in new areas. She struck a good balance between theory and discussion, and I particularly appreciated the time she gave us for group work and time to try out new skills alone. She was full of energy and positivity, and made me feel welcome and valued throughout, even when she put me on the spot in role plays. Highly recommended!
It was useful to think more strategically about elevator pitches and how I could create something generic for "everyday" use as well as something tailored for different situations like meetings. The opportunity to plan and share elevator pitches was good, as it gave me an idea of other styles and approaches. The detailed individual feedback was unexpected, but great.
I have just completed SciComm Success' Poster Design Workshop. It was full of interesting tips and tools, some of which I have already built into my poster planning. Although we had a big group and I expected a lecture/webinar format, Suzanne constantly invited us to provide feedback and our own experiences, and I enjoyed hearing what fellow biologists like and don't. I liked that the group was international and enjoyed the flexible and informal discussions - some via chat, some using whiteboards, some simple audio discussion. It felt as if we could all contribute, wherever we were. I would recommend this workshop for anyone new to creating posters for conferences. It would probably be a good refresher for poster presenters, too. Thank you, SEB, for the opportunity.
This was a fascinating workshop! I learned so much about how I come across and how powerful it is to become more conscious about how I "show up", so that I can make the right impression. Loved the tips about reading other people's non-verbal cues, too. This has made me think twice about the best time to approach people with difficult subject. Thank you, Suzanne, for an inspiring morning!
Loved this. So much information and still time for some good discussions with fellow students. I look forward to being able to use some of the ideas when I create my first poster.
This was a good refresher on best practice planning and design for posters. I particularly enjoyed the sessions on tools for choosing colour palettes, which I have since used in other communication materials, and the discussion about online and virtual conferences, which was an eye-opener for me during COVID. Thank you, Suzanne!
This workshop was great fun. I learned loads about perspective and how I tend to communicate, and hope to be able to use this knowledge to communicate better with our international students.