CASE STUDY
Advanced Presentation Skills for Engineers:
Working with a brilliant R&D Team in Milan
Client
A multinational research and development (R&D) team based in Milan, Italy
Audience
Six experienced engineers working in technical and strategic roles, regularly presenting to internal and external stakeholders
Purpose
To refine individual presentation skills, build team-wide communication confidence, and support stronger performance when presenting complex content to a range of audiences — especially in English as a second (or third) language.
Our Approach
In 2024, we were invited to Milan to design and deliver a two-day, in-person presentation workshop tailored specifically to this close-knit engineering team.
The participants were already confident presenters, so instead of starting with the basics, we focused on diagnosis, refinement, and targeted skill-building. Our goal was to create a space that allowed for reflection, experimentation, feedback, and learning — both individually and as a group.
We built the workshop around:
Initial Skill Assessment
Each participant gave a short technical presentation, which we recorded and reviewed as a group. This helped us identify individual and shared areas for growth — ranging from visual design to pacing and presence.
Tailored Skill Modules
Based on the needs that emerged, we ran mini-sessions on:
- Voice control and pacing (especially in non-native English contexts)
- Clarifying technical content for different audiences
- Design and storytelling for technical visuals
- Handling questions with confidence
- Using structure to improve flow and memorability
- Peer Feedback & Collaborative Learning
- Gentle peer critique using our “I like, I wonder, I want to steal” framework helped
- participants give and receive meaningful feedback in a psychologically safe way.
Final Presentations
On Day 2, each participant revised and delivered their talk again — a chance to consolidate learning and receive final feedback.
Highlights
- Warm, collegial energy: despite varied styles, the team supported each other’s growth
- Real-time transformation of slide decks and delivery approaches
- Focused attention on language-related confidence and clarity
- Laughter, chocolate, and great coffee
Follow-up Support
- Presentation feedback summaries for each participant
- Resource pack on storytelling in science and technical communication
- Post-workshop group commitments to share feedback on future presentations
Impact
This workshop not only improved individual presentation performance — it also strengthened team communication, built shared language around feedback, and led to more collaborative support in future R&D presentations. Several participants reported using new techniques in high-stakes presentations within a week of the training.
It was helpful to reflect on how I present in English. The voice work showed me it’s not about my accent, but how I pace myself.
Seeing my final presentation compared to my first made it clear that there were several visible improvements. I’m presenting again next week — and I’ll use what I’ve learned.
We rarely take time to learn as a team. This helped us grow individually and become better presentation coaches for each other.
I dislike receiving feedback, but the framework we used made it manageable — and valuable.
Curious? Want to know more?
Interested in learning more about our communication workshops, training and coaching for scientists and researchers? Take a look around, or get in touch – we’d love to help.
We believe that research matters. We also believe that good research deserves to be shared. What about you?
Curious about how our communication workshops, training programmes and coaching can help you, your research group or your institution get better about talking about your research with expert and non-expert audiences alike? Book a 30-minute call, or drop us a line.
