CASE STUDY
Hybrid Presentation Skills Workshop:
Clear, Confident Scientific Presentations
Client
A European scientific institution based in Geneva, with a focus on research excellence
Audience
Early-career scientists and engineers from diverse disciplines and teams within the institution
Purpose
Our Approach
In 2024, we were invited to design and deliver a hybrid-format presentation workshop entitled “Clear, Confident Scientific Presentations.” The goal was to help researchers improve their communication of technical content to internal and external audiences, including stakeholders and peers from across Europe and beyond.
The training was structured across four sessions:
- Two Online Sessions (via Zoom): covering foundational skills for planning, structuring, and delivering online presentations
- Two Onsite Sessions (in Geneva): focusing on in-person presence, delivery skills, visual storytelling, and responding to audience questions
The split format was intentional — allowing participants to reflect and apply new skills between sessions while also addressing both remote and face-to-face presentation challenges.
Topics Covered
- Audience analysis and aligning messages with audience needs
- Structuring complex ideas clearly using our “Simple Message” framework
- Creating effective visuals and slide design principles
- Non-verbal communication and voice modulation
- Confidence-building for Q&A sessions
- Adapting delivery for different presentation contexts (e.g., internal meetings vs. international conferences)
Highlights
- Strong group engagement and participation across both online and in-person formats
- Participants delivered two short presentations — the first to assess needs, the second to measure growth
- Mix of structured learning and spontaneous reflection enabled depth without pressure
- Practical templates, feedback frameworks, and examples made learning immediately applicable
Follow-up Support
- Tailored feedback for each participant after final presentations
- Resource pack including our “Presentation Toolkit” and slide design checklists
- Guidance for applying skills to future talks, posters, and conference abstracts
Impact
Participants left with stronger presentation skills for both digital and live settings. Many reported immediate improvements in confidence and structure, and several applied the techniques in upcoming internal research updates and international conference talks. The success of the pilot led to additional coaching requests and future group workshops already scheduled for 2025.
Having time between sessions helped me think, prepare, and try out new things. It really made a difference.
I’ve always struggled with online presentations — the feedback I received helped me adjust how I speak and how I show up on camera.
The session on slide design changed how I think about my visuals. I’ve already applied some of the ideas to my latest project briefing.
I now know how to make my audience feel considered — that’s a huge shift for me.
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.
