Careful preparation and clear communication are key to delivering a successful conference presentation in an international context. This course aims to provide PhD students with insight into the key characteristics of effective academic oral presentations, as well as with knowledge and tools to develop skills and confidence in communicating research-related material in English.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, students should

• Be able to apply rhetorical strategies to the preparation and delivery of academic presentation
• Be able to evaluate and write conference abstracts
• Be able to use appropriate linguistic strategies and techniques to deliver clear and engaging academic presentations in English
• Have improved their overall ability to deliver conference presentations in English

Content

This is a skills-oriented course on preparing and delivering conference presentations.

• The first two sessions focus on applying a rhetorical approach to effective academic presentations as well as on appropriate English language skills for presentations. The main emphasis is on strategies for successfully preparing, organizing, and delivering presentations, including writing the conference abstract, as well as for communicating effectively in English in academic contexts.
• The third session gives students the opportunity to deliver short academic presentations and to receive peer and instructor feedback.

The teaching methods include a combination of teacher presentations, class and small group discussion, short exercises, and individual practice presentations followed by peer and teacher feedback.