Public Speaking & Pitching: Bringing a Clear Story

In this three-day workshop by Jelle de Wit, you are invited to come and explore the world of Public Speaking and Pitching. 

You have been working on a specific topic for a long time. However, when a friend asks you to explain your research, you often find yourself at a loss for words. You may notice that your body language becomes tense, and you seem to lose your friend's interest. By using an '8-step framework,' you will be able to convince people to fall in love with your ideas. Knowing about the structure of a successful pitch will provide a solid foundation for this workshop. You will have the opportunity to develop your public speaking skills by using your body as a tool to support your presentation. With insights into storytelling techniques, you will be able to deliver your message dynamically and effectively, convincing your audience with clarity. You will also gain knowledge about the do's and don'ts of using slides, such as PowerPoint.

Speaking in front of people can be overwhelming, but after attending this workshop, you will have tips and tricks to overcome stress and anxiety when presenting to an audience. The workshop will conclude with you giving a short pitch to the other participants.

“The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” – Mark Twain

Learning outcomes

After having attended this workshop, participants will:

• know how to pitch their research by means of an 8-step theoretical framework,
• know how to use verbal and nonverbal language to support their pitch,
• know how to bring a clear, personal and convincing message.

Competences

An important part of preparing for any further professional step is becoming (more) aware of the competences you have developed and/or want to develop. In the current workshop, the following competences from the UHasselt competency overview are actively dealt with:

• interpersonal competences:
  • presentation skills
  • persuasion
  • oral communication
  • stress management
• personal effectiveness:
  • self-development
  • self-confidence
    
    

For whom?

• PhD students - 12 places available

When & where?

• Day 1: December 10, 10:00-15:30 
• Day 2: December 11, 10:00-15:30 
• Day 3: December 12, 14:00-17:00
• Campus Diepenbeek: Room C6 (same location for the 3 training sessions)
• Participation in three sessions is required.

Preparation?

• In addition to attending the workshop, you should include two hours of independent preparation time. This is to prepare your pitch, which you will present during the third day of the workshop.

Registration?

• Registration is possible via this link from September 4 until November 17, 2025.
• Please register only if you can attend both sessions. As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email in due time.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cf. cancellation & no-show policy).

Acknowledged as?

• DS BSH: category 'research management & communication skills' - workshop on communication skills
• DS HLS: category 'transferable skills' - compulsory elective course 
• DS ST: category 'scientific & generic communication' - course about generic communication