Storytelling with researchers
Content
From complex research to a story that moves and inspires.
Facts inform, but stories connect. Research shows that stories are remembered up to twenty times better than data alone. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use storytelling techniques to make your research more relatable, memorable, and impactful, whether you are giving a talk, writing a text or pitching your ideas.
You’ll discover how to find the story within your research, build a clear and engaging narrative, and bring it to life with emotion, structure, and authenticity. The goal: to inspire your audience and give your science the reach it deserves.
About the trainer: Toon Verlinden is a science communication expert and founder of The Floor is Yours. He has trained tens of thousands of researchers to communicate their work clearly and engagingly. Toon is also a professional storyteller and performer: he brings science stories to life in theatres and events. Apart from having been a researcher in the field of biochemistry, he brings extensive experience as a journalist, author, organiser of Nerdland Festival – the biggest science festival of the Benelux - to his workshops.
Learning outcomes
After having attended this workshop, participants will learn...
- why storytelling makes science more powerful and memorable
- how to structure your story clearly
- how to bring a personal essay or a science story
- how to add emotion and imagery without losing scientific accuracy
- how to present your story convincingly and connect with your audience
- how to strategically use storytelling in talks, papers, and communication with diverse stakeholders
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:
- Presentation skills
- Oral communication
- Stakeholder awareness
- Self-confidence
- Stress management
- Valorisation
Practicalities
For whom?
- PhD students who give presentations and want to improve their communication by incorporating storytelling into their talks or written work
- 12 places available
When and where?
- October 8, 2026 - 9:30-16:30
- 1 hour lunch break: 12:30-13:30
- Location: campus Diepenbeek, room TBD
Registration?
- You can register here as from June 25, 2026 until September 8, 2026.
- 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 general communication skills
- DS HLS: category 'transferable skills' - one transferable skills course
- DS ST: category 'scientific & generic communication' - course about scientific or generic communication