Where & When to communicate?
When to communicate?
Communication is an ongoing part of academic life, not only reserved for formal presentations
- Regular opportunities → Colloquia, lunch lectures, group meetings, and seminars provide frequent, low-stakes practice
- Informal initiatives → Student-led events (and open presentation nights offer supportive environments to improve
- Public engagement → Science cafés, outreach events, and open days help translate research to broader audiences
- Formal settings → Conferences, poster sessions, and workshops develop professional communication skills
Where to Communicate?
You can practice your communication skills in various settings, many of which are closer than you'd expect. This page helps you choose the right venue based on your audience and your specific goals.
Category 1: The Inner Circle (Peer-to-Peer)
Focus: Technical accuracy, constructive critique, and professional networking.
- Symposia & Colloquia: Present to fellow scientists who can critically challenge your contentions and provide high-level feedback on your delivery.
- International Conferences: The global stage. Perfect for building your reputation and finding future collaborators.
- Café Lorentz (Leiden University): A low-stakes "safe zone" for Physics and Astronomy students. Exchange ideas, practice upcoming presentations, and get valuable feedback in a relaxed setting (with free drinks at the end).
Pressure Level:
Low to Moderate
- You're speaking to people who already "speak your language" and will at least have some idea what you are talking about.
Category 2: The Public Domain (Societal Outreach)
Focus: Engagement, inspiration, and accounting to "The Taxpayer."
- Museums & Observatories: (e.g., Old Observatory Leiden, Naturalis). Ideal for storytelling and using visual aids to make science tangible to the broader public.
- Science Centres (NEMO): High-energy, dynamical environments where you must simplify complex concepts for families and children. You might also get asked many questions!
- Public Schools: Visit local classrooms to spark interest in STEM and learn to explain your work without any jargon and in an enthusiastic manner.
- Pint of Science / Science Café: Take science to the local pub! A great way to make your research relatable to the general public in a casual atmosphere. Take a look at: https://pintofscience.nl/
Pressure Level:
Moderate
- You must translate complex ideas into "everyday" language and sometimes come up with wording on the spot.
Category 3: The Power Players (Policy & Funding)
Focus: ROI (Return on Investment), societal relevance, and "The Impact Agenda."
- Government & Policy Institutions: Presenting to lawmakers. They care less about the "how" and more about the "so what?". E.g., how does your work affect society or the economy?
- NWO / Funding Workshops: Essential for grant writing and applying for funding. Learn to communicate why your research deserves public or private investment.
- Industry Pitch Days: For entrepreneurs and corporate partners. Focus on the practical application, scalability, and long-term value of your scientific innovation.
- Invited Lectures: Many institutions host guest speakers for specific topics. These feature high preparation and the ability to handle tough questions from experts.
Pressure Level:
High
- High stakes where clear communication directly impacts your funding and career opportunities.
Quick Tips for Success:
- Match your tone: Don't bring "Category 1" jargon to a "Category 2" school visit.
- Know the goal: Are you there to inform (Category 1), inspire (Category 2), or persuade (Category 3)?
- Use the Platform: Before heading to any of these, use What to communicate? to condense your idea and Practice your skills! to practice with a peer!
Communication Goal Guide
| If your goal... | You should go to... | Key Skill needed: |
|---|---|---|
| Testing a new theory | Departmental Colloquium | Technical Rigor |
| Getting more funding | NWO / Funder Event | Impact Statements |
| Inspiring the next generation | School Outreach / Musea | Storytelling & Analogies |
| Practicing in a "Safe Zone" | Café Lorentz | Constructive Feedback |
Pro-Tips:
- Pro-Tip for Café Lorentz: "Don't just present your final results. Present your 'Stuck Point.' The best conversations happen when you ask the audience for help with a problem you haven't solved yet."
- Pro-Tip for Scientific Outreach (Schools): "If you can't explain your PhD to a 10-year-old, you don't understand it well enough yet. Use the 'Condensed Idea' tool before you go."