Public Engagement Masterclass: Presentation Skills

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Presentation Skills

Tuesday 30 June, 10am-4pm - Ramphal

For those of us working and studying in universities - whatever our roles! We need to be able to stand up and talk about our work, to each other and also to non-experts. Good speakers talk with clarity and charisma. They’re engaging and they’re accessible, even when presenting complicated ideas.

For many of us this doesn’t come easy, but the good news is that presentation skills can be learned. Nerves can be tamed, audiences won round and content shaped into delicious story-sized bites.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to create, practice and refine a short presentation. You’ll learn how to craft your message, ‘own the stage’, interact with the audience and enjoy your time in the limelight. You will leave more relaxed than you walked in, with the practical skills needed to go forth and tell the world about your work.

About the trainer

Dr Helen Pilcher is an acclaimed author, journalist, speaker and recovering neuroscientist. For years, she was also a standup comedian, before the arrival of children meant she couldn’t stay awake after 9pm. Now she drinks tea, gives talks and writes regularly for the likes of The Guardian, Apple News, BBC Science Focus and BBC Wildlife. She has penned many popular science books. Her latest, This Book May Cause Side Effects, was published in May 2026. Life Changing was named a Science Book of the Year by The Times and was shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Writing on Global Conservation.

Last Minute Cancellations/No Shows

This session is subject to our training cancellation policy. If you can no longer attend you must give at least 7 days notice to cancel your place of else receive a strike on your record. Those with two strikes will be barred from future training and WIE Funding until the following academic year.

Exceptions do apply for illness/emergency. Please see the policy for full details.