Presenting Your Research: Building Confidence, Clarity and Connection in Science Communication

How do you explain complex science without slides, jargon, or diagrams — and still keep an audience engaged?

That was the challenge facing students who took part in Presenting Your Research: A Science Communication Training, a full-day interactive workshop designed to strengthen confidence, storytelling, and public speaking skills. Through hands-on activities, expert guidance, and supportive feedback, participants learned how to make science accessible, memorable, and human

Starting with Story: The Balloon Debate

The day opened with an energetic icebreaker: a Balloon Debate. Students were each given a profession card — from geologists and biomedical researchers to data scientists and astronauts — and tasked with persuading the group why their role deserved to be saved.

The exercise quickly highlighted key communication principles: clarity of argument, relevance to the scenario, confidence in delivery, and the power of explaining consequences. Trainer feedback reinforced the importance of humour, structure, and staying anchored to the story — skills that would carry through the rest of the day.

Why Science Communication Matters

Trainer Eugenia led a compelling session on accessible and engaging science communication, sharing both practical techniques and her personal journey — including winning the FameLab competition.

Students explored why engaging science matters:

– To really understand a concept
– To deliver strong technical presentations
– For conferences, exams, and networking
– To showcase creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills

Participants were introduced to three core principles:
Be clear. Be concise. Connect with your audience.

From avoiding jargon and limiting takeaways, to mastering emphasis, pauses, and emotion, the session emphasised that how we speak often matters more than what we say.

From Theory to Practice

Throughout the day, students worked in pairs to put these ideas into action:
– Explaining their degree to a “10-year-old”
– Describing complex ideas in just ten words
– Building short stories using props, metaphors, and hooks
– Practising presence, posture, breath control, and voice projection

A key takeaway?

Confidence isn’t about being loud — it’s about being grounded and authentic. Participants were reminded that they are the experts, and that audiences want them to succeed.

Three-Minute Research Presentations

In the afternoon, students delivered short, slide-free presentations to a non-specialist audience, followed by feedback from a diverse panel of professionals:

• Laura McLister, Director of Programme and Operations, Edinburgh Science
• Kay Gordon, formerly Test Manager, University of Strathclyde, with over 15 years’ experience in testing and quality assurance
• Nicole Henessey, STEM Outreach Officer, Forth Valley College
• Carol Telford, Finance and Operations Coordinator, Equate Scotland, with extensive previous experience in science and research

The range of topics was impressive, spanning biodiversity conservation, mathematics, physics, data science, toxicology, sustainability, neuroscience, and animal health. Panel feedback consistently highlighted strong storytelling, emotional connection, clear structure, effective pauses, and the importance of a memorable closing or call to action.

Students were encouraged to simplify language, slow their pace, use purposeful gestures, and rehearse strategically — including practising from the middle of their presentation to strengthen overall delivery.

What Students Said

Student feedback highlighted both the practical value of the training and the confidence gained through active participation:

“Being able to actually do communication experiences and develop my public speaking skills.”

“The icebreaker was really helpful and also fun.”

“Very informative introduction with tips and tricks on how to present.”

“I liked the part where everyone went to the end of the room and tried new methods to talk loud and confident.”

“I really enjoyed participating in the different activities, particularly the creative storytelling.”

A Supportive Space to Grow

What stood out most was the supportive atmosphere. Each participant received constructive, encouraging feedback focused on growth rather than perfection. By the end of the day, students left not only with new skills, but with greater confidence in their voice, expertise, and ability to connect.

Whether preparing for a conference, viva, or public engagement opportunity, this training provided practical tools — and the reassurance that science communication is a skill anyone can learn.

Interested in taking part in future student events? Contact our Student Champions or join our Student Network.

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