Presentations can be stressful for professionals in academia. Female academics in particular are frequently confronted with issues specific to them that make presenting their work even more challenging. Women deal with intimidation in male-dominated fields, conflicting messages on how to behave and communicate, and a lack of confidence and support that prevents them from taking ownership of their expertise. Additionally, research has shown that, although both sexes suffer from imposter syndrome, women are more likely than men to be adversely affected by it. Using unique techniques and exercises from the theater, this workshop offers women a chance to explore, define and redefine their role in their professional life and to learn new ways to turn stress and pressure into energy and motivation.

Learning outcomes

After the workshop, participants will...
● Utilize strategies for reframing criticism and the inner-critic
● Have techniques to help them stay in the moment and increase presence.
● Project confidence and competence in presentation situations.
● Be aware of the roles they have chosen and be able to craft the role they desire.
● Use tools to help them transform stress and pressure into energy and motivation.

Approach
This one-day workshop is designed to reach the target aims through meaningful
practice, individual and group activities, theater-based exercises and exercises informed
by the work of Amy Cuddy.

Covered Topics:
The Roles Women Play:
● Identification of the roles and narratives women subscribe to
● Alignment of values with self-image
● Re-writing one’s personal and professional narrative
● Imposter syndrome
Transforming the inner critic
● Identifying what triggers our inner-critic
● Reframing criticism and negative energy
● Techniques to overcome stage fright and performance pressure

Presence work:
● Body language
● Power posing
● Discovering and cultivating one’s unique presence
● Voicework
● Being in the moment

Presenting
● Techniques for projecting confidence
● Tips and tricks actors use
● Practice and assessment

About the Trainer
Francesca Carlin is an American communication trainer and personal coach. For over a decade she has helped
professionals improve their public speaking, develop their presence, and apply the practice of mindful communication. She has worked in Russia and the U.S. and is currently working in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Francesca is a trained actress and studied theater at Boston and Harvard University. Over the years she has found that using acting techniques and exercises helps people to overcome personal barriers and to become more effective communicators. With her background in the performing arts, She has created a unique approach to her workshops and trainings, in which she incorporates and implements the best practices from both the world of communication skills development and theater.

Registration

Please visit the KCDS intranet portal to register for this course.

For non-members of KCDS: 
In order to be able to book the course, a KCDS guest/non-member account is necessary.
If you don't have an account yet, you can register here: Create a KCDS account to book courses
Once your account is activated by a KCDS administrator, you will be able to book the course.

Picture by Victoria Heath onUnsplash