Communicating research can be challenging, as it often involves complex topics that need to be conveyed in a way that both engages and retains the audience’s attention. That’s why the course *”The Rhetorical Toolbox”* was a valuable opportunity for colleagues who recently had the chance to participate.
This intensive course, focusing on verbal communication and presentation techniques, was designed to enhance participants’ ability to present complex topics in a simple and engaging manner, ensuring their messages are heard and remembered.
Project colleagues from the Interreg ÖKS project *Bridging Safe Elderly Care*, Nanna Winther Selmer and Matilde Skødstrup Axelsen from the Medical and Cardiology Departments at Zealand University Hospital, attended the course, which took place at an external consultancy in Frederiksberg in November and December.
It was an intensive two-day course where participants learned how to craft precise messages, create vivid imagery in the audience’s minds, and use body language effectively to support their key points. One of the most innovative methods was the use of mnemonic techniques, such as “the bridge” and “the horse Rufus”, which helped make the theories easier to remember and apply in practice.
Have you ever experienced knowing exactly what you want to say? But when you start presenting, your thoughts become jumbled because there are just so many important points you want to share about your research?
“Through objectives 🎯, occasion 🦆, bridging 🌉, structure, PowerPoint, body language, resistance, and much more, I have learned how to make my presentations easy to understand – but hard to forget – and how to take control of my speech without PowerPoint taking over.”*
— Matilde Skødstrup Axelsen