Public speaking and storytelling
Public speaking and storytelling
11 March 2026, 9h00 - 17h
General context
Great science deserves great storytelling. This training helps researchers craft compelling storylines for their work, visualize them effectively, and deliver presentations with confidence. You’ll learn how to strategically tailor your message to different audiences, structure your narrative for clarity and impact, and practice public speaking techniques that engage and persuade. By mastering these skills, you’ll transform complex research into memorable stories that resonate beyond the lab.
This training is intended for PhD students, postdocs, researchers, data professionals, engineers, technical staff, and anyone in a scientific or tech‑driven environment who wants to strengthen their storytelling and public speaking skills.
After completing this training, participants will be able to:
Identify the core message of their presentation/work/research and build a clear storyline.
Apply visualization techniques to support and enhance their narrative.
Select and adapt content for different audiences strategically.
Demonstrate effective public speaking skills, including voice, posture, and pacing.
Practice and refine delivery through feedback and self-assessment.
PowerPoint
Other tools are available and participants are encouraged to use what they are comfortable with (i.e. Canva, GIMP, Inkscape, Google slides, etc)
For specific presentations (such as invited keynote speaker, ERC grant interviews, etc.), see the 1-on-1 coaching for science communication.
Trainers
Matheus Lourenço
Matheus Lourenço is a science communication expert and trainer at VIB. A behaviour change specialist and Marie-Curie fellow with a joint PhD in Psychology from KU Leuven and Maastricht University, he pioneered innovative methodologies in tinnitus treatment and gathered accolades for his ability to make complex scientific approaches accessible to diverse audiences.
After completing his PhD, Matheus worked as a consultant to leading pharmaceutical companies, delivering strategic workshops worldwide. Now back in academia, he is committed to empowering researchers to communicate their work with clarity and impact, thereby strengthening the connection between science and society.
Program
Welcome and introduction
Audience selection and storyline creation
Break
Visualizing your storyline
Lunch
Public speaking theory
Break
Public speaking practice and feedback
Stage time (day to be determined in agreement with participants)
Presentation and feedback moment
Science communication presentation competition (TBD)
Practical info
11 March 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Belgium
11 March 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Leuven train station is approximately 4 km from the campus Gasthuisberg. Buses depart very regularly to the Gasthuisberg Campus from Leuven train station.
For tickets and up to date schedules visit website De Lijn or use the De Lijn App.
Exit at the very last bus stop ‘Gasthuisberg Campus) make sure not to exit at ‘Gasthuisberg Kliniek =
hospital)
Once you get off the bus, go to your right and go up the street until you see stairs to your left. Climb the stairs all the way up between two buildings. Look for the signs containing blue circles and white numbers and follow them all the way from 2 up to number 12. You will cross several buildings and the walk will take max. 10 minutes. When you reach number 12, you have reached O&N 5, where you can find the reception.
11 March 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
The Gasthuisberg campus is west of the Leuven ring. Our buildings are situated behind the hospital (see black arrow near ‘RING NOORD’ on the map). If you come from the city center, you will arrive on campus from the east side (taking Mgr. Van Waeyenberglaan and roundabout Het Teken). If you come from Heverlee or Campus Arenberg, you will arrive from the west side (taking the Celestijnenlaan and Taborweg). When you arrive uphill at the intersection with the Rega Institute and the Red Cross building, you need to take the road down to the bicycle parking at Rega Institute (see map) where you can park. Next, follow the ‘Onderwijs & Navorsing blue route’ description below (start point is #9).
11 March 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
You arrive via the E314 highway – EXIT 16
After 200 m, keep left to drive underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
You arrive via the Leuven ring road
At the roundabout, take the exit towards ‘Spoed / Ziekenhuis’.
Follow the ring around Campus Gasthuisberg and pass the entrance of SPOED.
Continue right until you arrive at a second roundabout.
Follow the directions for E314.
Near the Fire Brigade Station, make a U-turn and follow the directions for ‘Ziekenhuis’.
Keep left and drive downhill, underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
Next, leave the parking at level +1 using the big stairs near the vending machines.
Follow the red carpet and arrows to 'Onco Dagcentrum' to get to the O&N buildings. Take the stairs on your left after exiting Parking West. You are now in front of the O&N4 building; on the left you will find O&N5.