Public speaking and storytelling
Public speaking and storytelling
5 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
05 March 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
05 March 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
05 March 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
05 March 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.