How to Appear Self Confident and Present: Best Practice Techniques for Scientists
A workshop offered by the Bonn Graduate Center
This workshop helps you strengthen presence, confidence, and clarity in daily professional communication—online and offline. It combines short, focused inputs with breakout exercises and practical tools from coaching, acting training, and improvisational theatre. You will train what truly shapes your impact: first impressions, nonverbal presence, vocal authority, and precise, persuasive language. You will leave with a practical toolbox you can apply immediately in meetings, networking situations, teaching, leadership contexts, and presentations—professional, effective, and fun.
Online Workshop
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Trainer
Dr. Michael Gordian
Language
English
Location
Online
Target Group
Doctoral students
Track(s)
Research, Research Management, Business and Organizations
Certificate
4 units are applicable within the Doctorate plus certificate
Description
Key topics
There is no second chance for the first impression: introduce yourself effectively and stay positively memorable!
- Film & media techniques: e.g., the Freeze Effect, elements of the Alexander Technique, presence routines for camera + room
- Clear scientific messaging: pyramidal principle vs. funnel, plus high-status / low- status communication strategies
- Confident nonverbal communication: posture, gestures, facial expression, head/
chin position, spatial positioning - The power of voice: the most important techniques for confident paraverbal impact (clarity, pacing, emphasis, pauses)
Content
- Apply impression-management tools for a strong first introduction
- Show confident nonverbal presence (posture, gestures, facial expression)
- Use key voice techniques (pace, emphasis, pauses) for authority
- Structure messages clearly (pyramidal principle vs. funnel)
- Use precise, persuasive language and simple rhetorical tools
Creditable for the Micro Credential 'Communication & Impact'
Micro Credentials for doctoral students offer the opportunity to systematically add key future skills to your professional expertise. You can apply for a Micro Credential if you successfully complete at least four workshops from one area of expertise.
Feedback from Participants
"The workshop was very practical, interactive, useful and straight to the point. I liked the knowledge gained on the importance of body language, the voice and overall non-verbal communication." (Participant 2023)
"A lot of practical exercises including personalized feedback; energetic and energizing conduct of the workshop." (Participant 2024)
Contact
Bonn Graduate Center
Address
Alte Sternwarte
Poppelsdorfer Allee 47
53115 Bonn
More Workshops?
Have a look at further workshops offered in our Doctorate plus program this semester.
Also see
Certificate Doctorate plus
Acquire the Doctorate plus Certificate in one of our three career tracks and apply for an 'Add-on' in your track (job shadowing or career coaching).
E-Training
With our on-demand e-training courses, you can continue your education at your convenience.
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