Introduction
Communication is at the heart of our connection with people.
Thinking of a career in animal health, public health or science? Speaking effectively and directly to the people we serve is an essential skill.
Join us for an introductory workshop exploring the importance of the spoken word in science communication.
There are many challenges to effective spoken communication. There are many skills and tools we can use to communicate more clearly.
Like playing an instrument or a sport — practice helps in our oral communication. Professional colleges and career path training provide focused training in communication, but communication skills learned in other areas and at other times are useful to build on when we get to the focused training.
Who should attend?
This is an introductory workshop open to all University of Saskatchewan students. If you are pursuing a career in health, animal health or applied science and want to know how to broach difficult topics, explain complex science in plain language, or learn about storytelling, this workshop will have something for you.
A certificate is available for those who participate.
Thank you to our sponsor
- Saskatchewan Epidemiology Association (SEA)
Schedule
June 1, 2021
- 1 to 4:30 p.m.: Join us for an afternoon of speakers and a networking panel
June 3, 2021
- 1 to 4 p.m.: Try out some oral speaking exercises.
See full agenda below.
Where: Webex online. Meeting link will be shared after registration.
Cost: Free to University of Saskatchewan students. You must use your NSID email address to register.
Registration: Click here to register. Each day needs to be signed up for individually.
Workshop goals: Practise here, explore other opportunities to practise.
Agenda
June 1, 2021
1:15 p.m.
Opening Remarks
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
"Consider Conversation: How SciComm can Complement your Career," by Dr. Kaylee Byers, keynote speaker
"Why ‘Soft Skills’ is a Misnomer: Transferable Skills in Health Science," by Dr. Jordan Woodsworth, keynote speaker
2:30 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.
Break and networking panel. A chance to meet our keynote speakers, ask questions and hear some stories.
3:10 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
"Communication tips from an ESL Instructor," by Lynn Bytyqi, Student Advisor and Part-Time Program Co-ordinator, University of Saskatchewan Language Centre
3:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
"Introducing Toastmasters as one place to practise your speaking skills," by Oarabile Kgosisejo, DTM, MSc.
3:50 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.
"Scientific Storytelling," by Dr. Sandy Bonny. An interactive 30-minute presentation focused on the three rules for good storytelling in science, fiction and science fiction.
June 3, 2021
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Workshop session. Interactive sessions on networking, framing responses and storytelling.
- Registration for this is limited to 40 people. Break times will be scheduled throughout the afternoon.
- Emphasis on fun practice.
- Those that register and participate in the Day 2 Workshop Session will be provided with a certificate.
Speakers
Consider Conversation: How SciComm can Complement your Career
Dr. Kaylee Byers
Click here to view website
About the speaker: Dr. Kaylee Byers (she/her) is the Deputy Director of the British Columbia node of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative and a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Population and Public Health at the Univer-sity of British Columbia. Kaylee is the co-founder of Nerd Nite Vancouver, co-hosts the Nerdin’ About pod-cast, and facilitates Science Communication training through SciCATs (Science Communication Action Team). She's also an avid knitter, paddleboarder and appreciator of puns.
Why ‘Soft Skills’ is a Misnomer: Transferable Skills in Health Science
Dr. Jordan Woodsworth
Click here to view WCVM profile
Dr. Jordan Woodsworth is a general veterinary practitioner and part of the Wellness and Preventive Medicine team at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC). She is a 2008 graduate of the WCVM and joined the staff of the VMC in 2012 to start the Wellness and Service Learning programs. Jordan’s diverse professional interests include community engagement and social accountability in the veterinary profession, clinical communications, and elevating the quality and perception of well care for cats and dogs. Jordan’s work in northern Saskatchewan is an area of true passion, and she strives to use her role as a veterinary educator to provide opportunities for veterinary learners and practitioners to develop culturally safe approaches to clinical practice. Her personal interests include lake time with her husband and two kids, travelling and enjoying nature, and eating and cooking amazing food.
Scientific Storytelling
Dr. Sandy Bonny
Dr. Sandy Marie Bonny is a lifelong member of Saskatoon's Treaty 6 community with an interdisciplinary background in the academic earth sciences (PhD U Alberta) and literary and visual arts — she teaches, co-ordinates and creates at intersections of narrative understanding. At the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Bonny is Team Lead for the College of Arts & Science's Indigenous Student Pathways (ISAP) program. www.sbonny.com.
Communiction Tips from an ESL Instructor
Lynn Bytiqi
English is the international language of communication; whether it’s your mother tongue or second language, you can incorporate various strategies to make your message clear.
Lynn’s ESL career has spanned many years, job positions and geographical locations; she loves working in a multicultural environment and learning from her students.