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. 

Schedule

Time and date:

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. 

Where: Webex online. Meeting link will be shared after registration. 

Cost: Free to University of Saskatchewan students. Registration will open soon. 

Speakers

Consider Conversation: How SciComm can Complement your Career 
Dr. Kaylee Byers 

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 Wordsworth 

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. 

Networking Panel: A chance to meet our speakers and ask questions. 

Wrapping up the first afternoon with a focus on storytelling
Dr. Sandy Bonnie

Full agenda coming soon.