Dr Lucas Kohnke, EdD Programme Coordinator and Senior Lecturer from the Department of English Language Education, delivered a workshop on entrepreneurial presentation skills for jobs and grants on February 20th. The in-person workshop was the third in a series of six aimed at enhancing students’ academic communication skills.

While the previous two workshops centred on academic presentation skills, this one expanded the perspective to employment and grant application scenarios, incorporating marketing techniques. Dr Kohnke covered topics such as audience-tailored communication, personal and professional value framing, and the use of innovative presentation techniques.

Participants learned to identify their unique value through a structured approach. The workshop emphasized an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging attendees to view their research and expertise as marketable assets. Strategies for positioning research for impact were discussed, including identifying real-world problems, showcasing practical applications, and demonstrating value to potential employers and grant providers.

Additionally, students were encouraged to adopt innovative presentation techniques, such as storytelling and visual aids, to engage their audience. The importance of understanding the audience was stressed, with guidance on adapting language and content for different contexts.

The workshop concluded with actionable steps for participants to practice their communication skills and embrace a growth mindset, emphasizing the value of continuous improvement and networking in their professional journeys.