Pitch you Science Workshop 2024

Pitch your Science - Preparation workshop for the StuFoExpo 2025 with actor Sven Hönig

The workshop takes place in preparation for the Student Research Exposition 2025 under the motto "Fail Better: The Art of Failure in Research" at TU Dresden and is aimed at students who present their research to an audience - including non-specialists - as part of this event.

The participants deal with the basics of stage presence, voice training and a target group-oriented scientific presentation. They develop an individual concept for the presentation of their topic - be it in the form of a classic lecture, an "elevator pitch" or a creative contribution such as a science slam.

A particular focus is on strengthening a positive error culture in science communication. Participants reflect on how they can present missing or inconsistent results and unconfirmed hypotheses in a transparent and constructive manner. The aim is to raise awareness of the fact that supposed failures in research are just as much a part of scientific knowledge processes as successes - and should not be glossed over in the presentation, but rather classified in a comprehensible manner.

By trying out their presentation, the participants find out from which perspective or role their topic can be presented most convincingly - be it factually, humorously, personally or analytically. In guided individual sessions, they also receive feedback from colleagues and train themselves to give feedback in an appreciative and constructive manner - including on presentations in which uncertainty or reflection on failed approaches plays a role

Workshop content:

• Basics of stage presence
• Basics of a dramaturgical presentation structure
• Basics of storytelling and narrative methods
• Target group identification
• Development of an individual lecture, an individual presentation that is oriented towards personal strengths and abilities as well as the target group
• Power-saving use of the voice
• Strengthening a positive error culture in science communication
• Reflection and presentation of failures in research
• Developing a transparent and constructive way of dealing with missing or inconsistent results in research
• Formulating feedback in an appreciative and productive way

The workshop will be led by actor Sven Hönig, who has been a member of the Staatsschauspiel Dresden ensemble since 2017 and has also appeared in numerous well-known films and television programs (including Krabat, Die Päpstin and Franky Five Star).

Since 2002, Sven Hönig has also been a trainer for presence and stage training and has already worked with numerous scientific institutions.
We are therefore very pleased that the participants of StuFoExpo 2025 will also be able to benefit from his extensive know-how as part of the workshop!