Discussing Research and Networking at International Conferences

Conferences offer academics the opportunity to discuss their research and network with each other. Making full use of the opportunity to establish yourself internationally in your field requires good communication skills in English. In addition to communicating your research clearly, confidently and persuasively, you should be able to use English to establish and maintain professional relationships.

In this workshop, we will look at how you can use English effectively in interactive conference settings while also considering relevant intercultural aspects.

You will be collecting and practicing a wide range of words, phrases and expressions you can use for different communication situations that occur at conferences. In addition, you will identify and apply useful communication strategies for more challenging situations. Participants will also be given clear and structured feedback on the language and communication strategies they apply in the different real-life tasks used in the workshop.

The following topics will be covered:

• actively participating and contributing to topical discussions
• supporting or defending one’s position or perspective during a discussion
• addressing opposing viewpoints during a discussion
• dealing with challenging questions when presenting own research
• introducing oneself and expressing interest in further professional contact
• making appointments during and for a time after the conference or politely declining invitations for further contact
• making small talk

Academic and administrative staff who would like to gain more confidence for participation in international conferences where English is the medium of communication.

Participants must have an English level of B1.