Creating Connections: An Introduction to the Alda Method
The WVU HSC Office of Research and Graduate Education and WVCTSI are co-sponsoring an exceptional workshop on the topic of Communicating Your Science. On April 21, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. you are invited to join us for the Virtual Workshop “Creating Connections: An Introduction to the Alda Method."
The Creating Connections program hosted by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University is a live, online workshop designed to help scientists and researchers learn to engage and inspire diverse audiences through effective communication, with a particular focus on virtual interactions.
Participants will learn how to balance being prepared with responding in the moment to address questions. The program emphasizes universal communication strategies, including avoiding jargon, and technical skills for creating engagement online, including camera angles and sound levels.
Program Outcomes
- Identify strategies to make a message memorable
- Recognize and begin to avoid using complex terminology and jargon
- Use a three-step process to design a message strategically
- Develop a personable and engaging online presence
Methodology
The Alda Method is a unique approach to science communication training that combines improvisational theater-based techniques with message-design strategies, including analogies and narrative. The immersive method emphasizes two-way communication to build trust and invite others to share in the wonder and joy of science. It incorporates research and best practices from science communication, journalism, ethics, and other relevant fields.
This workshop is limited to 100 guests and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, please use the link below. Questions can be directed to Sarah Haymond at sarah.haymond@hsc.wvu.edu.