Case Study 5:
Intensive Communication Skills-Building Programme for a Cohort of Leading Scientists

BESPOKE COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS TRAINING FOR AN INTERNATIONAL COHORT OF SPECIALIST SCIENTISTS

Scientifically partnered with a medical society to provide leadership training for their up-and-coming scientists.  These are the leaders identified to hold senior positions in the medical society in the future. Each cohort comprises 16-20 scientists. 

This programme has run for the past 6 years and has been delivered in person and – during the pandemic – virtually.

Training consisted of a variety of key communications skills including:

  • Communications skills essentials
  • Media training
  • On-camera skills (presenting on camera)
  • Presentation skills
  • Storytelling for science.

The training ran over a weekend with the group rotating between 4 trainers. Individual follow-up sessions were then arranged with each participant. 

Feedback from participants

  • “I found it mind-blowing. I wish they’d taught us this in medical school.”
  • “From all of the group, we are very thankful for you – you were outstanding. You were perfect from the start to the end and we’re very grateful for your support. Thank you for this feedback – it was really very essential for me not only for the media or journalists but also for speaking with patients. I learned a lot and I hope that patients with me will see the progress”
  • “Thank you so much for your advice and suggestions. I have some issues with self-confidence and one of my main concerns is not to show them when speaking in public. I have learnt a lot of skills to surpass this, and I personally want to THANK you! And I will definitely need and DESIRE more training with you guys! Perfect team!”

“Why isn’t this taught in medical school?”

- Physician and programme participant