Course objectives and content

The aim of the course is to facilitate PhD students in giving presentations and attending conferences in a professional manner in English.

The content is divided into two main aspects:  materials and delivery. Materials: the production of text and structuring of content in key message format. Delivery: connecting with the audience and communicating ideas clearly and memorably.

Revision of texts produced during the course is also included.

Practical aspects

Candidates must produce materials –an original Academic Poster and a 10-minute presentation using Powerpoint, Prezi, LaTeX or other software alternatives,  as well as actively participate within the group for maximum learning benefit. Candidates will be recorded on two separate occasions, and will receive feedback on their individual performance.

Requirements

• Candidates must be enrolled at least in the second year of a Doctoral program.
• Candidates must have an accredited Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) level of B2 minimum, although C1 is preferable.
• Candidates must attend a minimum of 80% of the classes in order to obtain the course certificate and the first three sessions are mandatory.

Duration:

Eight four-hour sessions, one per week, over eight weeks (32 hours).

Place:

Group size:

Maximum number of candidates per course is 15.

References:

"I have won the 1st prize with my poster presentation!!! I was presenting precisely the poster of the course and I can see how the help of all of you has been crucial to win the prize. That's why I wanted to say again thanks to all of you for your advice… Specially to Madeleine and Terrell for their guidance and support."

"I followed step by step all the tips you gave us, and thanks to it I did it great. Fortunately I won the prize, and with it I will be able to go to an international congress in London this winter."

"I want to thank you both for your support and help these last few weeks. I have learned a lot with you during this course and I am pleased I was given the opportunity to take part of it. It was really a pleasure for me."

"Great course ladies. Continue doing it!"

Teachers:

• Madeleine Cannon has trained as an actress at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, later re-trained in phonetics and taught voice and text to drama students.  As a co-founder of  Professional Voice (www.professionalvoice.co.uk) she coached business executives in the UK and abroad on presentations and public speaking.  Now living and working in San Sebastian, she holds voice and communication courses in the academic, business and professional sectors.
• Terrell Montgomery began her career as a translator, then worked for 19 years in the banking industry, 10 years in the landscape architecture world and returned to her origins with language solutions. Terrell's jobs entailed extensive travelling and lecturing and she is familiar with a number of presentation formats with experience in synthesizing and expanding text.

Registration and matriculation fee:

Registration can be done through the following link (closed). Candidates will be accepted on a first come first served basis with a maximum number of 15 candidates per group as long as they fulfill all requirements and certify the payment. Priority will be given to candidates that have not followed the course before. Course Fee: 40 €

Payment must be made to DeZona Language Solutions account at Caixabank as follows:

ES70 2100 6492 6102 0009 3904

You must clearly indicate your full name, ID number and --very important-- the Campus you wish to enroll in.  So the ‘concept area' must look like this:  DAVID PEREZ PEREZ 09999999D LEIOA

Cancellation:

a) if the course eventually does not run due to the lack of a minimum number of candidates (12), the initial payment will be reimbursed to each student.

b) if cancellation is individual (due to personal reasons of the candidate), the payment will NOT be reimbursed.