Critical thinking for Public Discourse

Course outline: What is the point of doing amazing research if you cannot communicate it to other scientists, and the wider community? Two of the most in-demand skills in the 21st Century are critical thinking, and communication skills. Furthermore, these skills need to be combined for effective science communication to broader audiences. This two-day course is designed to provide an introduction to public speaking skills, using critical thinking and reasoning. Throughout the workshop, participants will practice their communication skills, while receiving coaching in a supportive environment. The course will address several key areas including:

• What makes effective science communication
• Why critical thinking is important
• What are logical fallacies
• How to use logic in argument construction
• How to be a persuasive public speaker
• Team working for public discourse
• How to deal with public criticism
• How to be confident in the public eye

To assist on-going development, the course provides a framework which participants can use to continue their personal development.

Dates: 23rd and 24th November 2017

Venue: University of Amsterdam, Plantage Muidergracht 12, 1012 WX, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Web-site: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/critical-thinking-for-public-discourse-tickets-37282241187

Registration: Mandatory, via the above web-site. Deadline for registration is 2017-10-22

Micro-grants: Marie Curie Alumni Association members can apply for an up to €400 micro-grant, which can contribute to travel and accomodation costs for this course. The application should be registered on the MCAA web-site at https://www.mariecuriealumni.eu/form/micro-grants-critical-thinking-public-discourse-amsterdam-nov-2017 by 2017-10-08.

NB: Transkills Cancellation Policy: http://transkills.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Transkills-Training-Cancellation-Policy.pdf