Science Communication Workshop | Abstract accepted: And now what?
Non-verbal strategies and effective language use in conference talks
16-17 December 2025 | University of Alicante, Spain
About
The course aims to support researchers in communicating their work clearly, professionally, and persuasively to a wide range of audiences. Effective dissemination of research depends not only on the quality of the content, but also on how the message is structured, delivered, and made relevant for listeners.
Register now by clicking here!
- First session | Abstract accepted: And now what? Nonverbal strategies for impactful talks.
16 December, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. (CEST) - Second session | Abstract accepted: And now what? Effective language use in conference talks.
17 December, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. (CEST)
The first course centres on the nonverbal and visual aspects of communication that contribute to an engaging and successful presentation. Participants will work with voice modulation, pacing, posture, gestures, eye contact, and principles for designing slides that enhance rather than distract from the scientific message. Through examples and hands-on practice, the course highlights how these elements shape the audience’s comprehension and overall impression. These strategies are particularly useful for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) speakers, who often need to reinforce clarity and confidence through visual and behavioural cues. The aim is not to alter anyone’s natural speaking style, but to offer practical tools that can strengthen individual communicative skills.
The second course focuses on the linguistic dimension of academic communication in English, understood as a global lingua franca among scholars. It begins by examining the conventions of writing an effective abstract and continues with guidance on using English strategically to achieve clarity, accuracy, and fluency when presenting research. Although the session is commonly delivered to Spanish students, it can be easily adapted for participants from other linguistic backgrounds. While proficiency in English is certainly helpful, it is not the sole determinant of success: there are verbal strategies that speakers can apply—regardless of whether they have a B2 or C1 level—to ensure their message is conveyed effectively. The course also provides practical advice on crafting concise, well-structured abstracts that communicate the essential aspects of a research project.
Taken together, both courses offer researchers a set of practical, reflective, and transferable tools to enhance the impact and visibility of their academic work. Mastering these skills is a crucial component of an academic career, as it facilitates the dissemination of research beyond local contexts and opens the door to new collaborations and opportunities within the scientific community.
Speaker
José A. Sánchez Fajardo is an Associate Professor in the Department of English Philology at the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters (University of Alicante). He holds a degree in English Philology from the University of Havana (2005) and a PhD in English Philology from the University of Alicante (2016). Since 2014, he has been a member of the Lexicology and Lexicography research group (University of Alicante), which focuses on the study of the lexicon from various approaches. His research lines cover the morphological and lexicological levels of language, with particular interest in pragmatics and sociolinguistics.
