On January 17, 2019, the University of Minnesota hosted a conference to help faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students more effectively share knowledge and research with audiences outside of academia.

The conference brought faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students together from across disciplines at the University to improve their communication and storytelling skills. The one-day event, hosted by a collection of colleges and units from across the U of M Twin Cities, featured interactive training exercises, break-out sessions, and a keynote presentation by Emily Graslie, chief curiosity correspondent at Chicago’s Field Museum and creator and host of YouTube science channel “The Brain Scoop.” For those who couldn’t make it to the event, here are eight easy takeaways.  If you are interested in delving deeper into the art of oral presentation the Center for Immunology offers a yearly seminar series, known as the RED Seminars, standing for Relational Experience Development, the seminar series provides the principles of effective oral communication, examines deeper topics, and provides individual feedback. Please watch our site for updates to the calendar for the RED Seminars, all are welcome.