Better Data Science Communication Through Improv

Presented by Ben Rush, Radiology

Collaborator: Anne Lynn Gillian-Daniel, Materials Science and Engineering

This interactive workshop is designed for scientists, trainees, and professionals who want to sharpen their ability to communicate effectively and adaptively. In academia and industry alike, ideas and stories often need to be shared in real time with diverse audiences—from colleagues and collaborators to decision-makers and the public. This session provides a lively, low-stakes space to build confidence in handling the unexpected. Through applied improv and playful practice, participants will experiment with spontaneous speaking, responding to mistakes, and refining how they connect with others. Attendees are expected to participate.

Goals

• Increase your comfort communicating science by practicing how to adjust and pivot when the unexpected happens
• Develop various versions of your research overviews and stories for different audiences and scenarios
• Foster new connections and build community with other participants.
   

This session uses applied improv principles and interactive communication games to expand participants’ science communication toolkits. Activities are designed to meet participants where they are—whether graduate students honing their presentation skills or mid-career professionals looking to refresh their communication style. The workshop emphasizes practice over performance: participants are encouraged to engage at their own pace, laugh at mistakes, and support one another in experimentation.