Grad Slam Workshops & Information Sessions

Prepare to present in Grad Slam or your next public speaking opportunity using our information sessions and workshops. All sessions are free to attend and offered in a variety of formats.

Who

All students may attend the workshops. Participation in Grad Slam is not required to attend. Registration is highly encouraged. Registration will open in January.

Where

All workshops for Spring 2024 will be offered in hybrid format via Zoom and at the Graduate Center (1600 E 1st St.) in Room 102. The link to the Zoom meetings is provided after registration. 

Information Sessions are offered over Zoom only.

Schedule and Topics

Titles and descriptions of workshops subject to change. All times are in Mountain Standard Time zone. Missed a workshop or information session? No worries, Don't fret. You can access slides and handouts from the workshops by visiting our online folder. You will need to login using your NetID and password.

Information Sessions

All information sessions are offered via Zoom. The link will be provided after registration.

Workshops

The series focuses on how to utilize the COMPASS Message Box for public speaking and communication of research and the importance of outreach or creative projects. Communication strategies from other sources such as Toastmasters, theatre, and journalism will be incorporated into the workshop series. Workshops are offered in a hybrid format.

Intro to the Message Box and Defining the Audience and Topic

Attendees will learn about the Message Box technique as a communication tool. Following the overview, attendees will take a deeper dive into the first two sections of the Message Box: defining one's Audience and the Issue(s) one's work addresses.

Communicating the Problem and Answering the So What Question

Attendees will learn about strategies for communicating to a diverse audience the problem(s) their work addresses and strategies for communicating the importance of their work a.k.a. answering the "So What?" question.

Communicating Benefits and Solutions to Your Audience

Attendees will learn about ways to identify the benefits and solutions of their work for a variety of audiences. The workshop will also explore how to connect benefits and solutions to each other and to other parts of one's Message Box.

Crafting a Memorable Message

Attendees will learn strategies for making presentations to diverse audiences memorable and will have an opportunity to get feedback on ideas they have for their next presentation.

Visual Design Considerations

Attendees will learn strategies for visual design of slides and related visual aids for oral presentations.

Presenting with Confidence and Effective Use of Body Language and Vocal Variety

Attendees will learn how to mitigate presentation anxiety and strategies for using body language and vocal variety.

Presentation Practice Sessions

These sessions are dedicated time for Grad Slam participants to practice their presentations, get feedback, and ask questions.