Communication
Communicate purposefully and effectively to exchange ideas, information, and research with diverse audiences—choosing appropriate channels, tone, and formats (written, oral, visual, digital, and nonverbal) to ensure understanding, build alignment, and move work forward.
- Writing clearly and concisely in academic and professional contexts (e.g., emails, proposals, reports, manuscripts)
- Speaking with clarity and confidence to specialist and non-specialist audiences (e.g., lab meetings, classrooms, community or industry partners)
- Organizing messages so key points are easy to follow; summarizing decisions, next steps, and rationale
- Listening actively — asking clarifying questions, confirming understanding, and responding thoughtfully
- Adapting communication to the situation (tone, level of formality, timing, and medium: in-person, phone, email, chat, videoconferencing)
- Translating complex ideas, data, and discipline-specific jargon into accessible language for the intended audience
- Using visuals/media strategically to improve comprehension and engagement (e.g., slides, figures, posters, dashboards)
- Persuading and influencing ethically: presenting recommendations, advocating for ideas, and communicating value to stakeholders
- Navigating interpersonal communication with awareness of cultural differences, accessibility needs, and varied communication styles
- Proactively informing relevant people when you’re blocked or need guidance—and contacting the right person in the right way
- Giving and receiving constructive feedback to improve quality, relationships, and outcomes
- Communicating shared goals, expectations, and purpose to support team coordination and alignment
Resources:
UArizona Computer Based Training - Sign in using your NetId and password to access online training modules for software ranging from Windows products, Adobe, and more. For every course that you complete, you will receive a certificate from the Virtual Training Company, a reputable online training service.
UITS Research Computing – Services for the computation of large data sets, data evaluation guidance, data visualization (including a 3D immersion room, AZ-LIVE), and free statistical consulting
Images
Sources for high-quality, free, public domain, CC 0, attribution-free images:
- Unsplash - popular free photos representing human diversity
- Pixabay
- Flickr
- nappy - high-resolution photos that include people of color
- Rawpixel - wide-range of illustrations, graphics, photos, vector and .psd files - requires
- account creation
- UA Libraries has an excellent list of image sources
Text
Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity (C.R.A.P.) & Other Design Tips
- The Big Four: Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity
- Do Your Slides Pass the Glance Test?
- How to Create Pro Slides in Less Time: Don’t Worry, Be CRAPpy
- PowerPoint Rules
Charts and Graphs
Graduate Writing Lab - The Graduate Center's Graduate Writing Lab assists graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in becoming more skillful, knowledgeable writers over the course of their career at the university. We provide multiple services to support writers.
Career Services - The Graduate Center's Career Services team supports graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in all stages of career development by providing individual consultations, workshops and presentations, curated resource lists and documents, and support for departments and programs.
UofA Libraries' For Graduate Students website - The links under the "Become a Better Scholar" and "Sharpening Your Research Skills" headings are particularly useful.
UofA Writing Skills Improvement Program (WSIP) - Offers a wide variety of workshops and services including tutoring, the Graduate Writing Institute, and editing services.
UofA Think Tank's Writing Center - Free tutoring is offered across campus and online; students can get help from certified student tutors on writing projects. Graduate students should schedule through the Graduate Writing Lab tab if they would like to consult with a graduate tutor.
National Center for Faculty Diversity and Development Webinars and Writing Resources - Webinars on a variety of topics and writing support resources, including writing challenges, accountability buddy matching, and dissertation/article writing resources
How to Write a Great Research Paper and Get it Accepted by a Good Journal
ICMJE Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work – Offers recommendations for writers in all disciplines, especially those in the medical and biomedical sciences, to navigate authorship questions.
UofA Center for Career Readiness (CCR) Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Resume Writing Resources.
Grad Slam - A presentation competition and workshop series that builds public speaking proficiency while celebrating the research, community engagement, and creative work of graduate students.
AAUW Start Smart Workshops on Salary, Interviewing, and Negotiation - A workshop series cohosted by the Graduate Center and the Tucson Chapter of the AAUW.