PhDs Video Event
PhDs Video Event

Tips and tricks

(CAPHRI PhD Spring Meeting)

 

Liza Cornet / Studio Wetenschap

1. Content

Start and end Strong
• To grab the attention of the audience
• Start with a statement / question / quote / song
    o With something your audience can relate to
• In the end, come back to your beginning

Guide your audience through your research / Essential ingredients
• Take small steps
• 3 ingredients to convince your audience (Aristoteles)
    o Logos: Facts, information that can be checked, your research
    o Ethos: Credibility, about you as a speaker (e.g., you as a PhD candidate are an expert affiliated to Maastricht University)
    o Pathos: Experience, feelings, emotions
         Use your eyes, hands, use pauses
         Use a song or a photo for example to make it easier for your audience to remember
         Alternate between facts and non-factual information
         Use humor / lightness

Additional tips
• Avoid numbers, give context
• Avoid jargon
• Slow down (give audience time to digest what you have said)
• Use and show your enthusiasm/drive/passion

 

2. Creating a video

• First focus on content: The format should serve the content
• Keep it simple
    o Use the video skills you already have
    o Pick a format that is easy for you
• Make a script
• Timing: How much time do you need for making and editing, preparing, creating, etc.

 

3. Video ideas

• Talking head setting (ideally, make sure that the entire upper part of your body is visible)
• Interview setting
• Animation
• Song, spoken word, rap
• Prop story (props to tell the story)

 

4. More tips and examples

• Studio Wetenschap
• Universiteit Leiden
• Famelab International Final 2018: Start at 51:09
• Example of Logos, Pathos, Ethos

 

Roel Hermans

Craft your own message
  • Decide on the best channel
  • Relation comes before information
  • Get to know yourself (use stories)
  • Value your uniqueness (focus on your strengths and be the expert)
  • Smile and make contact with the audience
  • Think about your target audience (what do they want to know)
  • Use the language of your audience to connect
  • Give them a good quote they have to remember
  • Show enthusiasm about your work
Be proactive in becoming a good science communicator
  • Ask for help and advice
  • Start experimenting
  • Invest in yourself and your network
Preparation is key
  • Be prepared
  • Be flexible
  • Improvise and adapt
Make your own plan
  • Don’t check social media
  • Don’t listen to colleagues
  • Stop comparing yourself to others
When you’re in… then enjoy the ride!