Important Dates

Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Trainer: Dr. Michael Gordian
Language: English
Registration: from 01 December 2025 until 10 January 2026
Deregistration: until 10 January 2026

for members of the University of Bayreuth Graduate School via BayDOC 

For Postdocs+ (= postdocs, habilitation candidates and junior professors (with and without tenure track) & junior research group leaders between habilitation and junior professorship) via WiN-UBT portal

Description:
There is an abundance of books and seminars on the topic of conversational skills, yet only a few of them prove to be truly effective. This often occurs as they try to place individuals into predefined categories, reducing them to simplified rule systems, like the overused Four-Color Model (DISG).
This workshop, however, takes a different approach to the art of conversation and dialogue. We begin by analyzing a variety of effective rhetorical techniques, which we then put to the test in diverse individual and group exercises. Our primary focus centers on typical conversation formats in academia and the science: internal meetings, conference small talk, as well as navigating conflicts and other challenging conversations. Furthermore, we will concentrate on the essential art of asking engaging and meaningful questions, while also discussing methods to cultivate the right mindset for developing and fostering empathy, and facilitating a smooth conversation flow.
By the end of this workshop, all participants will have acquired a "toolbox" of numerous proven conversation techniques, tips, and tricks for their professional and private conversations. Our workshop will be highly interactive, emphasizing hands-on practice. Come prepared to engage actively, challenge yourself, and to have fun with it!

Dr. Michael Gordian is a communication and career development trainer specialising in science communication, social skills, and creative thinking. He facilitates workshops and coachings at more than 20 universities and international research institutes. Passionate about flow, curiosity, and human connection, he designs engaging trainings and learning games.

Learning objectives: 

• Master any kind of work-related conversation with confidence and clarity
  
• Maintain natural flow and connection in dialogue
• Use rhetorical techniques flexibly and with purpose
• Understand key psychological principles behind effective conversations
• Apply these insights to navigate challenging or high-stakes exchanges
  

For reasons of respect and fairness towards all participants and the workshop leaders, participants who miss more than 10% of the workshop are considered not to be present. You will therefore not receive a certificate and you will not be able to use the workshop in question to unlock funds or acquire further qualifications.

Before you register, please confirm with your supervisor/ employer that you are free to participate in the course on that date.