Thursday, May 16th
DAY 1: THE ESSENTIALS
Participate in improvisation exercises to help you better connect with various audiences, and learn how to engage in a more empathic way.
8:30-9:00 AM | Light breakfast
9:00-9:30 AM | Welcome to the Alda Center’s Science Communication Workshop
9:30-12:00 PM | See & Be Seen
12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00-2:30 PM | Designing a Vivid Message
2:45-4:45 PM | Just a Minute (JAM) Session
4:45-5:00 PM | Reflection Routine & Wrap Up
DAY 2: THE CORE
Friday, May 17th
Begin applying new improvisation and communication skills to refine and practice presenting your work in a new and more engaging way.
8:30-9:00 AM | Light breakfast
9:00-10:15 AM | Context and Relating to Your Audience
10:15-10:50 AM | Preparing for a Difficult Conversation
11:00-12:15 PM | Talking to a Difficult Audience
12:15-1:15 PM | Lunch
1:15-2:45 PM | Stories of Science
3:00-4:30 PM | Practice to Perform
4:30-5:00 PM | Celebrating the Journey
"Communication is not something you add on to science; it is the essence of science."
- Alan Alda
Copyright 2021, American Psychological Association
Reinforce Your Unique Selling Proposition
Describe Trip details
Are you interested in communicating your message to others outside of your discipline? Do you find it challenging to share your work in a vivid and engaging way? If so, register to attend the next world-class trainings hosted by APA and the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science.
For a limited time, APA is offering this highly valued training to Science Spotlight subscribers for FREE! (See details below).
Attendees will learn:
- How to craft communications intelligible to non-scientists
- Solutions to common problems in public and peer-to-peer communications
- Improvisational theater techniques to speak more vividly and expressively
- And much more!
The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University advances science and medicine through training in clear and vivid communication. They envision a world that recognizes the wonder and value of science, and value authenticity, honesty, integrity, collaboration, continuous improvement and commitment to excellence.
During his 11 years hosting the PBS television series Scientific American Frontiers, Alan Alda realized that the conversational approach he took in interviewing scientists led to a surprisingly spontaneous and vivid presentation of their work. Using improvisational techniques he had learned in 50 years of acting on stage on on-screen, Alda devised The Alda Method™. Since 2009, the Alda Center has used this training methodology to improve the communication skills of over 10,000 scientists and throughout the world.
Recent clients include NASA, NIH, IBM, Harvard Medical School, Columbia University, Department of Defense, and other top scientific institutions. You can learn more about Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science on their website.
Will recordings or remote viewing options be offered?
No recordings will be offered. Remote viewings are only available to individuals participating in online training. This exclusive content is only available to paid participants.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
For in-person trainings, we recommend you bring a notebook and pen for notes, but nothing else is needed.
To take part in our online learning modules, you will need Internet access and an audio and video-enabled computer during the session. In addition, please ensure you have paper, pen, and a dark-colored marker available.
Will food and beverages be provided?
Water, coffee, and tea will be available for in-person training.
Do I have to be an APA member to participate in this training?
No, this is not an APA member-exclusive event. However, members often receive a discount on registration. Want to become an APA member? Apply online!
How can I receive information about future communications trainings?
Click here to join our mailing list.
Do the trainings include continuing education credits for psychologists?
No. CE credits are not available for these trainings.
I did not attend the training for which I paid. Am I eligible for a refund?
Refunds will not be issued if requested on the day of (or after) an event. With advance notice, we would be able to offer your seat to someone on the waitlist.
Who do I contact for matters regarding this training?
Please send any questions or comments to alanalda@apa.org.
FAQS
REGISTRATION
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
TESTIMONIALS
"The Alda communication workshop was most helpful in getting me outside my own thin skin to be able to focus on my audience and their needs . . . A wonderful experience!"
"This was the best workshop I have ever attended, and having been a member of APA for more than fifty years, that is saying a lot . . . The quality of the instructors was outstanding.
"The format was very powerful in teaching the material with wonderful and knowledgeable trainers. I would recommend [it] to every member of APA."
"This was the best course I've ever attended - tremendously practical, informative and a terrific opportunity to meet other psychologists from other parts of the field! Fabulous!"
"It was powerful and inspiring to gather at APA headquarters with such an accomplished group. Thank you for this exciting and informative course!"
NEXT ONLINE TRAINING
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
MAY 20, 2022
Thursday, May 16th
Thursday, August 6, 2020 – 1-3 PM
Creating Connections: An Introduction to the Alda Method®
How many of us fall into the trap of giving the same talk no matter who our audience is and expecting our message to stick?
For example, giving the same talk about ‘Antibacterial Resistance’ to doctors as you would to a class of 11-year-olds. Would the message stick? The answer is no! What would work then? Where does one even begin? This online workshop is designed to help scientists understand and connect with different types of audiences from the general public, peers, and professors to potential employers, policymakers, or family members.
There is no one audience when it comes to science communication. Effective science communication involves getting to know who your various audiences are, learning how to connect with them, and shaping your message to their needs.
Workshop Outcomes:
At the end of this interactive session, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the importance of knowing about your audience for effective communication.
2. Increase empathy for your audience - understand how they view you, and you view them.
NEXT WORKSHOP TBA
“The facts should speak for themselves.”
As much as we’d like this to be true, when it comes to science communication, this assumption can be a grave mistake. Data must be interpreted, framed, and delivered in an impactful way—by you, the scientist. But how do you determine how to frame your message and deliver it with the most impact?
This online workshop is designed to help scientists know what makes an effective communication goal and the importance of pursuing it actively with an audience. One goal does not fit all audiences. Effective science communication hinges on directing your knowledge of your audience and your understanding of context toward a realistic and inspiring goal.
Friday, May 17th
Creating Connections: An Introduction to the Alda Method®
Workshop Outcomes:
At the end of this interactive session, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the importance of knowing about their goals for effective communication.
2. Shift their communication approach to one that is audience-centered and realistic
Thursday, August 6, 2020 – 3:30 -5:30 PM
NEXT WORKSHOP TBA
ONLINE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
APA members save up to $20! Not a member? Join now.
APA Members: $79 | Nonmembers: $99
Know Your Goal (March 30)
REGISTER NOW!
Know Your Audience: An Introduction to the Alda Method®
How many of us fall into the trap of giving the same talk no matter who our audience is—and expecting our message to stick? For example, giving the same talk about ‘Antibacterial Resistance’ to doctors as you would to a class of 11-year-olds. Would the message stick? The answer is no! What would work then? Where does one even begin?
This online workshop is designed to help scientists understand and connect with different types of audiences, from the general public, peers, and professors to potential employers, policymakers, or family members. There is no one audience when it comes to science communication. Effective communication involves getting to know who your various audiences are, learning how to connect with them, and shaping your message to their needs.
Workshop Outcomes
At the end of the 90-minute interactive session, participants will be able to:
Cost: $79 member; $99 non-member
Instructor: Nancee Moes, MFA (Bio)
Space is limted per session.
Friday, March 12, 10:30 AM - 12 PM ET
- Understand the importance of knowing about your audience for effective communication.
- Increase empathy for your audience - understand how they view you, and you view them.
Know Your Goal: An Introduction to the Alda Method® — SOLD OUT
"The facts should speak for themselves.” As much as we’d like this to be true, when it comes to science communication, this assumption can be a grave mistake. Data must be interpreted, framed, and delivered in an impactful way—by you, the scientist. But how do you determine how to frame your message and deliver it with the most impact?
This online workshop is designed to help scientists know what makes an effective communication goal and the importance of pursuing it actively with an audience. One goal does not fit all audiences. Effective science communication hinges on directing your knowledge of your audience and your understanding of context toward a realistic and inspiring goal.
Workshop Outcomes
At the end of the 90-minute interactive session, participants will be able to:
Cost: $79 member; $99 non-member
Instructor: Radha Ganesan, PhD (Bio)
Space is limted per session.
Friday, June 11, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM ET
- Understand the importance of knowing about your audience for effective communication.
- Shift your communication approach to one that is audience-centered and realistic.
Creating Connections: An Introduction to the Alda Method®
If you are a researcher interested in effectively building trust and engaging others in science, this interactive session is for you.
This highly popular online training hosted by APA and the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science will introduce you to the principles of responsive listening and empathic communication.
Workshop Outcomes
At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
CE credits are not included. This session will not be recorded.
Cost: FREE (non-members must use code SSAldaFree to obtain the discount)
Instructor: Nancee Moes, MFA (Bio)
Space is limited per session.
Friday, May 20, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM ET
- Understand how the Alda Method supports effective science communication
- Identify strategies to make concise, targeted messages
- Recognize and begin to avoid using complex terminology and jargon
- Develop a personable and engaging online or in-person presence
SOLD OUT