Think of an environmental leader you really admire. What are that person’s greatest assets? Chances are, clear and capable communication is near the top of the list. Of all the skills you can pack into your career toolbox, communication is among the most important. Here’s your chance to do something about that!
Communications and media workshop participants gain practical, hands-on experience developing new communication skills in areas such as interacting with the media, engaging policy-makers, communicating science to general audiences and building better presentations.
Building Better Presentations
IonE communications director Todd Reubold has been helping raise the quality of presentations at the University for years. Now you, too, can benefit from his insights and coaching. Learn presentation design and delivery best practices. Explore presenting to scientific and general audiences. Improve one of your own presentations.
Telling Your Story
Storytelling is an important leadership skill if you’re interested in science, policy and having an impact. This workshop will help you understand others’ stories and get better at telling your own. You’ll be able to answer the questions: Why do you do what you do? Why does your work matter? You’ll even gain a few ideas about how you can practice telling your story and so grow your leadership.
Telling Your Story with Maps
If you are new to GIS, this is the workshop for you. This workshop introduces participants to web-based mapping and spatial analysis using Esri’s ArcGIS Online. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on activities, participants will learn the fundamentals of designing and sharing online maps. Topics covered include preparing data for use, online data sources, map design, and spatial analysis.
In addition, this workshop guides participants through the process of telling stories with maps using the Esri Story Map platform. A discussion about best practices in visual storytelling will precede a step-by-step tutorial on creating your own Esri Story Map.
This workshop is being taught by Kate Carlson from U-Spatial and combines two of their traditional workshops: Mapping 101 and Visual Storytelling with Maps.
In My Opinion
It’s easier than ever to enter the public conversation through a variety of forums such as Facebook, tweets and tirades at your local bar. Still, a well-crafted opinion piece holds sway. If you have the skills, discipline, rigor and leadership to put your ideas out into this more formal public conversation, you can share your viewpoint with thousands or even millions of influential people. This workshop will introduce you to the art of the op-ed, get you started on your very own op-ed and offer ideas on where you can pitch your finished piece. We bring in experts, including editors from major Twin Cities media, to help.
Your Life Online
What is the world is finding out about you online? How can you be more strategic about that? How can the internet help you advance your career? This workshop will help you think broadly about your online presence and the world of social media.
Interacting with the Media
You have interesting stories to share — stories that can help make the world a better place. And journalists can help you share your story, especially if you help them do their jobs. In this popular Boreas workshop, you’ll get to meet, conduct mock interviews with and learn from local reporters. Learn how to pitch stories and give a great interview.