IMPROV communication workshop

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Introduction 

This workshop is designed to provide PhD students with tools and techniques for enhancing their communication and collaboration skills in a new, fun, and engaging way. 

Facilitators from IMPROV Communication have extensive experience working with PhD students in the life sciences area. They will guide participants through a series of interactive exercises that promote positive communication and creativity.

The workshop will address, among other things, the benefits of becoming less self-focused and more team-focused, how we can accept failure as integral to growth, and how to control our tendency towards judgment (of ourselves and/or others).

Workshop Content

  1. Warm-up Exercises

    • Participants will start with warm-up exercises focusing on teamwork and communication to create a positive and innovative atmosphere.

  2. Training in the Five Principles

    • Yes, And: Learn to approach the world with openness and support the team by building on each other's ideas.
    • Do Not Judge Yourself: Overcome self-criticism and learn to share ideas without fear of judgment.
    • Do Not Judge Others: Create a supportive environment by avoiding judgment of others, fostering trust and openness.
    • Embrace Failure: Learn to see mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth.
    • Make Each Other Look Good: Strengthen the team by supporting each other and promoting collaboration.

  3. Interactive Sessions

    • Listening with Purpose: Develop skills to listen actively and with intent, enhancing understanding and collaboration.
    • Team-Focused Mindset: Understand the benefits of being less self-focused and more team-oriented.
    • Accepting Failure: Embrace failure as an integral part of growth and learning.
    • Controlling Judgment: Learn strategies to control the tendency towards judgment of oneself and others.
    • Proactive Collaboration: Discover how proactive collaboration and knowledge-sharing promote greater personal, interpersonal, and intellectual growth and innovation.

  4. Reflection and Discussion

    • After each exercise, participants will reflect on their experiences and discuss how they can apply the learned principles in their daily work and research.

Goals and Outcomes

  • Psychological Safety: Create an environment where everyone feels safe to share ideas and take risks.
  • Effective Communication: Improve communication skills by applying the principles of improvisation.
  • Creativity and Innovation: Foster creative thinking and innovation through collaboration and support.
  • Teamwork: Strengthen team cohesion and effectiveness by working together in a supportive and positive manner.

Practical Information

  • Date & Time: Friday, September 26, 2025, from 13:00 to 16:00
  • Venue: Seminar room, second floor, BRIC, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N.
  • Participants: Up to 20 PhD students.
  • Facilitator: Gordon Torbet, an experienced trainer from IMPROV Communication.

We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring and educational workshop that will enhance your communication and collaboration skills.

Who are IMPROV Communication

IMPROV Communication is an international communications training company with an improvisational twist, servicing a large number of local and global companies across sectors and industries.

The workshops that IMPROV Communication offers are based on ‘Applied Improvisation’, which is built on techniques that can be used in both personal and professional situations within – among other things – management, training, personal development and team building. For more information, go to improv.eu