Become Conference Confident Workshops
A BSA Early Career Forum Regional Event
21 April 2026
University of Leeds, UK
About the Event
Sign up for one of these public speaking and networking workshops for early career researchers and learn how to deal with nerves while public speaking, how to deal with difficult questions at conferences or Q&As, or learn how to network, even if you are shy.
Many early career researchers have not had any training in public speaking, and academics often feel nervous at conferences and public engagement events. This is especially the case when their research is on sensitive topics, or when they know they are expected to network. Thankfully, these are skills you can learn.
Public Speaking: Dealing With Nerves
This workshop is aimed at people who get very nervous before and during public speaking. If your heart is racing, your mouth is dry, and you speak too fast when you present your work, please join this session. In this workshop we will work on the physical and emotional skills to help you speak more confidently and calmly, helping you let your research shine.
Public Speaking: Answering Difficult Questions
This workshop is aimed at people who struggle with, or worry about, answering questions after presenting their research or during a Q&A. We will work on how to prepare for difficult questions, how to politely move the conversation along, and how to confidently respond to inappropriate questions. This session is especially suited to researchers who work on a controversial or sensitive topic.
Networking For Shy People
This workshop will celebrate the awkwardness of networking, and of being shy. Taught by a former shy person, we will reframe networking and make it into an opportunity to connect with other people. The session includes lots of practical exercises to put into practice what you learn, and will set you up to meet some interesting people this conference season.
Registration
This event is free to attend but registration is required.
These workshops are hosted by Dr Lilith Brouwers, an academic, public speaking trainer and coach. Lilith has extensive experience in training provision and public speaking, and provides training to policy professionals in confidently crafting messages to both the public and politicians.