Objectives:
How can I make an impact in professional contexts such as small-talk situations at conferences? What can help me in situations where I face an international crowd and how can I connect to an interdisciplinary audience? The workshop Make an Impact! offers the opportunity to enhance overall effective communication (verbal and non-verbal), as well as interpersonal settings, in order to improve networking and self-promotion opportunities.

Description:
Throughout the workshop, participants will be guided through interactive exercises to improve their communication, as well as focus on the quality of their language content and physical expression. The aim is to develop strategies to make a lasting and positive impact on groups, colleagues, and significant contact persons (networking). 
Trainer input will provide the opportunity to gain new insights in effective communication and learn how to present themselves more effectively and to make the best impression and strongest impact.

Contents:
• Self-marketing: effectively promoting oneself (verbal business cards)
• Spontaneous small talk: informal chatting with a purpose
• Developing awareness skills
• Concise and effective introductions: make an impact!
• Body language focus

Methods:
• Theoretical sessions to highlight key aspects and strategies
• Role-play scenarios
• Hands-on exercises for practicing
• Both group and individual feedback

The traditional publishing model requires researchers to publish in journals that charge readers for access. But are there alternative publishing models that make research openly available? And does open access always mean paying to publish? This lecture will present the main scholarly publishing models, their advantages and limitations, and will provide an overview of authors’ rights and obligations in the context of open access.

This workshop introduces participants to two complementary forms of professional networking: business-oriented digital platforms (e.g., LinkedIn and Xing) and professional or disciplinary societies (e.g., DMV and SIAM). Participants will examine the specific functions and potential benefits of these networking structures, compare their respective strengths and limitations, and reflect on their relevance for different professional goals.
The workshop will address the following questions:
• What distinguishes business-oriented online networks from professional and disciplinary societies?
• How can these structures be used effectively for academic collaboration and professional visibility?
• What are practical first steps for building and maintaining a professional network as a scientist?
The workshop is designed for early-career researchers and scientists who wish to develop a more strategic approach to networking in support of research collaborations, project development, and future career planning.