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filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
What is Take First! ?
Take First! is a free, online program that prepares you to win your graduate research competition (GRC). Designed as an 8-week journey, it will guide you in mastering the key elements of a successful GRC talk: your narrative, your slide or prop, and your physical presence. Beyond these essential elements, the program coaches you on other science communication skills such as connecting with your audience, developing your vocal character, managing jargon, receiving and processing feedback, and much more.
The title, Take First!, is a play on the idea of winning first place. The expression is somewhat colloquial to the English language. When we are talking about a competitive situation in English, it is not uncommon for someone to say "I/s/he/we took first/second/third [place]". I chose the title as a reflection of my aspirations for you in your GRC.
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Why is the Take First! program needed?
Having spent over a decade in science communication training, I've seen firsthand how limited the resources are to support graduate students. Even though decision-makers frequently agree on the value of science communication training, making the investment to prepare for a once-a-year GRC often falls off the priority list. This is true for graduate students broadly, but especially for international graduate students. Take First! goes beyond workshop-level advice to bring you the strategic guidance you need to succeed in your competition.
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How am I qualified to guide you in your GRC journey?
From 2016 – 2021, I taught graduate courses at the University of Virginia (UVA) in the United States on how to communicate complex research. We learned how to discover our audiences, curate a message for that audience, and deliver the message with passion and clarity. In parallel to teaching, I also organized the UVA's Three-Minute Thesis, better known as the 3MT. Additionally, I have written several articles and book chapters on several of the science communication topics we cover in Take First!.
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How is Take First! different from GRC prep workshops at your university?
From time to time, universities will offer workshops and other sessions to help students prepare their GRC talks. This is good, and you should definitely participate. In my research building Take First!, what I found was that these workshops were usually an hour or two long, focusing mainly on the presentation itself along with presentation skills.
Take First! is distinct in that it offers a methodical and strategic approach to winning your GRC. The time commitment is much more substantial than an afternoon workshop, but so are your chances of winning.
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How did I develop the Take First program?
Take First! synthesizes years of teaching research communication with my experience running a graduate research competition. Not unlike a research process, I have iterated and tested the concepts and tools I champion until they perform consistently. While I admit to extensive experience in the world of science communication, I also know there is always something new to learn. (See next question. ;-) )
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Do you accept feedback on Take First! ?
Of course! Feel free to share your concerns, questions, suggestions, and ideas with me at take.first.in.your.grc@gmail.com. My only request would be that if you are writing with a complaint, I'd be grateful if you could offer me an alternative suggestion that has potential to address your concern.
Messages with kudos and gratitude are always welcome!