Convincing and debating: Argumentation skills for scientists

Good arguments make a difference

Your research results are convincing – but can you convince others? Whether you’re defending your conclusions in a Q&A session, writing a grant proposal or asking your supervisor for a new mass spectrometer, strong arguments can make all the difference.

Being persuasive is not about winning every debate or speaking the loudest. It means understanding your audience, presenting evidence effectively and responding thoughtfully to objections. Sometimes you have time to prepare your arguments carefully; at other times, you need to react spontaneously.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore argumentation strategies and practise applying them in realistic scientific situations. Through debates, speaking exercises and feedback, you’ll learn to communicate your reasoning clearly, handle difficult questions and make a compelling case for your ideas.

In this workshop, you’ll learn to:

Build convincing arguments

• Structure your reasoning clearly and logically.
• Choose arguments that fit your audience and situation.
• Combine scientific evidence with accessible explanations and analogies.

Make your case in scientific settings

• Present persuasive arguments in research discussions and grant proposals.
• Adapt your approach to supportive, neutral or critical audiences.
• Communicate your position clearly in different group sizes and settings.

Handle questions and objections

• Respond constructively to challenging questions and criticism.
• Think on your feet without losing your train of thought.

Practise debating and persuasive speaking

• Engage your audience through effective rhetoric and delivery.
• Challenge opposing arguments without escalating conflicts.
• Apply your skills in realistic debates and Q&A situations.