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III. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
In any professional environment, the ability to communicate one's thoughts in a way that people readily understand is critical. Although postdoctoral scholars learn many communication skills throughout their educational lifespan, these skills take time to master. Communication is more than preparing and sending a message; it is making every effort to be sure that the message is heard and understood by the appropriate audience.
Postdoctoral scholars are expected to demonstrate interpersonal and other communication skills that enable them to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels. They must also be prepared to communicate with students, media, and society at large. They need to develop writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Delineation of Specific Skills
- Writing
- Scientific publications
- Grants/applications
- Career, including curriculum vitae, resume, cover letters, and teaching statements
- Research and teaching statements or portfolio
- Letters of recommendation or collaboration
- Speaking
- Presenting research to scientific and lay audiences
- Conference and seminar presentations, including posters and PowerPoint
- Job interviews and job talks
- Teaching and Mentoring
- Teaching methods
- Learning styles
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Style, tone, and non-verbal cues
- Negotiation, e.g., in difficult economic times, formal conversations with PIs/mentors about continued funding of the postdoc position
- Performance reviews/feedback
- Conflict resolution, including difficult conversations/minimizing conflict
- Special Situations
- Networking
- Managing the news media
Resources
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