“Do you sometimes feel nervous when speaking English in front of others?” When you feel anxious, you may not be able to fully convey your research and ideas, and feel like you’ve missed valuable opportunities.

Kyoto University, in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Villa Kamogawa will host a three-week workshop series starting on Friday, October 24. The workshop offers two courses, Level I (introductory) and Level II (intermediate), and participants can choose the course that best matches their experience and goals.

The workshop will be led by Ms. Caroline Redl, who has worked for more than 40 years in the performing arts and education in Germany and is also an accomplished actor. She has collaborated with universities, cultural institutions, and global companies, supporting participants worldwide in developing confidence, communication, and presentation skills.

Through hands-on exercises in English, participants will strengthen their communication skills, deepen intercultural understanding, and build confidence.

Participation in all three sessions is required, as the program is designed as each series. We warmly welcome the active participation of early-career researchers.

Level I: An introductory stage open to students focusing on developing knowledge and skills through specialized educational programs as well as practical experience, with the aim of pursuing practical achievements and career growth in an international context. Emphasis is placed on learning to analyze oneself, express one’s strengths with confidence, and communicate in ways that are understood and appreciated by others. (Approx. 10 participants)

Dates: Fridays, #1 October 24, #2 October 31, and #3 November 7, 16:00–18:00

Level II: A more advanced stage suitable for those at the doctoral level or beyond (including Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career researchers) who are pursuing or preparing for academic and research careers. The focus is on deepening expertise in a specialized field and contributing to the creation and advancement of knowledge on
an international scale. Emphasis is placed on clarifying one’s strengths based on expertise and developing the ability to communicate persuasively and gain empathy in academic and research contexts. (Approx. 10 participants)

Dates: Saturdays, #1 October 25, #2 November 1, and #3 November 8, 10:00–12:00

Language: English

Venue: #1 and #2: Yoshida Campus, Kyoto University,
#3: Goethe-Institut Villa Kamogawa

[Contents]
Through a unique mix of storytelling*, movement, and communication exercises, you will learn how to:
・ Feel more confident and comfortable in front of others
・ Overcome shyness and speak up with clarity and kindness
・ Use storytelling to express your ideas in a natural and powerful way
・ Communicate with respect and understanding across cultures
・ Improve your presence through posture, voice and body language
・ Work together in a safe and friendly group setting
* What is storytelling?

Event details: https://www.research.kyoto-u.ac.jp/event/20251024/