Perfect Pitch

Perfect Pitch

Get your work heard by the right people by perfecting the art of a spark talk.

Who it’s for:


Researchers and scientists looking to land funding, connect with collaborators, and spark impactful new partnerships—anytime, anywhere.

Description


What if you had just 3 minutes to shine—to make your research irresistible to funders, collaborators or investors? This fast-paced, practical course helps you craft a fresh, compelling pitch that grabs attention and delivers results. Learn how to communicate your work with clarity, confidence and a clear call to action, then capture it on video for use across your professional network.

What you’ll get (learning outcomes):

A proven structure for a high-impact elevator pitch
Pitching techniques that connect with the right people, fast
Tools to lead with confidence and purpose
A polished video of your pitch—ready for funding applications, media, or chance meetings

Course Details:

Online
In-person
*Development of short videos: R50 000 (for 20 participants)

“I’d like this workshop to be carried in all the institutions even to people who are new to research or have not done research in their careers”

Chat to us about tailoring this course to your needs.

Storytelling for Academics

Turn your research into compelling stories that impact audiences. This bundle covers the power of story in research communications, including how to de-jargonise your writing, and how to structure a narrative for public engagement. You'll also learn to pitch your work to the media, funders, collaborators, and wider audiences.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Popular Writing
  3. Media Training
  4. Perfect Pitch

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.  

You will leave this training series with:

  • An understanding of the difference between scientific communications (e.g. papers and conference presentations) and public communication (targeted at a lay-audience)
  • An understanding of how story creates the structure behind many forms of popular communications.
  • An appreciation for what audiences want, and how to shape your work to engage and inspire.

Getting your name out there

Clarify your unique research offering, increase visibility and amplify your impact with this workshop series designed to help you stand out in your field. Learn to set clear communication goals, craft accessible stories, and master media opportunities that get you noticed and connected.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Popular Writing
  3. Media Training
  4. Personal Branding

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.

You will leave this training series with:

  • A strategic plan for your science communication and research engagement activities
  • A simple framework for quickly writing compelling popular articles and snippets
  • Confidence for working with the media to achieve your communication goals
  • Knowledge and skills for using digital platforms to grow visibility and impact

Pitching for partnerships

Learn the fundamentals of strategic science communication—what you’re asking for, why it matters, and why funders and partners should trust you. Then, master delivering your message with confidence and clarity. This series is designed to help researchers build credibility, inspire action, and make a lasting impression.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Personal Branding
  3. Power Presentations
  4. Perfect Pitch

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs. 

You will leave this training series with:

  • A clear understanding of your strategic goals, key stakeholders for engagement and messages for each stakeholder group
  • A clear articulation of your value offering, your unique selling points and your ask
  • A powerful presentation or pitch and the confidence to deliver it

Public speaking for academics

Build your confidence as a communicator with this short public speaking series for researchers. Learn to pitch, present, and handle media interviews while exploring why public engagement matters—and how to do it well, even if the spotlight isn’t your thing.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Media Training
  3. Power Presentations
  4. Perfect Pitch

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.

You will leave this training series with:

  • Confidence for delivering public talks about research no matter the context or audience
  • An appreciation of different kinds of public speaking platforms and how to use each to achieve your strategic goals
  • Practical steps and proven techniques to ensure that your speaking opportunities have the desired outcomes and impacts

The Art of Research: Full package

Break through with our full research engagement training series. This 6 part, series is designed for researchers and knowledge holders ready to take their work into the public realm. Learn to communicate with clarity, write and speak for public audiences, engage youth, pitch to media, and share your science for real-world impact.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Popular Writing
  3. Personal Branding
  4. Media Training
  5. Perfect pitch
  6. Power presentations

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.

You will leave this training series with:

  • Clarity and confidence to undertake a wide range of public engagement activities
  • Skills for written, spoken and digital communications, through the media and your own channels
  • Growing platforms for ongoing public engagement and communication to support your career and enhance the impact of your knowledge