Communication workshops

Since 2019, I have delivered over 40 communication workshops for universities, non-profit organizations, and private companies across nine countries.

I’m happy to offer workshops free of charge to organizations with limited financial resources.

Hollywood storytelling workshop

How can we tell stories that make our ideas more engaging and meaningful to diverse audiences?

Building on my lifelong interest in movies, a stint working in television production at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and science communication research, for several years I have been conducting interactive communications workshops for organizations, researchers, and students. The workshop focuses on how we can utilize Hollywood screenwriting principles to more effectively engage diverse audiences about our research and work. It consists of introductions to relevant communications literature, analyzing clips from popular films/TV, as well as hands-on group exercises to put storytelling principles into practice. Depending on the interests of the group, I also explore issues around strategic framing and political discourse, especially in the context of environmental issues. We also explore how to navigate some of the risks and limitations of storytelling, especially in the context of responsibly communicating research findings.

The workshop can be held in person or online. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a workshop for your organization or group.

Resources

Ettinger, J., Otto, F.E.L., Schipper, F.L. 2021. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for science. Nature, 589, 352.
Ettinger, J. 2020. What Hollywood can teach researchers about science storytelling. Nature Careers.
Ettinger, J. 2022. Don't Look Up shows bashing people over the head with facts does not work. The Conversation.
Nature Masterclass - Narrative Tools for Researchers: https://masterclasses.nature.com/online-course-in-narrative-tools/18498356

Public speaking workshop

In an age of AI slop, standing out as a great speaker is more important than ever.

This workshop provides practical tools for preparing and delivering engaging presentations, while helping participants develop their own speaking style that feels natural and authentic.

Participants will learn how to:

Structure presentations around a clear central message
Explain complex ideas simply and effectively
Open and close a presentation with impact
Use stories, examples, and visuals to make ideas memorable
Speak with greater confidence and more effective body language
Adapt a message for different audiences
Handle questions and unexpected moments
Build their confidence to engage successfully in one-on-one and small-group conversations

Participants will have opportunities to practice throughout the session, making this a hands-on workshop rather than only a lecture about public speaking.

Prior workshops

Oxford Climate Society Climate Action Week, Jan 2019
Stockholm Environment Institute (Oxford), Feb 2019
Stockholm Environment Institute (Stockholm), Feb 2019
Stockholm Environment Institute (Bangkok), March 2019
Oxford Climate Society Climate Action Week, Jan 2020
The Haberdashers' Aske's School (London), Feb 2020
MSc Environmental Change and Management, University of Oxford, March 2020
MSc Biodiversity Conservation and Management, University of Oxford, March 2020
Nature Science Communication Masterclass, course interviewee, August 2020
Hofstra University, human geography course, September 2020
Oxford University Biodiversity Network, October 2020
Lab group of Professor Yadvinder Malhi, Oxford University, November 2020
Environmental Change Institute, energy research team, Oxford University, December 2020
SIAM Microbiology Network - Netherlands, January 2021
Doctoral research seminar, School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University, February 2021
MSc Environmental Change and Management, University of Oxford, February, 2021
MSc Biodiversity Conservation and Management, University of Oxford, February 2021
CREDS - UK Energy Research Consortium, March 2021
Fleishman-Hillard, London, March 2021
Bayer Pharmaceuticals, April 2021
Visiting Pakistani Academics programme, Saïd Business School, September 2021
MSc Sustainable Urban Development, University of Oxford, October 2021
Maison Française d’Oxford, October 2021
Doctoral research seminar, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, October 2021
MSc Biodiversity Conservation and Management, University of Oxford, February 2022
MSc Environmental Change and Management, Oxford University, March 2022
Oxford Meeting Minds Alumni Conference, April 2022
Rockefeller University/Weill Cornell University, Science and Education Policy Association, April 2022
Copernicus Science Centre, Warsaw, Poland, May 2022
King Alfred’s Academy, Academic Enrichment Programme, June 2022
Doctoral research seminar, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, February 2023
Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, UK, August 2023
Lithuanian Journalism Center/Vilnius University, Lithuania, November 2023
Human Impacts Institute, Artivism and Amplifiers Fellowship, USA, March 2024
University of Amsterdam, School of Communication Research, Netherlands, June 2024
European Recycling Industries Confederation (EURIC), Brussels, January 2025
KU Leuven International and European Studies research group, Belgium, January 2025
KU Leuven HIVA - Research Institute for Work and Society, Belgium, February 2025
Brussels School of Governance, Belgium, March 2025
Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, UK, August 2025
George Mason University, USA, October 2025
Gentian, UK, November 2025
University of Amsterdam, School of Communication Research, Netherlands, February 2026
Catholic Climate Covenant, USA, June 2026
University of Oxford Climate Leadership Research Centre, UK (regular workshops throughout the year)

I can adapt the format, examples, and exercises to your organization, audience, and goals.

Workshops can be delivered as:

Short sessions for conferences, events, or team meetings
Half-day workshops combining teaching and practical exercises
Full-day workshops with more time for practice and feedback
Customized programs combining multiple communication topics
Private coaching for those who are committed to improving their communication skills, regardless of career level

Workshops can be delivered in person or remotely.

Interested in a workshop for your organization? Get in touch to discuss your audience, goals, and format.

Tailored to your needs

How I am different

As a researcher, I focus on evidence-based communication strategies based on the latest empirical research.
I have a unique professional background and have worked for a wide diversity of organizations.
I incorporate humor to make my workshops as fun as possible (sorry in advance for my dad jokes––since I became a dad last year, they’ve really become “a parent”).
Pro bono workshops: I’m happy to offer communication workshops free of charge to organizations with limited financial resources.

"This workshop provides an immensely valuable and humorous insight into how film industry story writing methods can help scientific writing. It is highly recommended for everyone who wants to think about how they can tell more engaging scientific stories, full of insights for everyone from research student to senior professor."

Professor Yadvinder Malhi, CBE, FRS, University of Oxford
"Josh ran a virtual workshop for our team sharing valuable insights on the film industry’s story writing methods and how they can be used in communicating about science. It was both immensely enjoyable and valuable. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone wishing to demystify science whether writing as a student, professor or for industry."

– Jacqui Sanders, former Head of Healthcare, Director & Partner, Fleishman-Hillard
"I loved this workshop! It introduced concepts about writing that, as a scientist, I had never considered before. The presentation and communication of the content was also great."

Student feedback, University of Oxford MSc student

Let’s Work Together

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