نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Better Small Talk and Effective Networking

Course Information

The course "Better Small Talk and Effective Networking" is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Registration opens on January 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM, and the registration deadline is February 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM. This course is free of charge and is exclusively available to doctoral candidates and postdocs of the University of Basel, with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 16 participants.

Aims

The primary objective of this course is to equip participants with the skills necessary to establish a winning and effective presence, associate authentically with people, and network efficiently. The course focuses on the importance of face-to-face interaction in making a lasting impression and building professional relationships. Participants will learn how to work a room, establish presence, and utilize small talk as a means to connect with others.

Content

The course covers the following topics:

• How to be a good networker
  • Tips for interaction and avoiding typical mistakes
  • Building relationships
  • Managing new contacts after an event or conference
• How to connect instantly
  • The three steps of building rapport
  • Recognizing who you are talking to
• Your presence
  • How to speak about yourself
  • How to be remembered
  • Body language
  • Listening skills
• How to have great conversations
  • Preparation techniques
  • Determining conversation topics
  • Showing interest
  • Remembering names
  • Listening skills
  • Dealing with over-talkative people and awkward silences
  • Ending conversations and moving on

Methods

The course employs a variety of methods, including:

• Input presentations
• Individual work
• Peer exchange
• Practical exercises

Target Group

The course is designed for all doctoral candidates and postdocs.

About the Trainer

The course is led by Catherine Tenger, an author and soft skills trainer from CLT Training.

Workload

The course requires 8 hours of attendance.

Feature

Once registration is open, applications will be collected for 24 hours, and course places will be allocated by lot. All registrations received after the initial 24-hour period will be placed on a waiting list and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Course places and waiting list positions will be confirmed by email.

Location

The course will take place at the Universit‰tsbibliothek Basel, GRACE room 306 (3rd floor), Schˆnbeinstrasse 18-20, 4056 Basel.