Program Overview

Better Small Talk and Effective Networking

Course Information

The course "Better Small Talk and Effective Networking" is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 4th March 2026, from 09:00 to 17:00.

• Registration begins on 21st January 2026 at 09:00 and ends on 4th February 2026 at 12:00.
• The course is free of charge and is exclusively for doctoral candidates and postdocs of the University of Basel, with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 16 participants.
• The instructor for the course is Catherine Tenger.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this course are to equip participants with the skills necessary for a winning and effective presence, and to teach them how to associate and network with people authentically.

• Participants will learn how to work a room, have presence, and use small talk as a door opener.
• The course aims to provide tips for good conversations that go beyond the surface level without becoming too deep or uncomfortable.
• Participants will also learn how to build their network, navigate it, and grow social capital.

Course Content

The course content includes:

• How to be a good networker: Tips for interaction, avoiding typical mistakes, building relationships, and what to do with new contacts after an event or conference.
• How to connect instantly: The three steps of building rapport and recognizing who you are talking to.
• Your presence: How to speak about yourself, how to be remembered, body language, and listening skills.
• How to have great conversations: Preparation, determining what to talk about, being interested, remembering names, listening skills, dealing with over-talkative people and awkward silences, and ending conversations.

Format

The course format includes:

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

Target Audience

The course is designed for all doctoral candidates and postdocs.

Instructor Information

Catherine Tenger is the author and soft skills trainer at CLT Training.

Workload

The course attendance requires 8 hours.

Special Features

• 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 put on a waiting list and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Course places and waiting list positions will be confirmed by email.
• Full course attendance is mandatory, and participants who fail to attend without prior notification or withdraw after the registration deadline are subject to a fee.

Location

The course will take place at the Universitätsbibliothek Basel, GRACE room 306 (3rd floor), Schönbeinstrasse 18-20, 4056 Basel.