Active Listening (PgED workshop)

PrerequisitesNew

This session is hosted by the Postgraduate Education and Development programme, but is open to and suitable for postdocs. There are a limited number of places available for postdocs on this session, if it is full please add your name to the waiting list. Postdocs must book a place through this Postdoc Academy page and are not permitted to book through the Postgraduate Researcher Development page.

About this session

This interactive workshop explores how to listen with conscious intention and greater depth in both academic and everyday settings. Participants will examine the invisible drivers of communication — such as beliefs, values, needs, and assumptions — using models that illustrate what lies beneath the surface of our behaviour. The session will introduce different types of questions and listening styles, highlighting how typical conversation patterns can limit understanding. Drawing on a structured listening strategy inspired by professional negotiation practice, the course offers practical tools for improving attention, empathy, and persuasive communication.

This training is provided free of charge to postgraduate researchers, however, the cost of providing the course is £30 per participant.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

This is one of the formal development opportunities that you can engage with as part of your minimum 10 days (pro rata) of professional development under the Researcher Development Concordat (2019). To learn more about the Concordat, the responsibilities of the University and its research staff therein, please visit our Professional Development Guidance page.

Postdocs and PhD students

Postdocs can book using this page.

Postgraduate students should book a place on this event using this link. We cannot guarantee your place if you book via the incorrect page.

If you do not have a CRSID or are otherwise unable to book via the UTBS booking system, please contact development.pda@admin.cam.ac.uk.

This workshop is run by an external trainer and places are limited. If you are unable to attend please ensure you cancel your place, or contact us at researcher.development@admin.cam.ac.uk, at least 24hrs in advance so we can allocate your place to another student.

Please note that late comers will not be admitted after 1 Hour

Number of sessions: 1

Participants will learn how to listen beyond words, identify underlying values, and respond in ways that build trust, clarity, and influence.

The aims of this workshop are to:

• Develop participants’ awareness of what underpins communication beyond surface-level behaviours.
• Introduce the difference between unconscious and conscious modes of communication.
• Explore the impact of question types and listening styles on the quality of interactions.
• Provide a practical framework for active listening that enhances understanding and influence.
• Equip participants with tools to better identify others’ values and use this insight to build rapport and persuasive connection.

Half day in person workshop

About the Trainer

This workshop will be facilitated by Dr Geraint Wyn Story. Geraint did a PhD in the Department of Plant Sciences at Cambridge, and then worked as a research team manager for a biotech company for two years before changing career direction and becoming the Researcher Development Consultant for the life sciences at Cambridge from 2008 – 2014. He then founded his company Cambridge Training Associates and continues to deliver personal and professional development internationally. Creativity is the cornerstone of his work, enabling him to take innovative and original approaches to work, and is an integral part of some of his facilitation tools and techniques including LEGO Serious Play.

3.5 hours