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Weidenfeld Scholars Practical Skills Training

Students gather for annual skills training session

12 - 13 March 2012
Oxford

Practical Skills Training, which is an integral part of the Weidenfeld Scholarships and Leadership Programme, took place in Oxford on 12-13 March. This aspect of the Leadership Programme is an important counterbalance to the Scholars’ academic activities, and aims to provide them with relevant and applicable skills that will enhance their development as leaders of the future.

Some 30 Scholars took part in a two-day session of intense presentation and negotiation skills workshops. These were led by Cadogan Consulting Ltd., with four trainers onsite on the first day and two on the second day. The first day, on presentation skills, focused on clear and effective formulation and conveyance of ideas, and saw the Scholars being filmed giving talks in small groups. They then watched the videos back and were given individual feedback on how to improve their delivery. Building on this, the second day focused on the principles of successful negotiation. For this, the trainers engaged the participants using a range of negotiation scenarios which were especially tailored to the Scholars’ backgrounds and interests. The two-day workshop closed with a speech given by the University of Oxford’s Public Orator, who explained the history and  relevance of rhetoric and oratory prowess, providing a fitting conclusion to the training.

The feedback from Scholars at the conclusion of the workshop was extremely positive, and it is clear that they felt they will  benefit from the experience in their academic and professional careers going forward.

View photos on ISD's Flickr page.