Esteemed broadcaster helps young engineers to find their inner presenter
19th July 2024
14 of IChemE’s specially selected student and early career members visited our UK office last week to participate in a public speaking workshop led by respected professional writer, broadcaster, and presenting coach Dallas Campbell.
The factual television presenter, known for his work on The Gadget Show, Bang Goes the Theory, The Sky at Night, and more, guided the young engineers through a series of discussions and practical exercises designed to enhance their communication and presentation skills, build confidence, and strengthen their storytelling techniques.
Among the workshop attendees were IChemE members from a range of sectors and backgrounds, including winners and finalists from the inaugural Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability, and members who participated in our recent Presidential Address and Shell NXplorers workshop.
Darcie George, IChemE Student Member, University of Bath said: "In the workshop I picked up a variety of skills, the main focus being a growth in confidence when speaking publicly. However, even simpler things were built on, such as taking on feedback and applying it straight away. As well as this, I also increased my familiarity with being stood in front of a group of people, which is what I personally find most daunting about public speaking... Once I graduate and begin my career, I believe that the skills targeted in the workshop will help me excel in my personal field."
Dr Rachel Bibby, Director of Member Experience and Professional Learning, IChemE, said: “The ability to speak clearly and confidently on a wide variety of subjects is a vital skill in any discipline, especially one as important as chemical engineering. By attending this workshop, some of our most promising young engineers have begun to master a range of valuable presentation and communication techniques that they can draw on throughout their careers, as well as employ when representing IChemE at external events.”
“A big thank you to all of our members who attended, and to Dallas for sharing his enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise with the group, as well as helping to ensure that the future leaders of our profession are equipped with the tools they need to communicate effectively with any audience.”
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Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics, and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
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The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 30,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.