Communicating forensic science is an essential aspect of the criminal justice process. Challenges for practitioners include the interrogative structure, varied audiences, specialized language and adversarial narratives. This workshop addresses those challenges using research-driven communication principles to help scientists convey complexity while preserving accuracy. The Alda Method is a unique communication training technique blending improvisational theater with audience-focused design strategies. Driven by the adaptability and active listening central to improvisation and the empathy and connection prescribed by social science research, the Alda Method helps scientists effectively engage with non-expert audiences. Participants should expect active involvement and iterative moot testimony practice.
No required prerequisite knowledge. Intended audience is testifying forensic scientists. Although communication principles are also helpful for those scientists involved in investigations and teaching.
8:00 – 8:30AM | Breakfast available/Facilitators set-up |
8:30 – 8:45AM | Welcome, Check in |
8:45 – 9:25AM | Video Testimony Exercise #1 |
9:25 – 10:15AM | Welcome, Introduction, Name Exercise |
10:15 – 10:45 | Improv Immersion Part 1 (Listening and Mindset) |
10:45 – 11:00 | BREAK |
11:00 – 11:40AM | Improv Immersion Part 1 (Challenging Questions) |
11:40AM – 12:15PM | Improv Immersion Part 1 (Frame of Reference Role Play) |
12:15 – 1:15PM | LUNCH |
1:15 – 1:40PM | Improv Immersion Part 2 (Language Recognition) |
2:15 – 2:30PM | BREAK |
2:30 – 4:15PM | Improv Moot Courtroom |
4:15 – 4:45PM | Video Testimony Exercise #2 |
4:45 – 5:00PM | Wrap-up/Final Reflection |
Communicating forensic science is an essential aspect of the criminal justice process. Challenges for practitioners include the interrogative structure, varied audiences, specialized language and adversarial narratives. This workshop addresses those challenges using research-driven communication principles to help scientists convey complexity while preserving accuracy. The Alda Method is a unique communication training technique blending improvisational theater with audience-focused design strategies. Driven by the adaptability and active listening central to improvisation and the empathy and connection prescribed by social science research, the Alda Method helps scientists effectively engage with non-expert audiences. Participants should expect active involvement and iterative moot testimony practice.
No required prerequisite knowledge. Intended audience is testifying forensic scientists. Although communication principles are also helpful for those scientists involved in investigations and teaching.
8:00 – 8:30AM | Breakfast available/Facilitators set-up |
8:30 – 8:45AM | Welcome, Check in |
8:45 – 9:25AM | Video Testimony Exercise #1 |
9:25 – 10:15AM | Welcome, Introduction, Name Exercise |
10:15 – 10:45 | Improv Immersion Part 1 (Listening and Mindset) |
10:45 – 11:00 | BREAK |
11:00 – 11:40AM | Improv Immersion Part 1 (Challenging Questions) |
11:40AM – 12:15PM | Improv Immersion Part 1 (Frame of Reference Role Play) |
12:15 – 1:15PM | LUNCH |
1:15 – 1:40PM | Improv Immersion Part 2 (Language Recognition) |
2:15 – 2:30PM | BREAK |
2:30 – 4:15PM | Improv Moot Courtroom |
4:15 – 4:45PM | Video Testimony Exercise #2 |
4:45 – 5:00PM | Wrap-up/Final Reflection |
Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.
Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.
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