The meeting dates are announced through this website, and via the mailing list.

If you want to sign up for our mailing list and get invitations to the meetings, please follow the link: https://mailman.wu.ac.at/mailman/listinfo/academic_speakers_club.

If you'd like to request a meeting or have suggestions for the club, feel free to email us at asc@wu.ac.at.

Each meeting lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the number of participants. Meetings are usually in person. Online sessions can be arranged upon request, e.g. for online presentation training. The maximum number of participants is 15 people.

The working language is English, but some exercises and presentations can also be done in German, if you prefer. During the registration period, we ask whether some of the participants would like to practice a prepared presentation for a specific occasion such as a conference, job talk or an interview. Everything presented and said is, of course, treated with confidentiality.

We start our meetings with an ice-breaker exercise. Followed by short presentations prepared by the participants (if there are any). These presentations should be no longer than 10 minutes. Afterwards, there is time for extensive feedback on presentation style and any other aspects the presenter is interested in.

In the remaining time, the ASC organizing team guides participants through practical exercises on topics such as:

• impromptu speaking

• self-introduction

• interviews

• challenging conversations

• Q&A sessions

• communication tips and tricks

• networking (small talk, follow-up etc.)

• negotiations

• ...

Please register at the latest 24 hours prior to each meeting. We assign spots on a “first come, first served” basis. If you are interested in participating, please write an email to asc@wu.ac.at and include the following information:

• full name

• position (prae-doc, post-doc, research assistant, administrative staff, etc.)

• Indicate whether you want to practice a prepared presentation/job talk/interview at this meeting. (Please note that we cannot guarantee a presentation spot, as these are also assigned on a "first-come, first-served" basis.)

You will receive information regarding the location (online or offline) a few days prior to the meeting.

• You can join any of our meetings. Participation is non-binding - attending one meeting does not imply a commitment to others, nor does it guarantee a spot in future sessions.

• What is discussed during the meeting stays at the meeting! We strive to create a supportive, friendly and comfortable atmosphere where everyone can practice their presentation and communication skills without hesitation.

• If the meetings are held online, a functioning camera and a microphone are required for participation.

If you cannot attend the meeting, please inform us at least 2 days in advance! This will allow us to give your spot to someone else.

To all WU employees - researchers at all levels and administrative staff.

The WU Academic Speakers’ Club is for you if you want to:

• Become more comfortable in different communication situations.

• Gain practical experience and receive feedback on your presentation style and habits.

• Practice prepared or improvised speeches and interviews.

The Club is self-organized by employees of the WU and supported by the Personnel Development Office.

The Academic Speakers’ Club was originally founded in 2019 by six researchers from various departments who wanted to create a space for regular practice of presentation skills. Over the years, the club grew as a peer-to-peer mentoring community, supported by the Personnel Development Office and various coaches.

After a pause in Winter Semester 2023, the club is now being relaunched and further developed starting Winter Semester 2025/26 under the leadership of Diana Lauer. A new organizing team is currently being formed, ensuring that the ASC continues as a collaborative and supportive community.

With ongoing assistance from the Personnel Development Office and various coaches, the team has gathered a toolkit of exercises that will be shared with participants.

While still in its rebuilding phase, the ASC’s core mission remains to provide a supportive environment for practicing public speaking, impromptu speaking, interviews, networking, and negotiation skills.

We are excited about this fresh start and look forward to welcoming new and returning participants!

If you’re interested in getting involved or collaborating, feel free to reach out anytime at asc@wu.ac.at.