26007: Lead With Words: Communication Skills, Presentation Techniques and Audience Engagement

Friday, November 13, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Room: RM312

Chairs: Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo, Afchine Fazel

Faculty: Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo, Afchine Fazel, Luis Pacheco, Sergio Haimovich

Description: Lead with Words: Communication Skills, Presentation Techniques & Audience Engagement is a fast-paced, practical 2-hour course designed for gynecologic surgeons who want to communicate with more clarity and impact—both in clinical encounters and in front of an audience. The course integrates evidence-informed communication frameworks with real-world surgical scenarios, then extends those same skills to the podium: how to structure a message, deliver it with confidence, handle questions, and keep an audience engaged. A distinctive component is the responsible use of AI as a skill accelerator. Participants will learn how to use AI tools to (1) refine patient explanations without adding jargon, (2) prepare difficult conversations (risks, complications, uncertainty, consent), (3) transform complex data into clear narratives, and (4) iterate presentations faster—improving slide logic, transitions, timing, and Q&A preparation. AI will be presented as a coach and rehearsal partner, not a substitute for clinical judgment, empathy, or professional authenticity.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Patient-facing communication • Shared decision-making scripts for preference-sensitive choices • Handling emotion, anxiety, anger, and unrealistic expectations • Communicating uncertainty and next steps without undermining trust
2. Public speaking and presentation technique • Building a compelling narrative arc for scientific or clinical talks • "One message per slide": clarity, pacing, and cognitive load control • Voice, presence, and delivery habits that increase credibility • Audience engagement techniques (questions, polling, interaction, micro-stories) • Managing interruptions and delivering confident, concise answers in Q&A
3. AI-enhanced presentation practice (hands-on demonstrations) Prompting AI to refine your core message into a clear 1–2 sentence "take-home point" and a tight opening hook Using AI to convert an abstract or manuscript into a high-impact talk structure (story arc), with section timing and speaker notes Improving slides with AI: simplifying text, sharpening titles, reducing cognitive load, and aligning visuals to the message Rehearsing delivery with AI: generating practice questions, counter-questions, and transitions; tightening wording for confidence and clarity

COURSE OUTLINE

2:00 PM Welcome, Introduction and Course Overview

A. Di Spiezio Sardo

2:05 PM Academic Presentations: How to Prepare and Deliver to a Scientific Audience

A. Di Spiezio Sardo

2:30 PM Patient Communication Under Different Clinical Circumstances

A. Fazel

2:55 PM How to Design and Deliver an Idea Worth Sharing

L. Pacheco

3:20 PM AI Tools to Enhance Any Presentation

S. Haimovich

3:45 PM Discussion Questions & Answers

4:00 PM Adjourn