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

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

Room: RM310

Chair: Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo

Co-Chair: Afchine Fazel

Faculty: Tony Carugno, 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) Apply patient-centered communication strategies to facilitate shared decision-making, address patient emotions and expectations, and communicate clinical uncertainty and next steps while maintaining patient trust; 2) Demonstrate effective public speaking and presentation techniques to deliver clear, engaging scientific and clinical presentations, including development of a compelling narrative, effective slide design, audience engagement, and confident management of questions and interruptions; 3) Utilize artificial intelligence tools to develop and refine scientific and clinical presentations, including defining key take-home messages, structuring presentation content, improving slide clarity, and generating speaker notes and transitions; and 4) Apply AI-assisted rehearsal strategies to strengthen presentation delivery by generating practice questions and counter-questions and refining responses for clarity, confidence, and conciseness.

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

J. Carugno

3:20 PM AI Tools to Enhance Any Presentation

S. Haimovich

3:45 PM Discussion Questions & Answers

4:00 PM Adjourn