This September we are returning to University of Bielefeld with a programme of creative facilitation training and Talkaoke events in German and English.

Friday 5 September, 18:30 – 20:30

Arcade, Herforder Str. 8-10, Bielefeld

Creative Science Communication using Talkaoke approach workshop [in English]

Learn the ‘Conversation First Aid’ when tackling complex topics of science in a diverse setting. Our creative facilitation workshops give participants the confidence and creative communication skills useful in any situation. For us, conversation is a creative medium that can lead to an endless number of creative possibilities. Over the years The People Speak have trained people in the art of facilitation and public speaking, using creative methods developed through Talkaoke and influenced by various performance practices including live art, theatre, clowning, comedy and improv. During this practical training session participants will focus on creative linking, neutral voice and building the bridge from the other side  – techniques we use in engaging with participants. We will cover subjects such as: asking open questions, usefulness of tangents, exploration of assumptions, dealing with opposing views, active listening and how to generate ideas in a fun way! There will be time to share your thoughts, experiences and uncertainties, which we will address together.

To attend please email birte.schaller@uni-bielefeld.de

Saturday 6 September, 10:00 – 18:00

Wissenswerkstadt, Wilhelmstraße 3, 33602 Bielefeld [in German]

Wissenswerkstadt First Birthday Talkaoke 

Talkaoke is The People Speak flagship live, television-style talk show and a creative communication format. Talkaoke is non-hierarchical – it is up to the participants to decide on the topics. The conversation is a creative medium and a journey from one unexpected subject to another. It can be topical, funny, deep, surreal, or something else. The participants generate the subjects and the host in the middle keeps everybody engaged. The format is simple: the host sits in the middle of an illuminated round table, and you sit around the outside and talk about whatever comes up. Just grab the microphone and air your views.

No booking required – just drop by

Monday 8 – Tuesday 9 September, 10:00-16:00

University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld

Creative Forms of Science Communication: Workshop for PhD-candidates

Drawing on The People Speak’s emergent approach and using popular culture as inspiration, we will attempt to invent new participatory formats that bring a wider public into the world of science and academic research. “Random Format Generator” humorously subverts existing mass media formats, popular games and rituals as a way of making complex ideas accessible to a wide range of people – not just from the academic backgrounds. Universities and institutions often have the reputation for prioritising structured knowledge, unattainable to non-academics. The People Speak offer creative tools and methods to expand the idea of learning as a playful, physical and engaging process experienced collectively. We invite PhD candidates and everyone else interested in new approaches to science communication to join us in this two day workshop.

To attend please email: birte.schaller@uni-bielefeld.de

Photo of Timna Krenn hosting Talkaoke in Jahnplatz, Bielefeld in July 2025 – part of our collaboration with ConflictA