Writing workshops for social profit and government

Eye opener

Ann took us through an intercultural communication workshop which was very beneficial to us as international students in Belgium, Brussels.

The workshop was an eye opener, especially on the tendency to associate cultural assumptions with certain groups of individuals, which could hinder effective communication.

She is very proficient in bringing out the positive impact of learning to approach the different and unique socio-cultures, and in effect the enhancement of adaptive and effective communication strategy.

I would therefore recommend her on all topical issues that deal with effective communication, and especially on the inter- and socio-cultural platform.

Unique and appealing

I met Ann in a course called 'Internationalisation: meeting people not culture', where she was the instructor.

She had a unique and appealing way of addressing the one day course. Her nice presentation and persuasion skills made the course a success.

All the best to her for her future endeavours!

Wealth of experience and sharp journalistic instincts

I followed Ann's day-long workshop, 'Writing for Non-peers and Press', at the Let's Talk Science Summer School at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in July 2014.

Ann did a good job tailoring the workshop to the needs and interests of our group of 15 or so early-career researchers. She was attentive to our varied goals and skill levels and tailored her workshop and feedback accordingly.

As the only 'professional' science communicator in the group, I feared I wouldn't learn much, but I found the practical writing exercises and group discussions to be surprisingly helpful. Ann and I (and eventually the whole group) even worked through a particularly hairy press release of mine that needed to go that day.

Which brings me to another of Ann's strengths: apart from her ability to teach the basics of science communication, she has a wealth of experience as a former science journalist.

Her journalistic instincts are sharp (and were much appreciated), which indicates that she is both a capable instructor for beginners and a valuable media consultant for more advanced communication professionals.

Highly appreciated for contents, interactivity and practicality

Ann has given a training "Writing non-technical summaries" to young scientists in our university. The workshop was highly appreciated by the students, for its contents, its interactivity and its practicality.

Powerful tips and tricks

I followed a course given by Ann, titled 'Meet people, not cultures', which touched various aspects of Intercultural Communication.

Ann was able to convey some short and powerful tips and tricks in a refreshing way. She was also able to adapt herself and the course content to our specific questions. In summary, everyone's expectations were satisfied at the end of the day.

Very passionate teacher

Ann is a very passionate teacher. Her courses are always both interesting, interactive and thought-provoking. Her explanations towards questions are always detailed and well-organized.

One of the best workshops I have ever attended

I attended Ann's workshop on dealing with the press. It was one of the best workshops I have ever attended as she offered both theory and practice. She has given men hands-on / ready to use ideas to properly disseminate my research. She also taught me to recognise potential pitfalls in press communication.

Online workshop was structured and interactive

I feel like Ann's workshop together with her book "Schrijven met impact" really gave me a good base to start writing about my research to non-scientists. Although the workshop only took two days and some additional "homework", she took her time to give personal feedback.

Due to the current Covid-19 measures, the workshop went on via Zoom. Ann gave us clear instructions about this new way of working which made sure the workshop was structured and interactive.”

Helped with managing change

Ann worked with my Unit to develop our understanding and application of the latest thinking on science communications. Our Unit prepares, with external experts, research as policy advice for five Committees of the European Parliament. We wanted to increase the utility of our research reports and our impact, and to learn how science communications is approached elsewhere. And this had to be done in the context of a more or less fun away day!

Ann succeeded very well indeed. By careful preparation with us, with individual staff and with some of our clients, she very nicely confronted us with challenges, but also ways through.

It was very enjoyable, stimulating, and helped with managing change in the Unit. Ann was a pleasure to work with throughout.

Well-constructed, well-timed, practical and interactive online course

Ann introduced me to interculturalism through an online course. Reluctant at first when it comes to interactivity of online courses, Ann was able to swipe all my worries with a well constructed, well- timed, practical and, above all, interactive course!

It was a perfect lesson and in my opinion indispensable formation for all PhD students and more! I can only strongly recommend you to follow Ann and give her the opportunity to do what she does best :)

Thank you Ann once again for the terrific online class!

Wonderful mentor, Interactive online class

Ann is a wonderful mentor and writing coach who walks every step along the way with you. She wants to understand the material you're working, acquaint herself with the audience you're trying to reach and helps to finetune your communication. This results in a cohesive and alluring text that brings the point home without superfluous baggage. All of this she achieved in an interactive online class.

Workshop completely alive online

Ann was an amazing trainer for the workshop she organized for PhD students on intercultural communication! In such a moment, with the sanitary crisis, she achieved to still make the workshop completely alive, even through digital channels.

Not only she passed the message on intercultural communication, but she also made the workshop so interactive! I would surely recommend Ann as a trainer on these issues!

Impressed at how interactive, engaging and fun it was

I was very impressed at how interactive, engaging and fun the online training was ! The 15 PhD students that participated were all extremely happy even though it was online. They finished the day with great tools and a new network of colleagues from all backgrounds.

10 days before the training, we realized that an in-person training would no longer be possible since participants were coming from the North of France, Flanders and Wallonia. Ann was very flexible (a true fish that grows feet) and accepted to organize the training online, with no extra cost.