Workshop Series Details:
Learn from ICTR’s Recruitment & Retention Resource Center Fall 2025 virtual workshop series: “How We Talk With Research Participants: The Art of Communication”.
Each session of this five-part virtual series covered practical communication techniques that you can readily apply in your work to build stronger relationships with research participants and community members, increase understanding, and to improve recruitment and retention outcomes.
Who should watch?
All are welcome to review the session videos, including investigators, study team members, and those who communicate with research participants and community members.
Registration (Closed)
This series has ended, but please see the recordings below.
Questions:
Please reach out to Ali Moellner & Anne Buffington at recruitmenthelp@ictr.wisc.edu.
Tues, Sept. 23, 12-1pm
Session 1: Moving from Anxiety to Authenticity: 10 Practical Steps to Improving Communication with Community Participants
Presenter: Gina Green-Harris
Engaging in discussions about academic research often includes terminology that is unfamiliar to the potential participants or may tell potential participants “what” we plan to do, or “how” we plan to conduct the research “on” them as community members. These practices often create challenges to participation in studies and raise skepticism about research in general.
Learning how to approach the community with authentic communication is a skill that is often overlooked. Using authentic communication with community to discuss research can be accomplished by using an asset based and conversational approach that can lead to shared communications. Learning to engage in authentic conversations promotes transparency, shared learning, and opportunities to exchange varied knowledge. In authentic communication all parties to be heard, focuses on commonalities which can reduce conversation anxiety on both parties. Further authentic conversations may lead to stronger bonding and longer research engagement over time within academic- community partnerships.
This workshop will explore ten practical communication practices that can be used to implement transparent, skillful conversations about research with community members and explore how authentic communication can be of added value and benefit to the research process.
“Gina was such an engaging speaker! Her presentation was fantastic! She gave practical insights on how to engage with community members.”- session attendee
Thurs, Oct. 16, 12-1pm
Session 2: Speak Clearly with Plain Language
Presenter: Beth Gaytan
In a world full of jargon and complexity, clarity is a superpower. Discover how using plain language can enhance understanding and build trust. You will learn practical techniques you can use immediately to connect with participants, and ensure your message is understood the first time—every time.
“This should be part of all Research Coordinator Training for new studies.”- session attendee
Thurs, Oct. 30, 12-1pm
Session 3: Meaningful Engagement Using a Participant-Centered Communication Approach
Presenters: Clark Benson & Alison Coulson
Explore how a participant-centered communication approach can guide researchers in meaningful and ethical engagement with participants. We will discuss intra- and interpersonal strategies and skills to support researchers and study team members in personalized interactions with research participants including steps to approach participants and other study design considerations. These approaches build stronger researcher-participant relationships, improving recruitment success and enhancing long-term retention in research studies.
“Two great presenters, thank you both! Loved the reminders about slowing down, being present, taking the time to connect.” -session attendee
Tues, Nov 18, 12-1pm
Session 4: An Adapted Methods Motivational Interviewing Approach for Discussing Trial Information with Study Participants
Presenters: Dr. Yinka Shiyanbola, Dr. Martha Maurer, Delicia Morris, and Shary Perez
Learn about an approach to discussing trial information with study participants, based on health literacy principles and motivational interviewing (MI) techniques. This approach can be used to educate prospective participants about what study participation will be like, and to explore ambivalence they may have about joining or remaining in the study. We will describe our use of these evidence-informed principles in a current NIH funded trial.
“I can see how Dr. Shiynabola’s team is so successful in their work. They take the time to include and respect their participants.” – session attendee
Tues, Dec. 16, 12-1:30pm
Session 5: Panel Discussion: Conversations That Build Connections
Panelists: Monica Bruce, Jaime Goldberg, Luis Gonzalez-Quizhpe, Veronika Mak, Jennie Matthews, and Audrey Wood
Join us for a panel discussion with UW researchers and study team members who have deep experience communicating with participants across many research topics and populations. The panelists will discuss how they build trust with research participants, communicate complex information, handle difficult situations, and practice self-care.
“Wonderful panelists – thanks for sharing your valuable experiences and insights!”- session attendee