Empowering Communication in Medicine: A Workshop Approach to Improve Presentation Skills for Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists

Introduction Effective communication is crucial for healthcare professionals, impacting patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration. However, medical education often lacks structured training in communication and presentation techniques. Herein, we evaluate the efficacy of structured workshops aimed at enhancing presentation skills among ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors through training in visual material design and concise verbal communication, including elevator pitches. Methods Two two-hour workshops were conducted for 23 ENT doctors under 50 years old, each with over 10 years of experience. The first workshop focused on creating effective visual aids, whereas the second targeted verbal communication skills. The questionnaire was administered before and after the workshops. Pre- and post-workshop questionnaires, using a 10-point Likert scale, evaluated participants' self-perceived abilities. Results The first workshop led to significant improvement in creating visually appealing and informative slides, using appropriate color schemes, and incorporating concrete examples. Despite a positive correlation with prior experience, time management did not improve significantly. The second workshop revealed significant gains in verbal communication skills, including concise messaging, audience engagement, and the effective use of storytelling techniques. Participants improved their ability to streamline information, maintain a conversational tone, and use eye contact and gestures effectively. Conclusion This study demonstrated that structured workshops significantly improved the presentation skills of ENT doctors, particularly in visual material design and verbal communication. Integrating such training into medical education and professional development can enhance patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration by fostering clear, effective communication among healthcare providers.