IChemE empowers young engineers to speak confidently through public speaking masterclass
15th October 2025
As part of an ongoing commitment to supporting the development of young members and future leaders, IChemE recently hosted an engaging public speaking and presentation workshop for 14 student and early-career chemical engineers at our UK office.
The session was co-led by TV presenter and science communicator Dallas Campbell — known for The Gadget Show, Bang Goes the Theory, and The Sky at Night — and Susan Charlesworth, TEDx speaker, astronaut trainer, and human performance and leadership expert. Drawing on their extensive experience, Dallas and Susan guided participants through interactive discussions and hands-on exercises designed to strengthen communication, storytelling, and presentation skills.
Attendees represented a diverse mix of IChemE student and early careers members, including winners and finalists of IChemE’s Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability (YEAIS) 2025, IChemE Student Ambassadors and passionate IChemE volunteers.
Ikuni Ebereonwu, IChemE member and YEAIS Award Winner in the Clean Energy and Action Category said: "The workshop was an engaging and enriching experience that taught me valuable public speaking skills. Having experienced professionals like Dallas and Susan share advice and their own journeys with public speaking was incredibly insightful. I learned the importance of embracing discomfort when developing a new skill and the act of being present on stage. The workshop was a perfect blend of theory, practical exercises and reflective techniques that encouraged us to stay grounded and confident while presenting. I left feeling more confident and eager to apply these skills to technical communication and my development as a chemical engineer."
Ida Mathilda Lenz Gorner, IChemE Student Ambassador, Queen Mary University London said: “As someone who has never felt very confident with public speaking, this workshop was a great opportunity to learn how to not let my nerves hold me back. I learnt several skills and techniques, the one I know I will use the most is how to get in the right mindset before a speech to remain calm, focused and confident. It was also great getting direct feedback, both from peers and from Dallas and Susan, on how I can improve my public speaking. The feedback along with the skills I have learnt has given me a clearer path and more confidence to become a better speaker.”
Dr Rachel Bibby, Director of Member Experience and Professional Learning at IChemE, emphasised the importance of effective communication: “Being able to speak with clarity and confidence is crucial in any field, and especially in chemical engineering. This workshop has given our talented young engineers practical skills they can draw on throughout their careers, as well as when representing IChemE in professional settings.”
She added: “We’re grateful to all the members who participated, and to Dallas and Susan for sharing their knowledge and passion. Being able to provide exciting development opportunities like this helps us to play our part in supporting the development of the next generation of chemical engineers so they are better equipped to communicate their ideas and expertise with confidence.”
If you’re studying a chemical, biochemical, or process engineering undergraduate degree (or a related subject), you can join IChemE as a Student Member — free of charge.
Student Membership gives you access to a wealth of resources designed to support your studies and kick-start your career, including learning materials, networking opportunities, and professional development tools. Find out more and apply for Student Membership.
IChemE is proud to recognise new and emerging talent through the Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability (YEAIS) 2026. We invite IChemE members aged 18–30 from around the world to submit an entry showcasing your innovative ideas across a wide range of topics. It’s your chance to gain recognition, share your vision, and inspire change within the global chemical engineering community. Learn more and apply for the Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability.
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.