Workshop: June 3 & 4, 2025
Rhetoric Empowerment Training for Women* and (F)LINTA* - Sovereignity & Resistance
A rhetoric empowerment masterclass for PhD-students focused on navigating patriarchal power structures in academia with confidence—exploring persuasive communication, embodiment, and self-strengthening strategies to counteract mansplaining, dominance, and discrimination while fostering mutual support and resilience.
Workshop description
WORKSHOP CONTENT
Unfortunately, communication is still patriarchal in the academic environment. In particular male socialised individuals often unconsciously or consciously dominate and manipulate the boundaries of women and FLINTA* (what does FLINTA* mean?). But how can we deal with mansplaining, dominance and assault both confidently and effectively? So that these situations are less emotionally exhausting and draining? ‘Choose your battle’ is a feminist mnemonic that helps us to avoid getting bogged down and working inefficiently in the wrong places.
On the other hand, it is helpful to have clarity about your own values for your professional role and motivations. These in turn can be in conflict with gender norms and categorisations that we ourselves have deeply internalised in a patriarchal society.
Finding my own strategies and rhetorical forms of expression that are that are right for me and my values will be tried out in practice during the training. Embodiment is the key - the key to more presence, awareness, expression and resilience.
- How do I utilise the coherence of my inner & outer body posture for a self-confident and confident demeanour, especially in difficult situations in which I receive little appreciation or have to prove myself?
- How can I deal with derogatory / sexist / abusive behaviour & speech (especially in everyday university life) in a professional and self-determined way and reject it?
Mutual encouragement and exchange are central!
Focal points:
- Rhetoric empowerment masterclass: Persuasion in the context of power structures
- Intergenerational perspective: De-individualisation of stress & anxiety
- Self-strengthening and resource activation
- Using body language (more) consciously, especially in power situations & attacks
- Leading & following: Embodiment as a solution tool in challenging professional situations
STRUCTURE
The workshop day will include a coffee break and a lunch break.
TRAINER
Julia Lemmle (pronoun she/her) Rhetoric & Empowerment - has been an expert in the critical and feminist use of rhetoric for over 15 years. She is communication trainer, systemic coach and mentor for authentic sovereignty.
She studied history and literature and developed the Rhetorical Empowerment training program for FLINTA* in 2010. She combines power-critical analysis with coaching tools and embodiment in order to support people in (re)connecting with their own values and standing up for them. She teaches at universities, foundations and NGOs.
Event Details & Registration
Who? FLINTA* - female, lesbian, inter*, non-binary, trans* and agender PhD-students
Language: English spoken language, questions and comments in German are welcome.
Date: June 3 + 4, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location:
5th floor, room “Domblick”
Spreepalais am Dom
Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2
10178 Berlin
Accessibility
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Access
The room “Domblick” is an conference room within the BIH area at the 5th floor of the Spreepalais am Dom.
The venue is wheelchair accessible. Lifts are available to the 5th floor, please ask at reception to use the guest lift. To enter the BIH area, ring the bell. As the door is not automatic, the receptionist can help you open it.
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Transportation and Parking
Parking:
Reserved parking spaces are available in the underground parking area. If you would like to use one, please indicate this in the registration form.
Public Transport:
The Spreepalais am Dom is easily accessible by public transport:- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S7, S9 to the station S-Bahn Hackersche Markt (300m to Spreepalais)
- Tram: LinesM1, M4, M5, M6 to Hackersche Markt (250m to Spreepalais)
- Bus: Line M4 (100m to Spreepalais)Check out on Google Maps how to get to the Spreepalais.
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Restrooms
A barrier-free toilet is only available on the ground floor, with the key held by the organizers.
Gender-neutral toilets are located on the same floor.
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Seating
There will be chairs available for all participants, with reserved seating for people with disabilities and designated space for wheelchair users. If you require a specific seating position—such as front-row seating for better visibility or hearing—or if you need seats reserved for companions to sit next to you, please let us know in the registration form so we can accommodate your needs.
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Live Captions
Live captions will be available through Microsoft Teams.
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Quiet Area
For those who need to take a break in a sensory-friendly space, a quiet room nearby is available upon request.
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Childcare
Childcare can be arranged during the event. Please let us know in the registration form.
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Social Information
Name Tags: Participants will receive name tags upon arrival, with space to write the name they prefer to be addressed by. Pronouns can also be added if desired.
Inclusive Environment: The event is designed to foster an inclusive and respectful atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to be mindful of others' identities, backgrounds, and experiences.
Breaks & Networking: There will be dedicated coffee breaks and a lunch break, providing ample opportunity to network, relax, and connect with fellow attendees.
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Assistance & Support
You can indivate your needs and ask questions via the registration form or contact Celia Prast directly for accessibility questions and support.
