The Canadian Communication Association reception was to be held at 5PM. The three of us had some leisure time three hours prior to the reception. During that time, we worked on our "one sentence blurb" to use during the reception. The "one sentence blurb" is basically a summary of your work in one sentence, something you can use to introduce yourself. It's a way to be prepared for the dreaded question: "What are you working on?" The one sentence is handy because at a reception such as this one people are drinking and it's very loud so you can't really go into your project at length. Yet, it doesn't make you look stupid, fumbling for words.
We worked on our one sentence for at least on hour! It's actually very difficult, trying to sum up your project into a catchy phrase that's not loaded with jargon. It's as hard as coming up with a spiffy title for your dissertation that doesn't lose the reader at the second word. But unlike the dissertation title, this blurb doesn't have to encapsulate your entire thesis. Ideally, it should tap into the most interesting and polished part, which may vary depending on the audience of the day. We had a lot of difficulty with mine. In the end it was: "I am looking at how the medical profession rationalize its involvement with the pharmaceutical industry." Although it's not an exact reflection of my thesis, the sentence works in a networking context. It's controversial, it's sexy and it's not loaded with jargon. It also works in a communication studies crowd.
The great thing is, our one sentence blurbs worked marvellously in that crowded room full of tipsy-to-drunk academics! I met some nice people, who mostly talked to my friend after the introductions but it's ok if that happens. For me, it was really helpful to have my friend ease the networking process (and also to take away the pressure of talking!). Otherwise, I would have sat in one corner nursing a glass or wine... or not go at all!
The not so great thing is that we didn't have our "one minute blurb" prepared. This is the slightly longer version to use if someone is actually interested in your work. It's also useful during a job interview, apparently. After I successfully delivered my one sentence, one person asked, "So how DO doctors rationalize that relationship?" Oops. I fumbled then and lost my audience! Ah well.
I'll probably rework both my one-sentence and one-minute blurbs as my dissertation takes shape but it was one of the best things I learned (and tested out) at the Congress this year.
