Books

Knowledge That Ignites.

The Last Boring Presentation

The world doesn’t suffer from too few presentations and speeches; it suffers from too many that fail to inspire. Too conventional, too structured, too predictable, and simply too uninspiring, they adhere to a sticky, supposed sense of security within the mainstream.
 
What’s missing: courage, enthusiasm, originality, and emorability. Mediocrity is already the best we can hope for – in business, at universities, and in public speaking. Nothing ignites here. There’s a lack of impact.

In this book, Barbara Messer and Dr. Stephen Wagner illustrate how impact is created. This isn’t about new slides, technical and digital gimmicks, or tricks, but rather a radically different perspective on what presentations can be.
 
Dr. Stephen Wagner knows the rules of academic presentation – precise, well-founded, and accessible. Barbara Messer comes from the real world – business, education, theater, and the stage: from places where impact is created – or not.
 
Together, they show what becomes possible when presentations and speeches no longer merely explain, but instead engage, inspire, and embed knowledge lasting in the minds and hearts of the audience. In a world where AI generates content, images, and stories in seconds, it’s no longer just enough to convey information clearly. It takes courage, passion, conviction, expertise, and the willingness to present in ways that go beyond expectations.
 
This book isn’t just another how-to guide – it’s an invitation to take risks. For presentations and talks that aren’t just understood, but resonate and reignite a passion for learning.
 

If nothing happens, it wasn’t a presentation!


Books

Science Pitch

Science Pitch: Present your Research. Get to the Point.

How can scientists present their projects with power to the point? This book is the ultimate guide for transforming complex research into captivating, convincing Science Pitches in a given time. The innovative ESPRIT model equips scientists with tools to blend professional expertise with personal passion, ensuring every presentation resonates deeply with its target audience.

This concise manual combines research excellence and professionalism. It integrates artificial intelligence (AI) applications and slide design. Practice-oriented advice is enriched with real-world examples, preparing for outstanding presentations. Designed for students and researchers eager to gain visibility, this book is a unique guide to getting your message across; it advances your research and engages your audience. Unlock your project’s potential and wrap expertise and passion in unique science storytelling.

The Science Pitch results in a convincing short talk, successful networking, and secures funding approval for the research project.

Dr. Stephen

About the Author

Dr. Stephen Wagner has been working as a science trainer and presentation coach, focusing on Science Pitches, science presentations, and online communication, in Germany and internationally since 2015. He is a certified online trainer, a member of the Professional Association for Training, Consulting and Coaching (BDVT), and a member and ambassador of the Virtual Speakers Association International (VSAI). He worked asa Professional Researcher and Lecturer in Geography and Soil Science.
Books

From Small Talk to Big Talk: Successful Networking with the Elevator Pitch

Published in the book Trainerkarriere 2.0. Mit den besten Tipps an die Trainingspitze

Content

Key Learnings

Jennifer Frank-Schagerl and Henrik Trenkel (editors) 2025. Trainerkarriere 2.0. Mit den besten Tipps an die Trainingspitze. GABAL, 200 pages (all in German)