30.03.2026
On March 20, 2026, a traditional masterclass in public speaking was held within the Master’s program “Applied Econometrics and Economic Modelling” (AEEM), led by Savina Barzeva – a theatre pedagogue, director, and actress. The masterclass is an established part of the program’s personal skills development component and reflects the understanding that training a successful analyst requires not only a strong methodological foundation, but also the ability to present ideas convincingly and professionally in public.
The first part of the session focused on preparation and delivery in front of an audience, including structuring a presentation, managing anxiety, and working with voice, attention, pace, pauses, and overall stage presence. Emphasis was placed on how content should not only be well prepared, but also communicated clearly, confidently, and effectively. In this regard, the contribution of a theatre pedagogue is particularly valuable, as it introduces techniques and perspectives that help develop confidence, concentration, control over speech, and a more conscious presence before an audience.
The second part of the masterclass was entirely practical and focused on working with text. Through hands-on exercises under Ms. Barzeva’s guidance, participants had the opportunity to apply the discussed principles in conditions close to real public speaking situations. They worked on articulation, intonation, rhythm, emphasis, and confidence in oral presentation. This transformed the session from a lecture into a space for active skills development with direct relevance to both academic and professional success.
The masterclass was attended by students from the AEEM Master’s programme and PhD candidates from the AEEM doctoral programme. This added further value to the session by bringing together participants at different stages of their academic development, united by the need to present ideas, arguments, and results in a clear, persuasive, and professional manner.
Such activities are an essential part of the program’s profile. AEEM prepares specialists who not only master modern quantitative methods and work confidently with data, but are also capable of presenting the results of their analyses to diverse audiences—academic, professional, and institutional. In the field of analytical business, it is not enough to produce high-quality analysis; it must also be communicated clearly, convincingly, and professionally. This is precisely why the development of personal skills is a key component in the training of the modern analyst.
