A practical, interactive workshop to help you prepare for, and perform well in, interviews with all types of media.
This workshop is led by former BBC Journalists Claire Bolderson and Caroline Finnigan for the GUDTP.
It is open to all Social Sciences graduate students of the three GUDTP universities.
In this lively, one-day workshop, we will explore:
1. Condensing and articulating clearly the key points in your research.
How to capture attention by identifying key points and delivering them clearly and in an engaging way.
A series of examples of good and poor practice. We explore language, and the importance of thinking in advance about words and terms likely to confuse.
2. Exercises
In small groups, you will share short descriptions of your research and get feedback from your peers and from the trainers.
Full workshop reflection on the exercise and lessons learned.
3. Being accessible and engaging online
From departmental websites to networking platforms, blogs, and social media. Will journalists be able to find you – and understand what you do?
4. Preparing for media interviews
Everything you need to know before taking part in a media interview. For example,
- What’s the subject? (And crucially, is it one you want to talk about?)
- What’s the outlet or platform, and who is the target audience?
- Is it just me or is someone else also speaking on this subject ?
- Will I be sent the questions in advance?
We will demonstrate the importance of thorough preparation through examples. We will discuss how preparation allows the interviewee to maintain control over their material, answer more challenging questions, and perform with authority.
Clothing, pacing, and general presentation are also covered as well as tips for dealing with nerves.
5. Interview Practice
Five participants will have the opportunity to be interviewed on camera about their subject.
The remaining participants will continue working on describing their research clearly and concisely with some putting their learning into practice in short radio interviews.
6. Interview Feedback
The whole workshop will come together to watch the on-camera interviews. Interviewees will reflect on the experience, and the trainers will lead constructive feedback and answer questions.
Trainers and Training Methods
The workshop is led by former BBC Journalists Claire Bolderson and Caroline Finnigan. They provide a lively, fun atmosphere, and aim to create a safe space in which participants are encouraged to work with their peers to develop skills and confidence. They use audio visual real-life interview examples to stimulate discussion and welcome questions throughout.
Preparatory Work
All participants should bring with them three short sentences that sum up their research, or one particular aspect of it. These should be written for the interested lay person, or a curious journalist who knows little to nothing about the research. The summaries will be developed further during the workshop.
Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and once places are full, we will maintain a waiting list.
Please only register if you are certain of your availability and commitment to attend.
Book your place now OR join the waiting list
