Interview skills workshop: interactive event for science writers
The workshop took place at King's College London with their scientists acting as the interviewees.
Around 20 people participated in the Interview Skills workshop led by Alok Jha, science and technology editor at The Economist. The workshop took place on May 14 at King's College London (KCL), London.
The group was very diverse, “from early career to quite experienced science writers, who came to brush up on their skills and remind themselves of the methods and techniques to create a brilliant interview,” says Alex O’Brien, facilitator in the workshop and ABSW vice-chair. Feedback from the science writers showed it was a really useful experience. "People came to us and said: 'This was great! Thank you,' O’Brien recalls. “And that makes it all the more worth it.”
“As an early career writer, I really appreciate having a session like this to improve and practice my interviewing skills. One thing I found especially useful was the advice to include personal questions when interviewing, and how it can add to the story and give it a more interesting, human perspective,” says Zainab Hussain, ABSW Student member.
The workshop was divided into two parts, one theoretical and another practical. In this second part, participants were split into three-person groups and joined by a King's College scientist. Each group prepared an interview with the scientist using the skills and techniques they had just learnt. In the end, a member from each group interviewed the scientist in a live practice session.
“Fantastic workshop with useful feedback and putting theory into practice,” says Chau-Jean Lin, ABSW Associate member.
The workshop leader, Alok Jha, was also happy with the results: “Everyone at the workshop – writers and the scientists who volunteered to be interviewed – worked hard together and got lots out of the afternoon. All the participants were collegiate and shared their tips and feedback for how to get the best out of the people you need to speak to for a story”.
Not only did the science writers learn from the workshop, but the scientists also got an experience of exposure to science writers, which KCL valued. Alex O’Brien adds that KCL would like to collaborate on similar events with the ABSW in the future.
