Media Masters: STEM communication Workshop
Event description
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Science author and lecturer Peter Spinks holds a master’s degree in research psychology and has published articles in international academic journals. Since 1980, he has broadcast and written for some of the world's foremost media organisations, including BBC Radio Four and BBC World Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, The Guardian, The Observer and Financial Times newspapers and New Scientist magazine in London. Peter was appointed science reporter of The Age newspaper in Australia in 1996.
In this two-day workshop series, Peter will give you an insight into how the media works and how you can develop newsworthy content for your audience. He will focus on blogging, interview skills and developing and delivering an engaging one-minute pitch.
The workshop will run from 9am - 4pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring lunch and snacks that can be stored in our kitchenette facilities on site.
DAY 1: Monday 6th May
- Our digital world: Why it’s important to connect with the global publishing industry, including social media and mainstream print and broadcast outlets.
- How the media works: Including what makes science newsworthy
- Getting the big picture: Preparing graphics, illustrations, photographs and videos for articles, features and dynamic blogs
- Science writing with impact: How to translate complex material into easily comprehensible forms; includes what to do before and during writing or speaking; the art of creating structure and crafting leads that capture attention without losing accuracy. Plus style, grammar, syntax and word use. Includes when and how to use fitting analogies and advice on improving grammar, punctuation and style. Plus tips for composing clear and accurate titles/headlines for blogs.
DAY 2: Tuesday 7th May
- Just a minute: How to create and deliver a captivating one-minute pitch.
- The science interview: Key rules to follow when preparing for interviews. Includes assertiveness training and techniques for de-stressing, calming frayed nerves and dealing with interview phobias – especially during job interviews. With voice and gesture coaching; includes role-play exercises and the recording and review in class – by both the group and the presenter – of mock interviews.
Key learning objectives
- By the end of the two-day workshop, participants will be able to identify the most important aspects of scientific material.
- They will also communicate more confidently and effectively with a range of audiences and will be able to speak more clearly and concisely in front of a camera or live audience.
WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?
This workshop is open to young people aged 14 - 20 who are interested in learning more about blogging, vlogging, writing articles and getting involved in media careers. The context for this workshop is science communication and so it will be especially of interest to science and STEM-interested young people.
ABOUT IDEA FOUNDATION
IDEA aims to unlock the potential of 100,000 young innovators, entrepreneurs and creatives who are on a mission to make the world a better place.
More and more young people and families are choosing to exit mainstream schooling to pursue alternative education pathways such as home education, training and/or employment.
IDEA Foundation’s principal purpose is to support these young people to access alternatives to secondary schooling, build network connections and engage in opportunities that open work and study pathways, preparing them to transition into young adulthood with confidence, connections, and a contemporary portfolio. We also invest in research, advocating for better access to secondary school alternatives.