Livework: The Basics

 

ObjectivES

Learn how to convey a core message clearly and concisely in real time and practice having an engaging conversation about your work on an actual podcast!

 

TO Do

  • Listen to the “Livework” and “Ask an Expert” podcasts (either here on the website or through the Storyboard app) or read the transcripts

  • Check out the slideshow, which walks you through the basics of core messaging

  • Schedule your interview with Greg Soden of Classical Ideas and send a piece of your writing to frame the conversation

  • Set three style goals and three content goals for your interview

  • If you can, practice having a conversation about your research with your podmates before 15 February

  • Record your interview with Greg (15 February—1 March)

  • Once it airs, listen to your interview and self-assess

  • Review the additional resources as your schedule and bandwidth allow

 

important dates

(ASAP)
Schedule with Greg

(before 15 February)
set goals & practice interview with podmates

(15 February - 1 March)
Classical Ideas Interviews

 
 

Podcast

Ask an expert: Prof. Hannah McGregor

Not a podcast person? Read the transcript!

 

Slideshow

password: S@credWr1tes! (same as for this section of the website)

Activity: Podcast interview

Prepare for, practice, and record an interview with Greg Soden, host of the Classical Ideas Podcast.

The finished episode will each be between 50-60 minutes in length and run as a Sacred Writes cohort series this spring. Greg writes, “the series will discuss their views of how Sacred Writes is helping them grow into the world of public scholarship and will focus on an area of their work they wish to focus on.”

Greg is a professional and will provide you with a detailed outline of questions in advance (this won't always happen). He wanted us to tell you that you can tell him at the end of the conversation if you would like portion deleted. There are no “gotchas” on Classical Ideas. This is a safe space for you to practice and get a recorded podcast interview under your belt!

Prepare

  • Before you start, set three style goals for your interview (e.g. avoid saying “um,” speak slowly, pause after sentences) and three content goals for your interview (e.g. tell story of moment I was surprised doing this research, show diversity of Muslim community, explain why increased visibility of Muslim Fashion is not always a good thing). Write all your goals down.

  • Send Greg one piece of your writing that will act as springboard for your conversation.

  • Prepare your core message by identifying a central learning objective, triangulate different approaches (problem, significance, and solution), and consider a brief story.


Practice (Optional)

  • Set up a time with your podmates for this module to practice discussing your research in a conversational manner BEFORE 15 February. Perhaps give each person a set time (10-20 mins). Share with them your three style goals. Please specify if you:

    • prefer only comments about is working well or

    • are open to constructive feed back about what to improve on.

  • You might want to revise your style goals after this exercise.


Record

  • Record an interview Greg between 15 February and 1 March.


Review

  • Listen to yourself once your episode goes live. Congrats, you did a public scholarship!

  • Self-assess based on your 3 style and 3 content goals.

  • Set three new style goals for next live work opportunity.

 

Additional Resources

If/as you have time, check out these resources before moving on to the next unit. Let us know what you think on twitter (#SmartInPublic)!

BONUS

Megan loves this story about Elizabeth Warren and livework. Here’s Sen. Warren’s Facebook post about her first appearance on “The Daily Show,” which made her so nervous she threw up backstage! However you feel about her politics, Warren is a great example of someone who explains difficult material in clear, accessible ways — and it helps to remember that we all have to start somewhere.