With over a decade of experience as a sports writer for the Guardian and Observer, Anna Kessel knows the tricks to break through athletes’ tough shells. During this highly practical event she demonstrates the skills you need to get interviews and how to write stories that fans will want to read.
This comprehensive evening course covers every step from first contact to finished article, including how to use your contacts to secure an interview, how to research your subject and prepare questions ahead of time, and how to steer the conversation on the day to ensure you get what you need. You’ll then take part in a simulated press interview with 800m runner Andrew Osagie, and put your new skills to the test in practical writing exercises.
The course will allow you to develop your skills by analysing existing interviews to tease out the story from a transcript, and structure it into a narrative ready for publication. It’s a fast-paced and enjoyable event that ensures you can give at least 110% every time.
This course is for you if…
- You‘re an aspiring sports journalist who wants technical and practical help with all aspects of the interview process
- You’ve already started out as a sports writer and want to build your skills and confidence before you start handling bigger names
Course description
This highly practical evening course covers all the essential elements of planning, conducting and writing up a successful sports interview. Topics covered include:
- Contacts: the secret to getting an interview
- Finding the story: the fundamental basis of every journalistic task you’ll ever do
- Listening skills and mental aerobics: how to nail a great interview on the day
- Interview workshop: simulated press conference with 800m runner Andrew Osagie
- Writing up: how to present your mind-blowing interview to the public
- Planning out your own project: from deciding who to interview, to making contact, researching and gathering additional voices
- Q&A and group discussion
Tutor profile
Anna Kessel is a sports writer for the Guardian and Observer. She has covered three Olympic Games, several world championships, FA Cup campaigns and numerous Premier League games. Anna loves interviewing and has worked with some of the biggest names in sport, from Gazza to Usain Bolt. Anna worked as a ghostwriter for an England footballer’s award-winning column for seven years, and is also co-founder and chair of Women in Football.
Guest speaker profile
Andrew Osagie is currently Britain’s No. 1 800m runner. He won Bronze medals at both the 2012 and 2014 World Indoor Championships, and took 5th place at the 2013 World Outdoor Championships. Andrew was also part of the greatest 800m race ever run at the London 2012 Olympics, where he finished in 8th place in 1:43.77, a time which places him fourth on the British all-time list. Originally from Harlow Town in Essex, a long way from the international athletics circuit, he now lives and trains in Teddington.
Details
Date: Wednesday 11 March 2015
Times: 6.30pm-9.30pm
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £99 (includes VAT, booking fee and drinks)
Event capacity: 24
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
