12 May Interactive Journalism Workbook
28/01/19
We had a module recap where we went over what was expected of us for this semester and what the assignments were for the module.
In the afternoon we had a recap in voice training. We haven’t had a class like this since first year (if I’m remembering correctly) so it was nice to revisit this area of journalism especially as I am interested in broadcast and presenting.
Our first lesson back with Rebecca was a news writing workshop which was helpful as my final project includes a written article.
Created a live show with today’s top news stories.
04/02/19
Today was all about paired vocal coaching so there was a lot of coming and going. The main bulk of the lesson took place from 12pm-1pm where we discussed our live show. My vocal training was at 4.15pm-5pm, I was partnered with Delina and the session was run by Vanessa. We were given a script to read whilst being recorded. After playing it back Vanessa gave us tip as to how we could improve. As I can have a quiet and airy voice, she suggested taking a really deep breath before proceeding to read. We were taught how to read expressively using the old woman exercise. Every time Vanessa blurted out “huh”, “what” or “who” I would have to repeat the word in a more expressive way. I really enjoyed that lesson and it is just good to keep in mind for my potential future.
Had a mock panel show with a guest. Nicola and James were presenters and spoke about today’s headlines.
11/02/19
If you had voice coaching the previous week you didn’t have to attend so I wasn’t present in class. I tried to do some work towards my final project.
Wasn’t in class the previous week but everyone was meant to present what competition they were entering. The homework was to decide what competition we were entering and work towards that goal.
Michael taught us all about audiograms. I had always seen them on Instagram, but I didn’t realise they had a name and were so easy to create. After teaching us how to use the website, we had the chance to create our own. I made one about being single on valentine’s day. The class gave me a lot of positive feedback however Michael did say it wasn’t technically an audiogram. I was proud of it either way. I also went to the endeavour presentation where a speaker from America came to tell us about internship opportunities. The talk was good, and I looked into it a little when I got home.
18/02/19
Todays lesson was all about mobile journalism. We watched a few videos on the topic one was a BBCs production and the other showed us the difference between mobile and video camera. After this we were sent out to interview people all on our phones. Saf, Leanna and I teamed up to do this part (we were all in teams). We went around the canteen and corridor asking students what questions they had for the uni’s board. Amazingly we were able to get the most interview in the end although we had a difficult start.
Today was our NSS trip which was really fun as the whole class was together. We split into groups and had a “Cheshire cat” hunt. Our team didn’t win but we completed all challenges and made it to the end. Some groups left before the end, but we stuck it out and had a drink with everyone at the end.
25/02/19
This week was student elections so as part of our mobile journalism class we had to focus on it to film. Emma, Saf and I spoke with students about “why it is important to vote”. We once again filmed in the canteen and hallway trying to get as much opinions and views as possible. We even had the opportunity to speak with a candidate
11/03/19
This was a fun day. Everything about this session was up to us; we picked a show topic, new studio setting, production team and everything else you could think of. As this was around the time news of Jordyn Woods and Tristan Thompson had their “cheating” scandal we used this as show motivation. James Middleton was the host whilst Saf and I had a friendly debate on the topic. Honestly the most fun show we had as it was in line with my interests and I wish we had been able to do stuff like that throughout my uni time. Hopefully before we leave, we can do a show exactly how we want. Alice and Isla killed it on the production side and had a lot of things cued up in terms of visual effects.
John Lubbock from Wikimediagave a talk about the company and what he does. He explained that having more women, people of colour and different nationalities edit for Wikipedia. Before the lesson we had to make Wikipedia accounts so that after the talk we were able to edit a post ourselves.
18/03/19
Today was our assessed news day. There were no roles assigned prior to this class so when we came in Vanessa gave us our stories that needed to be covered and our roles. There was no presenter allocated so Nicola and I volunteered. Once everyone had been assigned a story to cover, we began to write our script. The whole day I was making sure everyone was on track so that I could update the inception page but also know the topics that were covered. It was a little bit of a weird show as things were not run to the same blueprint as always, but it worked out in the end. Vanessa seemed impressed with what we were able to put together.
01/04/19
Below the surface music journalism session. After getting lost on the way there, Vanessa sent James to come find me. During the setting up stage everyone decided what journalism medium they would adopt for the session. Leanne, Isla and Nicola would be interviewing the acts. Nick would be floor manager, helping move the equipment and Francisca would film. I thought I would handle social media and possibly do a review. As the day progressed, I got footage to put on social media making sure to tag “beneath the surface” and the act “James Numbere” in them. The performances were amazing, and it was a great experience especially as it was music based.
29/04/19
Symposium.
This was a hard day for me as I get super uncomfortable when public speaking. Presenting is easier as you are with someone but to be alone in front of an audience of strangers gives me a little anxiety and a lot of dry mouth. I tried to prep for it by following the brief Rebecca created and making notes to read. Being the second to present meant I didn’t have the opportunity to have my memory jogged of oversights I could present. I showed the section of my documentary I felt most proud of as the rest didn’t come out how I envisioned. I spoke about the process and what I would have done. Finally, I ended with some advice for the first year. Although LJ said it was too short it felt like I had been talking for hours and after a while my mind went black so I wrapped up as best I could. I know I didn’t convey all that I wanted and after I was finished, I remembered everything I wanted to say. I really enjoyed hearing about and watching what everyone had produced as I hadn’t seen them before. Everyone chose a subject area that was important to them and it makes you feel like you know them a little bit more. I’m not sure if I should be happy that the second years didn’t really like my project (not that I was thrilled with it) or that it made not real impression on them, which was reflected in their evaluation sheets.
06/05/19
Bank holiday, no class
Spoke about the end of year show. Assigned roles by George who is in charge. My role will be on location reporter (not sure if that is the right term), last lesson of the course. So sad.
