Wednesday, July 10th
Written by Project Comms members Kevin L., Ronghe G., & Benjamin B.
Introduction
Project Comms members joined Brooklyn-based freelance writer and editor Audrea Lim for a seminar on the interview process and effective storytelling.
About Audrea Lim
Audrea Lim is the author of the recently published book, Free the Land, which discusses contemporary issues surrounding climate change, poverty, and land restoration. She has also written several articles previously featured in publications including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian.
Audrea shared the journey of her passions, growing from a childhood interest in reading and arts to a professional career in journalism and writing. It was during adulthood that she became interested in socioeconomic activism, social change, and environmentalism, and started dedicating her work to learning and sharing the stories of others.
Workshop
Audrea shared two important skills in her work with Project Comms: storytelling and effective interviewing. These skills are important to interpreting and conveying information well. A good story should include the facts: Who, What, When, Where, What, and a compelling narrative: the Why and How.
Audrea taught members how to structure an interview to answer a common goal and get the most out of an interaction. Members then conducted group interviews with Audrea to practice the skills discussed during her talk. She shared more about her work as a musician, growing up in Calgary as a child of immigrants, and her move to New York City 18 years ago to attend The New School for Social Research where she received her MA in Philosophy. Audrea provided helpful feedback and tips including focusing on the interview’s goal, asking open-ended questions progressing from easy to hard, and paying close attention to getting the interviewee comfortable and accustomed to talking.
Impact
Project Comm’s members used these lessons to build on what they have previously learned from other workshops, culminating in stronger storytelling and interviewing.
Members are thankful to learn effective research and interviewing strategies from Audrea Lim and have used strategies learned in previous workshops to make this workshop more effective. Project Comms members learned the value of utilizing storytelling to become a more comfortable interviewer and connect to an audience.
Conclusion
Members appreciate the opportunity to participate in interviewing tasks and activities, which allowed for a more impactful session with Audrea. These skills will be applied throughout Project Comms as members write creative content and speak to other professionals in communications.