Interviewing techniques workshop with Pam Rhodes

Pam Rhodes with Media Performance students

Songs of Praise presenter Pam was at the Luton campus on Tuesday 3 November 2009, for the two-hour workshop on interviewing techniques with level two Media Performance students.

The interview scenarios centred on the recent problems with student loans and involved students both asking questions and being interviewed themselves.

Pam said: “They did very well and it was interesting to point out a few things. Most of them haven’t actually thought about the technique of interviewing. It depends on things like who you are interviewing, what type of show it is and asking the right questions to find out the skeletons in their cupboard!”

Pam, who also runs a cattery in her home town of Biggleswade, has been on our television screens for the last 35 years.

She has presented Songs of Praise for the last 22 years, with one edition even coming from the Luton campus, and has also been involved in live news, arts programmes, travel and leisure, and quiz shows as well as continuing to present a weekly show on the radio.

Pam said: “The one thing I would stress and which is most important is the need to be professional – always be punctual and prepared. You need a professional attitude in everything you ever do.”

She is returning to the University later in the month for another workshop on presenting for the same level two Media Performance students.

Student comments

"Our sessions with Pam Rhodes I feel have been extremely beneficial. As Pam is still working in the industry I really took on board her tips and advice. The knowledge that she shared with us has made me even hungrier to succeed in this business and given me a chance to improve on my presenting /interviewing skills."
Rosie Benjamin, level 2, Media Performance

" Pam Rhodes was a very inspiring person. I feel very lucky to have met her. I liked her friendly manner and sense of humour. She gave us lots of constructive criticism, top tips and great feedback, which I have found really useful. "
Emily Blake, level 2 Media Performance

" Pam Rhodes masterclass was very helpful because it allowed me to discover my weaknesses ( i.e. pronunciation of words and covering nervousness on camera for autocue). I learned in order to present you need to show to your audience a side of yours , which is friendly and inviting."
Isaac Sosanya, level 2, Media Performance

"I felt it was very inspiring to have a lesson with Pam Rhodes. It gave me great confidence and enthusiasm and the belief that it is possible to get into the industry. It was fantastic to hear the different ways her career altered before she became a TV presenter."
Daniel Nicholson, level 2, Media Performance

"The interview workshop we had with Pam Rhodes was very interesting and gave us an insight into her daily life as an interviewer. It also helped as she told us what was expected from us as interviewers entering the industry."
Becky Palmer, level 2 Media Performance

Course leader comments

Maria Wiener, Course Leader in Media Performance, said: “Pam's workshop went very well, the students loved it. They engaged in conversations and exercises with her and left buzzing!

From our brief discussion at the end I think Pam also enjoyed it and she left with good impressions in terms of their engagement.

Certainly the students are looking forward to seeing her again in their class. It was a very interesting and valuable experience for our students.

She shared a variety of tips on interviewing with them and her diverse career inspired them to express their interests to her and work with her on the development of their interviewing skills.

They enjoyed her class very much and left enthusiastic, feeling encouraged in pursuing their dreams and aspirations."

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Interviewing techniques workshop with Pam Rhodes