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Eleanor Stanleywww.eleanorstanley.co.uk

Writing case studies and interviewing service users

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+Overview

What’s special about case studies? How case studies can be used Behind the scenes The interview The writing process Reworking existing transcripts Summing up: what makes a strong case study?

+Learning outcomes

By the end of this session you will have: an awareness of the benefits of case studies

and how to use them a clear understanding of what you need in

place to ensure good case studies 3 tips for conducting effective interviews,

writing up case studies and reworking existing transcripts

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Share your name, job title, organisation and what you had for breakfast

Activity 1: Icebreaker

+What’s special about case studies?

A scenario or story to demonstrate rather than describe a message

Individuals, groups or processes Human interest or real-life context – bypassing

the intellect to create emotional responses Moves from problem to solution, sharing learning Using people’s voices increases authenticity Charity case studies vs journalism

+How we use case studies

Features and news stories Fundraising and marketing materials Reports including annual reports, briefings,

learning papers, funding applications Books Websites Media information and press releases

+ Example 1: 5 things you should know about dementia, Alzheimer’s Society

+Behind the scenes

Finding potential case studies Managing contacts Consent and confidentiality Selecting the right person Maintaining ongoing contact – good manners!

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www.charitycomms.org.uk

+The interview

The options: face to face, telephone, email Preparing: contact, venue, equipment, follow-up Questions: content, structure and advance warning Key focus: before, after and what your charity did The magic ingredient: active listening Timings Communication challenges and carers

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Example 2: Having a PrematureBaby, Tommy’s

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Select the best 15 questions to use in a case study interview

Activity 2:20 questions

+Interview tips

Start with the easy questionsUse journalistic skills to elicit detail and

examplesFocus on eliciting strong quotes on both

negative and positive topicsSense where to probe and where to pull backDon’t be afraid of silenceKeep the output in mind

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Work in pairs to play the role of interviewer and interviewee

Activity 3:Interview role play

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Interviewing for Journalists

Sally Adams, WynfordHicks 2001

Developing key skillsactive listeninginterviewing

+The writing process

Transcribe the interview Write the piece, focusing on format, objectives

and audience Move from problem to solution Combine quotes with complementary

information Sign off

+Writing tips

Getting started: highlight the most evocative passages

Don’t shy away from painful feelings but keep the overall tone positive

Edit quotes with care – but do editReturn to the interviewee where needed

Example 3: ‘Stepping out’, Arthritis News

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Highlight four key passages in the transcript provided

Activity 4: Hunting out strong quotes

+Reworking existing transcripts

Common scenarios: fewer quotes or less human interest. What can you do?Restructure with signposting and standfirstsRework quotesGo back for more quotes and picturesUse stats, bullets, box out info, visuals If it’s repurposed, sign off again?

+ Example 4: Empowering communities to prepare for cyclones, IFRC

+Summing upWhat makes a good case study?

Telling an engaging, authentic story Describing challenges en route to a positive

outcome Conveying key desired messages Respecting the speakers and meeting standards Getting there is a science and an art If done well, case studies work!

+Learning outcomes

By the end of this session you will have: an awareness of the benefits of case studies

and how to use them a clear understanding of what you need to do

them well 3 tips for conducting effective interviews,

writing up case studies and reworking existing transcripts

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Eleanor Stanleywww.eleanorstanley.co.ukuk.linkedin.com/in/eleanorstanley