Shows
The Grey Lit CaféPodcasting on grey literature: what have we done? whither will we go?"Three years have passed; five summers, with the length/ Of five long winters!" (as William Wordsworth wrote). This episode was recorded to mark the third anniversary of The Grey Lit Café's first episode ('Welcome to the Grey Lit Café') and the conclusion of our seventh season. We briefly review the season in the context of our developing conception of how best to discuss grey literature and we look ahead to the next season, which promises a novel focus.Further listeningWe hope you found this episode rewarding. If so, you...2025-03-0806 min
The Grey Lit CaféThe comms jokeIf you work in comms, you're used to clients (internal or external) announcing, "We need a poster!"You have to laugh.Further listeningWe hope you found this episode rewarding. If so, you might find the following of particular interest:The games we play in science and research communicationDon't fall in love with your work, with Sabuhi EssaBefore Spotify: the remarkable story of chautauquasCreditsAudio production and editing: Anthony HaynesMusic: from Handel's Water Music, courtesy of the United States Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra2025-01-0702 min
The Grey Lit CaféOverwriting: how and why to avoid itOverwriting - producing a draft that exceeds your word (or page) limit - is an extremely common problem amongst writers in science, research, and professional areas. In this episode, Engy Moussa interviews Anthony Haynes. They examine why this problem arises, what harm it does, and, crucially, how to overcome the problem. The discussion outlines practical solutions, with an emphasis on how to prevent the problem from arising. Topics include the psychology of writing and techniques for planning, reviewing, and editing.Further listeningWe hope you enjoyed listening to this...2024-02-0721 min
The Grey Lit CaféGrey literature workflows: the surprising role of pen & paperWord processing has been around a long time now - so long, that we barely use the phrase anymore. So dominant in our workflows has it become that we act as though there's no need to distinguish it - as if there is simply no alternative. So pen and paper have become redundant forms of technology then?Well, no, actually. This episode dares, unfashionably, to explore how non-digital technology can contribute to the workflows used in the creation of pieces of professional and scientific communication.And before anyone shouts, "Technophobia!" - no, not...2023-11-0233 min
The Grey Lit CaféThe Art of Pitching, with Yuxia ZouHaving to pitch yourself and your work in order to win an opportunity is a standard component of professional and scientific life - and one that many people find challenging.In this episode, Dr Yuxia Zou (Nanyang Business School) reflects on her experience of pitching and identifies actionable insights for other pitchers. Yuxia reflects both on the activity itself and on the formative process behind it.Further listeningIf you enjoyed listening to this episode, you might also enjoy:Developing proposals: insights from behind the scenesHow to write...2023-09-1824 min
The Grey Lit CaféDon't fall in love with your work: Sabuhi Essa on creative processesAnthony Haynes writes: Sabuhi Essa, from (as she proudly declares) "the feet of the greatest mountains in the world" in northern Pakistan, trained in an art school in Pakistan, practiced architecture, and is now researching the topic of resilience whilst based in the University of Cambridge's Department of Engineering. Of all the hundred or thousands of creatives, writers, and researchers I've mentored, few if any have proved more receptive to feedback than Sabuhi - especially critical feedback. When I noticed this, I asked her, 'How come?' It turns out that her openness and receptiveness...2023-06-1923 min