I spent Saturday working with 14 women who are seeking a seat to fight at the coming General Election. The group boasted a wide range of experience, with several people who had fought seats in 2005, others who have made it to finals but not yet been successful and a few who have just joined the candidates' list and have all the challenges of the selection process awaiting them.
My own session involved some basic training in public speaking, with everyone practising for three minutes before being critiqued by colleagues. The standard was high, even amongst those with less experience. The party has set out to remove the old requirement for a tub thumping speech from the selection interview, replacing it with questions from a professional moderator - often a journalist although I have filled this role in two of the London Assembly selections.
However, moderator and candidate are often standing at lecterns and the questions do sometimes present opportunities to in effect deliver a speech - and confident speakers will grab such opportunities. Two examples:
At the beginning - Tell us why you are a Conservative and why you want to represent Skipton and Ripon - provides the chance to deliver a short speech outlining your background and beliefs.
At the end - Is there anything you would like to say in conclusion? - is the perfect point to make a passionate bid for the job and leave the audience on a high.
Candidates who fail to take opportunities like this will fail to stand out sufficiently to get selected.
Monday, 13 July 2009
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Approved Candidates List Reopens
Yesterday David Cameron announced that he was reopening the list of approved candidates for fresh applications, and that even people from outside the Conservative party may apply.
There are always a few plum seats that fall free at the end of a Parliament, as older MPs decide that they can't face another four / five year term and they would prefer to spend more time with their families. This time the expenses scandal is likely to create more such opportunities than usual, with the Times predicting that some 325 seats could change hands.
The selection process is also likely to be speeded up, particularly if an election is called early. I will post more details on the new procedure when they become available.
There are always a few plum seats that fall free at the end of a Parliament, as older MPs decide that they can't face another four / five year term and they would prefer to spend more time with their families. This time the expenses scandal is likely to create more such opportunities than usual, with the Times predicting that some 325 seats could change hands.
The selection process is also likely to be speeded up, particularly if an election is called early. I will post more details on the new procedure when they become available.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Conservative Home Selection Surgery
I recently held a selection surgery on Conservative Home. Here are some of the questions I received and my responses:
Should I be truthful about my views?
What if my chances may be harmed? Handling questions about Heathrow expansion in a nearby constituency was one example. You should always be honest. If you make a promise to fight an important local campaign then betray it after you get selected, you are likely to have a very bad relationship with your volunteers, and probably get some bad publicity.
Another example was moving to the constituency. If you aren't able to make the commitment you should be honest about it, or be prepared to be taken to task for your bad faith. Volunteers are unlikely to work with a dishonest candidate.
Having been straight with the selectors, you should go on to sweeten the pill by explaining your reasons, and how you plan to compensate for your decision.
Should I take my same sex partner to the selection?
Yes, if they will help you to win! The days when candidates felt they had to present the other half for inspection are long gone, however a confident partner - of either sex - can help you cover more ground if you have to go through a death by canapes meet the members event. Obviously you shouldn't inflict this on your partner if they are uncomfortable with the prospect, or if they are likely to pick arguments. And there is no point in parading them on stage for the formal interview session.
I'm new to politics, is my lack of experience a problem?
Expect a question about your campaigning experience, so go and get some, as soon as possible. However you should also make sure the selectors know about what you have achieved outside politics. Don't let them overlook any relevant experience you have, even if it is in another field.
I'm an older woman, district councillor, dyed in the wool Tory. The party doesn't want candidates like me...
Oh yes they do! I know people with all those attributes who have been selected for safe seats, so stop moaning and go for it. As a councillor you probably have some valuable experience of campaigning and working with people. If you write yourself off in this way you definitely won't be selected.
What about women selectors who won't vote for female candidates?
This is much less of a problem than it used to be. Forget about the few closed minded individuals you might encounter and concentrate on winning over the majority of the selection panel who will be open minded, and who want to find the best candidate for the seat.
Should I pay for professional help?
Some of the best candidates are the ones who recognise their weak points and are willing to learn. However, professional assistance is not a magic wand and in the end you will have to do the interview on your own, without help. Assistance is available for most aspects of the process - how to design a CV, handling questions, policy research, speaking skills, what to wear, and so on...
A lot of advice can be gained from other candidates, without paying a penny. If you do pay, make sure you are comfortable with your mentor and that they come recommended by other successful candidates.
The Selection Process Stinks!
I see this in response to every thread about candidates. Some people will never be satisfied...
Look, the process is what it is, not what you might like it to be. Successful people adapt to their circumstances, which brings me to my most important rule:
After an interview, write down all the questions you were asked and think about how you can answer them more effectively next time. You are allowed to lose a selection but you should never lose the lesson.
Should I be truthful about my views?
What if my chances may be harmed? Handling questions about Heathrow expansion in a nearby constituency was one example. You should always be honest. If you make a promise to fight an important local campaign then betray it after you get selected, you are likely to have a very bad relationship with your volunteers, and probably get some bad publicity.
Another example was moving to the constituency. If you aren't able to make the commitment you should be honest about it, or be prepared to be taken to task for your bad faith. Volunteers are unlikely to work with a dishonest candidate.
Having been straight with the selectors, you should go on to sweeten the pill by explaining your reasons, and how you plan to compensate for your decision.
Should I take my same sex partner to the selection?
Yes, if they will help you to win! The days when candidates felt they had to present the other half for inspection are long gone, however a confident partner - of either sex - can help you cover more ground if you have to go through a death by canapes meet the members event. Obviously you shouldn't inflict this on your partner if they are uncomfortable with the prospect, or if they are likely to pick arguments. And there is no point in parading them on stage for the formal interview session.
I'm new to politics, is my lack of experience a problem?
Expect a question about your campaigning experience, so go and get some, as soon as possible. However you should also make sure the selectors know about what you have achieved outside politics. Don't let them overlook any relevant experience you have, even if it is in another field.
I'm an older woman, district councillor, dyed in the wool Tory. The party doesn't want candidates like me...
Oh yes they do! I know people with all those attributes who have been selected for safe seats, so stop moaning and go for it. As a councillor you probably have some valuable experience of campaigning and working with people. If you write yourself off in this way you definitely won't be selected.
What about women selectors who won't vote for female candidates?
This is much less of a problem than it used to be. Forget about the few closed minded individuals you might encounter and concentrate on winning over the majority of the selection panel who will be open minded, and who want to find the best candidate for the seat.
Should I pay for professional help?
Some of the best candidates are the ones who recognise their weak points and are willing to learn. However, professional assistance is not a magic wand and in the end you will have to do the interview on your own, without help. Assistance is available for most aspects of the process - how to design a CV, handling questions, policy research, speaking skills, what to wear, and so on...
A lot of advice can be gained from other candidates, without paying a penny. If you do pay, make sure you are comfortable with your mentor and that they come recommended by other successful candidates.
The Selection Process Stinks!
I see this in response to every thread about candidates. Some people will never be satisfied...
Look, the process is what it is, not what you might like it to be. Successful people adapt to their circumstances, which brings me to my most important rule:
After an interview, write down all the questions you were asked and think about how you can answer them more effectively next time. You are allowed to lose a selection but you should never lose the lesson.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Congratulations
To Loanna Morrison, selected last week to fight Bermondsey & Old Southwark. Before her selection interview I provided Loanna with a session on speech design and question handling. In her own words:
As you will have heard by now your hard work with me has paid dividends and I am now the PPC for Bermondsey and Old Southwark. I am so grateful that I found you in time to give me that little extra factor that I needed to make the great leap. Thank you so much and I hope I will be seeing lots of you as we work together to help young people get their lives back.
Loanna is of course referring to the wave of knife crime that has blighted the lives of too many young people in Inner London. Mayor Boris Johnson has made dealing with this terrible legacy the key task for his administration.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
A Satisfied Customer
Here is a testimonial from Karen Bradley, the next MP for Staffordshire Moorlands. Karen was the very first person I worked with and in her own words:
Roger was an invaluable help to me when I was preparing for my selection meetings at Staffordshire Moorlands - both with preparing for making key speeches and question practice. Over a number of sessions, Roger helped me to improve my ability to speak in public - using practical examples and techniques that he'd learned over the years. These helped enormously when it came to the final selection as I was not so worried about how to make the speech and focused more on the content - which is after all what the audience is interested in.
On question practice, Roger really tested the thoughts I had about how I might answer a question and challenged the suggested answers I came up with originally to refine them into answers that addressed the issue and expressed my opinion clearly and succinctly. I have no doubt that the time spent with Roger was one of the key reasons why I was successful in being selected for the seat that I really wanted to represent above all others, Staffordshire Moorlands.
You can read more about Karen's campaign and offer support at http://www.karenbradley.co.uk/ .
Roger was an invaluable help to me when I was preparing for my selection meetings at Staffordshire Moorlands - both with preparing for making key speeches and question practice. Over a number of sessions, Roger helped me to improve my ability to speak in public - using practical examples and techniques that he'd learned over the years. These helped enormously when it came to the final selection as I was not so worried about how to make the speech and focused more on the content - which is after all what the audience is interested in.
On question practice, Roger really tested the thoughts I had about how I might answer a question and challenged the suggested answers I came up with originally to refine them into answers that addressed the issue and expressed my opinion clearly and succinctly. I have no doubt that the time spent with Roger was one of the key reasons why I was successful in being selected for the seat that I really wanted to represent above all others, Staffordshire Moorlands.
You can read more about Karen's campaign and offer support at http://www.karenbradley.co.uk/ .
Sunday, 14 October 2007
Get Selected
Over the last twelve months I have been helping women to get selected for Parliamentary seats. I do this by providing one to one coaching in one hour sessions, focusing on Question Handling and Speech Design.
Of the twenty or so women I have assisted, some fifteen have now been selected for seats they are going to win at the next election!
"Roger's thoughtful guidance based on his many years of experience were very helpful to me as I prepared for selection meetings." Helen Whately, Conservative Candidate for Kingston & Surbiton. http://www.helenwhately.co.uk/ .
" Roger illustrates his advice with valuable, practical examples and he has a relentlessly positive approach to the whole interview process. As a professional politician, he really knows what the selectors are looking for." Jill Skalla, formerly Conservative Candidate for Colchester.
"Roger's first hand experience of selection and interview proceedings means that he has a clear insight into the approach and techniques required to make a positive impact. I am personally very grateful to Roger for his support and I would strongly recommend anyone considering a role in politics, or facing an interview process to make use of Roger's first rate and proven track record of helping people to succeed." Jane Archer, Former Conservative PPC for Walthamstow.
What do I offer?
I provide coaching in question handling - the types of questions selection committees ask, what the committee are looking for, avoiding pitfalls, fulfilling and exceeding their expectations.
I also teach the science of designing knockout speeches - refining the message, getting the audience on your side, making memorable points, using appropriate humour, closing on a high.
Do I just coach women?
No, I am happy to advise anyone who is seeking help and who is serious about making the commitment needed to secure a seat.
Is this only for Parliament?
No, I have also worked with candidates for the London Assembly and for borough councils. The contexts are different but the same rules apply.
Of the twenty or so women I have assisted, some fifteen have now been selected for seats they are going to win at the next election!
"Roger's thoughtful guidance based on his many years of experience were very helpful to me as I prepared for selection meetings." Helen Whately, Conservative Candidate for Kingston & Surbiton. http://www.helenwhately.co.uk/ .
" Roger illustrates his advice with valuable, practical examples and he has a relentlessly positive approach to the whole interview process. As a professional politician, he really knows what the selectors are looking for." Jill Skalla, formerly Conservative Candidate for Colchester.
"Roger's first hand experience of selection and interview proceedings means that he has a clear insight into the approach and techniques required to make a positive impact. I am personally very grateful to Roger for his support and I would strongly recommend anyone considering a role in politics, or facing an interview process to make use of Roger's first rate and proven track record of helping people to succeed." Jane Archer, Former Conservative PPC for Walthamstow.
What do I offer?
I provide coaching in question handling - the types of questions selection committees ask, what the committee are looking for, avoiding pitfalls, fulfilling and exceeding their expectations.
I also teach the science of designing knockout speeches - refining the message, getting the audience on your side, making memorable points, using appropriate humour, closing on a high.
Do I just coach women?
No, I am happy to advise anyone who is seeking help and who is serious about making the commitment needed to secure a seat.
Is this only for Parliament?
No, I have also worked with candidates for the London Assembly and for borough councils. The contexts are different but the same rules apply.
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