Can YOU give us Pause For Thought?

"I’d have never described myself as a writer, so preparing the Pause for Thoughts has been a great learning curve. ... I’ve found a new affection for grammar and wish I’d paid more attention in English classes at school!

After winning the Pause for Thought talent search last year, I’ve made the transition from pre-recorded Thoughts to lives ones. It’s a buzz going into the studio and being part of something happening live across the country.

I now appreciate how much work and skill goes into each part of a show; it feels pretty special to be able to contribute and be part of it. Vanessa and the production team are brilliant; highly professional and really welcoming, they make it great fun.

...and these can range from ‘Sacrifice for a Cause’ to mark the anniversary of Emily Davison’s death to ‘Leadership’ to tie in with the American Inauguration. The themes help provide structure and give your mind a framework to think within.

I’m usually told the theme a few weeks before I’m due to go on air. In the lead up to putting pen to paper (tapping keys!), I mull over different ideas, stories and links to the theme. When I have in mind a relevant anecdote, a faith-based reflection and what it means to me, I’m set to start writing.

Some scripts seem to flow really easily and others are tricky little blighters! When talking about writing my Granny often says,

“Effort is better than inspiration, because effort is deliberate”.

... A couple of the scripts I’ve found most tricky have turned out to be the ones I’m proudest of.

Once it’s written I send it to the producer Michael Wakelin. Michael’s role is to check the thought; ensure it makes sense to fresh ears and that it will suit Vanessa’s programme and her audience. So after the odd edit it is sent over to Phil and Helen at Radio 2.

On the evening before the broadcast I usually make an appalling (!) attempt to go to bed early; it’s an early rise (even for someone with a toddler). I usually catch the bus, which is surprisingly full at four-thirty in the morning and arrive at quarter past five. I have a cup of tea - or two - say hi to producer Phil and listen to the show; getting a feel for it that morning.

....and when the song finishes Vanessa introduces me. I still get butterflies, it’s an exciting feeling knowing that something you crafted is being broadcast to millions of listeners. I often try and think of one person listening; someone who’s been driving through the night, a parent awake with kids or someone starting an early morning shift

Being involved with Pause for Thought has been fantastic. It is something I’d never have had the chance to do had it not been for the Talent Search. If you’re thinking of entering this year, I would suggest just going for it, ...you never know, the winner might be you.

To finish off this post we asked Kiera to name her top tips for entering the talent search. 

1. Listen to PFT examples before entering, especially as it’s now easier than ever with the PFT clips page.

2. Think about the Radio 2 audience and the style of Vanessa’s show.

3. Remember it is a religious broadcast; so don’t forget to reference your faith.

4. Make it personal, tell stories.

5. Have fun, enjoy it!

Kiera considers the power that food has to bring us together. She shares the story of how, with the assistance of some home baked goods, she caught the attention of a very special man

Hear Kiera's thought here.

Stratagem - a plan, scheme, or trick for surprising or deceiving an enemy