Vital information on surviving your time in the lime-light.

Introduction

Question time (sometimes known as Hustings) is raw political campaigning, with the proverbial soapbox replaced by a stage and microphone.

Hustings is an open forum for students to ask prospective candidates why they should vote for them. As a candidate it's your opportunity to show off why you’re the best choice for this position.

Although there is a serious side to Question Time, it also includes a lighter-hearted side that will test your ability to think on your feet and survive in the lively arena of student politics. Expect the unexpected.

What do I have to do?

The Speech

Candidates are asked to make a one-minute speech, recorded on video and shown on the night. This is nothing to be worried about. By this stage you have already written your manifesto and answered your 10 questions, so you know your stuff!

Just say why you want the position and what you will do if elected? Why should people vote for you? Why will you be better then your opponents?

The Questions

After the video presentations are finished, the audience can ask questions.

A helpful hint is to bring along as many supporters as you can, and maybe even plant a few questions that you already have rehearsed the answers to.

Challenges

Being a Sabbatical Officer means being in the public eye and being able to think on your feet – Question Time can sometimes provide a few surprises.