Another First

“Television is simply automated day-dreaming.” -Lee Lovinger

Today I made my first ever TV appearance and I lived to write about it. I was worried I wouldn’t remember my own name, much less the title of my book. I anguished over what to wear, my hair, my nails and so on. Now all the sleep I lost tormenting myself seems rather silly.

While waiting for my turn to go on air, I watched the newscast. I was so relieved that I didn’t immediately follow the segment they did on the best mug shots of 2008, that I began to relax.

The friendly staff at WINK NEWS NOW This Morning went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. News anchor, Sarah Augusthy, put me at ease and I felt as though I was talking to an old friend. I considered it a wonderful compliment that she had read The Ride and enjoyed it. My calmness during the interview surprised me.

However, once the interview had ended and I stood to leave, the magnitude of what I had done hit me. I have trouble speaking coherently in front of a small group of people I know; now, I had spoken to a multitude of strangers. I left the station and sat in my car for a few moments to let the shaking subside so I could drive home. By the time I arrived at the house, I was drained and, at the same time, exhilarated.

Never in any of my day dreams, automated or not, did I visualize myself on the other side of the TV screen. It’s normal for me to sit on the couch and watch TV, but it was almost eerie to sit and watch myself. In fact, I couldn’t get past the first few seconds, so I have not seen the entire interview yet. I plan to watch eventually so I can improve, if and when, I do another TV interview. However, it looks like I am going to have to work up to the task.

Will this experience make public speaking easier in the future? Or, since I could only see Sarah and not the viewing audience, does it not count as public speaking? I guess I won’t know the answer until next time I’m called on to say something before a group.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday and thanks for stopping by.

Tags: The Ride, Lovinger, Wink News, Sarah Augusthy, public speaking, mug shots,