Long ago when I first became a sales engineer and frequently spoke with the public, the marketing director offered to send me to “media school” to polish my PR skills. I wouldn’t look like a deer in the headlights when the camera lights clicked on. The company imploded not long afterward and I never made it to “school.” I could’ve used those skills last week.
My dad was kind enough to record my brief interview on WTVD when it aired the other day. I cringed when I finally watched it last night. My big noggin is bouncing around like a bobblehead and my hands look awkward resting on my hips. In spite of my comfort with public speaking, there’s still a lot of polishing to do before I’m ready for my close-up.
There was one benefit to seeing me on TV, though. WTVD’s Tim Nelson asked me a leading question trying to get me to agree with him but I didn’t take his bait. He could’ve simply not shown my interview but he left it in – even though it didn’t support his argument. Kudos to him for that.
My first presentation went pretty well. It would have been perfect if they hadn’t had a portable podium. It sat on top of a table and was just a bit wobbly. Toward the end of my talk, I put my hands on it. I was so nervous it rattled on top of the table like a coffee can full of marbles. My presentation ended with a drum roll. 😛