Fame Isn't For Everyone

I was hanging out on BlogCatalog yesterday when calais50 started a discussion thread asking if anyone had ever been on TV or in the newspaper. I responded highlighting my brush with TV fame, and then realized there was an actual post in there somewhere. So here it is.

About 10 years ago I worked for a non-profit organization and we were holding a fund-raising event in the community. As part of my job, I had to go along with a couple of volunteers and do a quick interview for the local TV station. No biggie ... I could do that.

The volunteers were quite nervous, so of course I reassured them that it would be okay ... not to worry. After all, these were professionals who knew what they were doing, plus it was just a local cable program that highlighted community happenings ... who watched that stuff? Hardly anyone, it's not even like real TV.

So the day arrives and I was feeling a bit nervous. The fact is, I'm more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person ... and like it there. But since I was staff I felt I had to be in control and put on a professional appearance to support the volunteers, who were starting to have second thoughts about the whole thing.

The interviewer told us what he was going to ask us, and helped us to feel calm and comfortable. As the crew set up the cameras we practiced what we would say. It was all good, we were relaxed and laughing. I didn't have a care in the world at that point. Then the camera went on.

I was a deer in the headlights.

I don't really remember what I said or what happened, it was all kind of a blur. But even though I was a tad nervous, I felt I was doing well.

Then the camera went off and it was as if life started again. There was a lot of buzz and everyone was animated and talking and laughing. The TV people left and we were all standing around. Some volunteers came out to watch us and give support, so of course we asked them how we all did on camera.

People were shouting out kudos ... then someone quietly said to me that the next time I do something like that, "I should remember to smile" ... that's when another helpful person yelled out, "and blink" then there was a round of, "yes, blink ... and smile"

It was like I was getting peppered with helpful hints. Then someone felt the need to sum in all up in a complete sentence, "You didn't look very friendly, because you weren't smiling or blinking." It was at that time I felt the need to wrap it up, as they say, "Thanks for the input everyone! And for coming out to support us!" I said, smiling and blinking.

A few days later the interview aired on the local cable station. With some trepidation I tuned it. My first thought? "Who the hell is that terrified, angry, non-blinking woman on TV?"

Seriously, it was like I was watching some other lady ... with my voice. Cracked me up!

By the way ... not blinking and/or smiling when talking ... a tad psychopathic looking. A scary monotone voice doesn't help either. I add that for future reference, you know, in case you're ever interviewed on camera.

Thankfully the interview only ran on the local cable network that most people (I thought) didn't watch. It's actually amazing how many people tune in to those shows. The fact that it ran 4 times a day for a week also came as a surprise to me. I add that for future reference as well. You're welcome.