No Autographs, Please

So lastnight I had my local television debut. As part of a project I've been working on, I presented some information to a City Council, which was taped and will be on continuous loop at City Hall, and will replay on local access television. Did I mention this also happens to be the city I currently live in? Generally we consultants have the benefit of not living in the area where the local broadcast is televised, so we can live in blissful ignorance of our performance. But I can watch and critique myself. Yee-ha.

I had a bit of a rocky start. Im typically an adequate multi-tasker, but adjusting the mic (because it's always too short for me), remembering the words, moving the slides, not saying "um," deciding whether to look at the big screen or the computer screen in front of me, while still maintaining some semblance of eye contact with the 25 people staring at you (including your boss and client), is a bit daunting. Podiums have always been uncomfortable for me. I always feel weird behind there - don't know what to do with my HANDS, always feel like I'm bending down weird to reach the microphone. I'd feel better stepping out away from it, having my HANDS free and not having a barrier between me and the audience. But I pulled it together and did just fine in the end.

So do you notice a theme here? Ladies and Gentlemen, I am a Hand Talker. In casual conversation, my HANDS are moving like crazy. It's how I express myself I suppose. When I'm behind a podium I feel confined because I don't know what to do with my HANDS. Eureka! Note to self: get a lapel mic.

PS - I say local television debut, because seven years ago while visiting New York City, I had a 30-second interview air on MSNBC. National exposure, woo-hoo, I think a total of one person saw it. I had just gotten off the subway, having ridden the 7 train on my way to my first Mets game at Shea Stadium, and they wanted to ask some questions about John Rocker. I couldn't tell you what I said, but it was cool anyway.