Did you see me on TV? Ireland AM was Awesome

What’s the craic?  You may well ask.

I was on Ireland AM talking about my book Goodbye Glossophobia.  OMG, it was quite nerve-wracking.   The show is the Irish answer to ITV’s This Morning, only on Virgin Media Television, with no Philip Schofield and not one, but two bubbly Holly-types.  

It turned out well, even though I was at home with nothing but a Skype logo (and my own video image) to talk to and the slightly delayed audio of the professional presenter’s Anna and Laura. It was filmed during the COVID-19 lockdown.

As I sat waiting with my Skype video on, I could hear the voice from Dan in the ‘gallery” (the techie guy in Dublin)

“You’ll be on air in a couple of minutes, Esther, sit tight” ……at that moment I got a rush of mild glossophobia (fear of public speaking on camera) and I told myself…

“come on Esther, crack on, you can do this…..you’ve written a book about this stuff….you’re talking about the book on the show for ***** sake….come on, pull yourself together…..look at the camera lens, smile…no matter how much of a eeeediot you think you are…..crack on”

And I did.

The best tip here is ….

CRACK ON & SMILE!

Do you think the interview looks relaxed and authentic? Can you notice me rabbiting on?  I had NO visual cue to stop me. The slight delay meant I couldn’t hear the next sentence…so, quite simply they faded me down!  Hilarious, but necessary under the circumstances. Don’t you wish you had a “fade down” setting in your meetings? (You could start using mute more often!)

To be honest I could beat myself up and criticise myself when I watch it back.  It’s not perfect.  I overuse the word ‘absolutely’ and my slight brain fog lets me down a bit. My daughter, Mirabelle (14) was keen to share her feedback….

“you can’t speak properly mum” (thanks sweetheart)

The good news is this. If you think it looks as if I am relaxed and have a great rapport with hosts Anna and Laura, that’s a triumph.  You too can look confident and relaxed in your remote meetings.  All you’ve got to do is do what I did…. hold your nerve and smile for the camera! 

Remember next time you find yourself filling a widescreen with your image in your remote event or meeting…. Smile, crack on….and whatever happens, in the words of Churchill….

“never give up!”

My book Goodbye Glossophobia- banish your fear of public speaking is on special WFH offer for £10 reduced from £14.99.

If you’d like me to host a virtual event for your team and help them look, sound and feel brilliant on camera – please do get in touch asap – you’d love it.

Esther@estherstanhope.com