Three, two, one... and done

“3, 2, 1 mic cue”... that’s what I would hear everyday in my ear... after the animation played, my microphone was turned on and my face appeared on camera. I could be having a full on conversation with my co-anchor... or be in the middle of writing an email.... but as soon as I heard those words I knew to sit up and look at the camera... ready to talk. One time we didn’t even get a “3”... it’s was just “2, 1... “ and we were live! That was the last time the Pope came to New York. My co-anchor CJ Papa and I were walking from one studio to another to co-anchor live coverage of the visit. We just sat down, put our ear pieces in and just barely clipped the mics on ourselves - when we heard the director giving us the cue to speak. And, in this case, there was no TelePrompTer. This was live coverage... we were adlibbing. That’s live TV. It takes years of experience to keep your cool - and your poise - and appear like everything that happens is planned! CJ is very good at that. I think we worked well together. While one would talk- the other would be on the computer, checking social media, looking over notes, getting updated info from the producer- to continue the conversation. Live TV is exciting. You never know what’s going to happen. But as long as you have a good team around you (co-anchor, producer, executive producer, director, reporters in the field) it usually goes smoothly.

I’m not sure where life will take me next... whether its back on TV somewhere else or working in the corporate world or being in front of the classroom on a full time basis (I’ll keep you posted)... but I think the skills I‘ve learned- to write and copy edit quickly (and accurately), to make decisions, to tell compelling stories, to not be afraid to ask questions, to think on my feet, and to work as a team- will help me wherever I land. I’ll just have to get used to not being counted down every time I have to speak 🤣