Most people know that when you’re on-the-job things can move quite fast, especially when unexpected things happen. However, what do you do when you’re expected to be on camera in less than 30 seconds? You, pick up a ream of paper, of course.
We’ve all seen the 30-second intro to a broadcast news story where the anchor throws to a reporter-on-the-street. Usually, they will stand off to side, away from behind the anchor desk and give a brief description of what is to follow.
Nowadays, several anchors will do this while holding an iPad. By doing so, they can remotely get any information that they normally get from screens behind the anchor desk.
But, take a look at BBC’s Simon McCoy. He was obviously expected to do his usual routine by standing, giving an introduction to the news story which, in this case, involved “drunk tanks” and the effort to fend off “drunk trouble makers while they sober up.”
Mr. McCoy obviously intended to hold his iPad in his hands while discussing this part of the story. However, take another look. That’s not an iPad. It’s a ream of paper.
You have to admire his professionalism though. He kept on going and never batted an eye. Never once did he say, “Oh no! Where’s my iPad?” That is most likely what he meant to pick up. But, he just kept going with the story as if nothing was wrong.
Now, one could say that this scenario is made funnier by the fact that the story was about “drunk tanks.” Was the ream of paper planned? It probably was not.
But, that does bring up a good thought. When discussing this story, holding up a ream of paper symbolizes doing the wrong thing…which is often what a drunk person will do. So, in a way, his mistake sort of fit the story.
The situation is also true for many parts of our everyday lives. How many times are we in a rush to get somewhere? For example, when we have back-to-back classes, do we have the notebooks and textbooks for both classes? Did we bring the wrong books?
Sure, it happens to the best of us. No one is perfect. But, it’s how you handle the situation that is important.
Always make sure to plan your day out.
Oh yeah! Don’t put the paper next to the iPad. It makes for bad television.
