Time and time again, I realise just how fortunate I am to have a multi-faceted career that combines my pride, (optometry), with my joy, (blogging/writing). Sometimes, these two worlds meet and open the door to new opportunities and experiences. This happened earlier this week. ZEISS asked me to take part in a campaign they are running to raise awareness about UV damage and the eye. I’ll write about that in more detail in due course, because it’s incredibly important. This post is about my day in the 4mediarelations studio, London.
The campaign manager set up a series of interviews with about ten local radio stations. I went to the studio about an hour before the first one for a briefing and to meet the PR team, the radio producers and the people representing ZEISS.
Dr Debbie Laughton, a fellow optometrist and Head of Professional Services at ZEISS, was my co-interviewee. The interviews were back-to-back; some were pre-records and some were live. Debbie and I sat in a booth where we could see and hear the producer and the team through glass.
The producer dialed each radio station and spoke to the presenter before handing over to Debbie and me. It was the first time either of us had been on the radio so we were both a little nervous, but we soon got into our stride. We did several pre-recorded interviews before our first live ones which helped. Each one lasted for 5-10 minutes.
I have to confess that my heart was pounding during the live broadcasts. However, we answered the questions and discussed the key message, which is how UV radiation can damage the eyes not just on a hot sunny day, but on a dull or cloudy day too.
It was something new and something I’d love to do again; I enjoyed every moment. Madeleine Birch from the PR agency did a brilliant job of directing the campaign and the team from 4mediarelations were so calm and they put us at our ease from the moment we arrived at the studio. Matt Jones from ZEISS was equally kind and supportive and as for Dr Debbie? Well, she is as lovely as she is intelligent and I know we’ll stay in touch. I couldn’t have wished for anyone nicer to sit alongside.
6 comments
Aaaaaargh Lizzy I’m SO proud of you – I heard you and thought you were absolutely brilliant, not in the slightest bit nervous (sounding) and WOW do you have a calming, soothing voice!
That’s really cool to see behind the scenes and to hear about how they do these sorts of broadcasts. Well done you, I hope you DO get to do lots more of these!!!!
Catherine x
Thank you, thank you, thank you. It was so so lovely that you listened. It means a lot. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it and I really hope another similar opportunity comes my way! Lots of love my sweet xxx
OMG! Bet that was fun! What an interesting post thanks for sharing on your blog. Jacqui Mummabstylish
It was brilliant Jacqui. Such a great experience! xxxx
What a fabulous experience, Lizzy!! My heart would have been seriously pounding too lol. I’m terrible at public speaking. Just the idea makes me shudder with nerves! So well done you <3
Hugs
Suzy xxx
Aww, thank you Suzy. I’m sure you’d be brilliant at it! I really enjoyed it and if there’s a next time, I’ll know what to expect! xxx