What being camera ready really means when when you have kids

Yesterday I was interviewed for a television show to discuss the benefits of Public Relations for entrepreneurs. I was given the questions before hand and put in a considerable amount of time going over my talking points the night before. I was feeling confident, prepared, and ready to rock it.

In the morning I did all of the things I normally do before an interview. I woke up early, did my make up, made myself a cup of tea. The house was quiet. Peaceful, even. No one was awake. It was lovely.

I sign onto Zoom, check myself out in the mirror, and check my background (a perfectly curated collection of house plants). All looks good. I say hello to the producers, and start chatting to the host.

The countdown has begun. Lights, camera, action.

“Eva, please tell us about the difference between public relations and marketing.”

I open my mouth to begin what I had rehearsed and then… in bursts my son…. naked from the waist down.

Uh, isn’t he supposed to be sleeping?

“Mummy, my mouth hurts, I bit my lip”

Forget rehearsals, this is the real thing. All of my rehearsed answers flew out the window and my only thought is “get your son away from the camera….NOW!”

I fly out of my chair and usher him out of the room as I tell him to go get dressed.

Okay he is out. PR Crisis averted.

“Sorry for this interruption, guys. Let’s start again.”

I can do this!

The producer starts counting down again 3–2 — —

Son number two comes wandering in.

OKAY…PR crisis in full effect.

I spring out of my chair (again) tell him I am busy and he leaves.

Phew. PR crisis over!

Nope. Here is the first son wandering in again! And guess what? Still no pants.

“Mummy can I watch tv?”

“Yes, yes you can.”

“Do I HAVE to get dressed?’

“No! Its fine but please for the love of GOD go!!”

I finally sit down. Breathe a sigh of relief. Ah TV, the Babysitter. I apologise again. The crew (a PA, host, and producer) are staring at me. Waiting. The show must go on.

I am flustered. I have got this though, right?! They re-ask the question about the difference between marketing and PR. I give some semblance of an answer, I don’t even know if it makes sense. I sure hope it does!

The interview continues, “breathe” I tell myself. “You’ve got this.” After the first question, I go back into confident mode. I know Public Relations, I am GOOD at Public Relations, and people should know how it can benefit their business and brand. That is why I was doing the interview in the first place. My message is still important, my story is still important. The crisis is over. I give myself permission to continue.

I share all of this because while I thought I planned for everything, clearly I had made some glaringly obvious missteps.

Things that you think you have under control can change in the blink of an eye. My peaceful, sleeping house, a perfect backdrop to an interview turned into a full blown revolving door of children. It happens, but just keep going. I did. Plan better for next time. I don’t believe in blowing it. You can always try again, more opportunities will come.

Oh also GET A LOCK FOR YOUR DOOR!