The Q&A Game: Speaking on Panels, Speaking on TV
Two days ago I spoke at the Politics Online conference in DC, on a panel about online mapping. Then last night Steven and I went on the Brian Lehrer Live show, talking about outside.in. Both were really fun - I love the process of live Q&A, having to think on your feet and come up with sharp replies on the spot. I have to get more comfortable with the live TV format - it’s a bit daunting to know that you only get one chance to give a clear and interesting answer a particular question. Even on a panel in front of hundreds of people you can always say “wait, let me rephrase that”, but on live TV you feel like I’ve got to make this make sense in fifteen seconds flat, and no re-takes. The key of course is to be natural and not even think about it, and that comes with familiarity.
I had a moment this morning right as I woke up that reminded me of the morning after a first date (back in the days when I used to date), where I thought to myself, “oh my god - did I *really* say that last night? what the hell was I thinking??” But it’s all just fun and laughs at this point. You just have to accept the gaffes along with the good answers - it’s all part of the game, and that’s what makes it so much fun to play.
