I write a regular article in a local magazine (YourCall) each month and the last one was 'Garden Design Trends 2010'. Last week I received a phone call from our local BBC radio station who said they'd seen the article and invited me in to their studio to talk about it!
Naturally, I did have a panic, although quite flattered they liked what I'd written I did ask if it was live radio - to which the reply was 'Yes'! I agreed after having a think, I was very nervous and I'd never been in a studio let alone been interviewd on live radio before! So, I went over to the studios at the weekend and was greeted by the lady that had originally called, she quickly put my mind at ease and ran through the order of the slot with me. I was taken into the studio and met Trish (in between songs) who was very friendly and was easy to talk to...thankfully! Before I knew it I was sitting in front of a microphone and heard myself being introduced....exactly how many butterflies there were in my stomach I'll never know!
We chatted about the design trends likely to be filtering into our gardens this year, from how colour will be used and about using plants that have more than one month of interest...making them really earn our love and attention! The conversation turned to various gardening aspects and that was the first five mintues over! How quick the time passed and how much like a general chat it seemed rather than what it actually was.
Another song played, I drank more water and watched what was going on around me....all very fascinating! Then we're back on again, Trish wanted to know about growing vegatables, not very designy but she seemed quite inspired to get growing this year. Not one to ignore enthusiasm I asked her what vegatables she liked, 'cabbage' she replied, so I asked her what else, what was in her fridge 'cabbage' she replied again!! We settled on her having a cabbage patch this year! Maybe she'll be brave and diversify next year eh?!!
We talked about the design process in general, I told her that we also do a 'Walk and Talk' service for those people lacking inspriation and watching their pennies - so offering a cost effective solution. She asked me to tell the listeners our website address and with that the interview was over and another song was playing. They all shook my hands, told me it was really good and I had no need to be nervous at all and that they'd love to have me back another time!
I was on for 20 minutes give or take a few, for some not much of a deal, for me I was terrified but really glad I stepped up to the plate. I really enjoyed it in the end, although, should any other media scouts want me on their radio station there are a few things I would do and say differently to make it better.....but, isn't there always. Hindsight is a great thing.