From My First Book…
To My First Autography Session…
To My First Time In Public ‘LiVE’ On-Stage Talking About “This Is My Story…” At Orchard Central.
From My First Vocal Training…
To My First Song Dubbing In The Recording Studio…
And My Recent First AMDG Retreat – An All-Expense Paid Trip!
My First Newspaper Interview….
And Now… Adding-on to the list of my First TIME; is an Interview with RazorTV (on 11th November 2010) that will be going on Air next week!
AMDG had the Interview location held at Bistro@Ayden instead of the studio at Singapore Press Holdings because they are concerned that a confined studio (room) will only increase my anxiety (thoughtful aren’t they?)
And RazorTV was kind to accede to their request (so sweet of them!)
So... Why Bistro @ Ayden?
Well, because it's one of my favourite places to hang-out and do my writing in the midst of its serenity & peacefulness…You'll smell the breeze from the sea, planes fly by, the Horses and the Ponies neigh, the constant chirpings of the birds, with the Tree Crickets that sing all day... And when night falls, blue neon & warm lights brighten up this place that makes the ambience so cosy & relaxed. Besides the naturalistic and relaxing atmosphere, what I love most about this place is the beautiful songs they play in the background, adding to the mood for creative thinking or just for winding down after a long day of writing and/ or trainings.
Even with my previous experience with The New Paper, this is just different... I'm tensed... Simply tensed!!!
I know I say it all the time, but I really can't help feeling this way as I do feel that I’m better expressing myself through my fingers (typing from my laptop), instead of from my mouth; especially when this Interview is going to be broadcasted on the Internet...
Which means that anybody with an Internet connection & the RazorTV's URL will be able to view this Interview.
My expression and my every word, my movement, all will be captured on screen!
And I’m worried about my performance; afraid that I'll say something that is out of context because I actually do that whenever I am tensed & nervous.
When Bryan Gerard De Silva (RazorTV Journalist), and his colleague, Raju (Executive Videographer/ Cameraman); both from The Straits Times arrived, Rena (my Artiste & Talent Manager) went over to welcome them as I took a deep breath and walked over with my GrandMentor to greet them.
Bryan & Raju were all smiles and friendly and they briefed me on what I can expect for today's filming. Knowing that I was feeling nervous, they were kind to share some tips on how I can perform better in front of the camera... Like breathing through my mouth instead of my nose, as it will not only be heard clearly over the microphone, but the very first word that comes out after breathing through the nose, will also be heard much louder. (Honestly, I never knew that!) Thank you Bryan; for sharing those valuable tips!
When Raju started filming, the pressure of having a camera just in front of me got me REALLY tense up (The feeling is totally different from acting for the record)...
Throughout the interview, I did my best to answer Bryan’s questions accordingly and to speak as naturally as I possibly can. Still, I couldn't avoid the blunders...
There were a few times when my words got caught in my tongue, my mind turned BLANK and Raju had to do a re-take & Bryan had to repeat the same question again as if it was the first time he had asked me (I’m so-SO-so sorry Bryan & Raju…) Fortunately, both Bryan & Raju were extremely patient & understanding towards me, obliging a re-take every time I blunder. (This is really embarrassing for me if you must know, I felt so bad… But it was my FIRST TIME afterall.)
The interview wrapped-up (many hours later) after a couple of shots of me stroking a white pony, working on my laptop, strolling & etc (the usual norm stuffs I do whenever I’m at Bistro@Ayden) and a last shot of me talking to my GrandMentor and Rena...
(This was a funny moment for me actually; Rena & my GrandMentor had to be convinced by both Bryan & Raju before they decided to partake in the shoot; with the understanding that their voice will NOT be heard on Air… And GrandMentor was heard telling Rena much later that he was not dressed up for this particular occasion and he was contemplating to back-out… Of coz, Rena always has a way to talk him out of it, just like how she convinced him why he needs to be at the Retreat with us last month.)
Finally, the interview was over and we all gathered around the table, having a short chit-chat with Bryan & Raju.
To be honest, I was disappointed with myself.
I felt that I hadn't performed the way I had expected myself to be; to construct my sentences like how I would have done it when I’m typing/ writing, with clarity and conviction...
As my GrandMentor always tells me, “It's NOT What You Say, But HOW You Say It...”
Therefore, when Bryan told my GrandMentor that I had done well, it was a HUGE relief for me!
In fact, I felt Bryan was a really good Journalist/ Host!
He puts in the effort to make me feel really comfortable during the entire interview. (So did Raju! They were an awesome team!)
Bryan’s charisma & amiable personality does make one enjoy talking to him. If my tension & nerves hadn't kicked in that day, I would have a much nicer & smoother time talking to him I’m sure...
And behind the scenes, Raju was really nice & patient too, being understanding with my blunders and re-takes and constantly put up a smiley face to tell me it's alright, and that help loads to relieved my tension!
Thank you soOooo much Bryan & Raju; for being so kind & understanding towards me; and for having me on your show… THANK YOU Guys!
Also, not forgetting... Two VERY important people who has always been there for me.... I want both of you to know that I do appreciate all that you've done for me - They are none other than my Artiste & Talent Manager Ms. Rena Shi (My Mentor) who takes really good care of me and monitor me closely & steered my career path steadily & progressively over the last 3 years...
And Mr. Eric See (My GrandMentor) who strategizes & charted my course of direction in life; be it on my Work or my Personal matter; and guided me patiently & transformed my whole life 360 degrees around to Where & What I Am Today when I should be dead 3 years ago had he not pulled me out of my abyss; and gave me new hope to live on; and imparting his Ancient Knowledge & Wisdom to awaken me as a whole…
Also, not forgetting AMDG (the firm who Manages & Represents me) - I Thank You ALL from the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU!!!
Now, I'm crossing my fingers (even my toes), hoping this interview will turns out well on RazorTV...
My dear Readers... I'll definitely keep all of you informed of the Date & Time this interview will be aired, so do follow up on my Facebook ya!
And should I failed on your expectations… Do pardon me;
It was my First Time after all.
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