Newcomer Jitters by Bob Pifke
My first on air experience was reading the news. I was completely nervous. The news clips rattled in my hand, so the engineer signaled to me. To control the hand shaking, I put my hands on the desk. Problem was, the desk now shook and the boom mic was resting next to it. Sure enough, “bang, bang, bang” drowned out half the news.
The good news is that I learned to manage nervousness. I went on to host the Twin 8 Survey rock & roll show on Fridays, became a popular announcer at WPGU in Champaign-Urbana, and during my marketing career gave bang-up speeches (without the sound effect) at many conventions with hundreds of attendees.
I still appreciate Mrs. Schaulis’ help eliminating dis and dat from my vocabulary. Wishing you da best on the 60th anniversary of WMTH.
Bob Pifke
Hello Bob- So wonderful for me to relive that moment. Your vivid description puts me back in the corner by the record albums listening to it all happen. I also recall your total joy at doing the Twin Eight. My best to you. Please encourage all your friends from those years at the station to send in their stories as well. Let’s create our own history book.