I was a guest speaker at a "school for the deformed." Most of the students, high school-age, had hand or ear deformities, but none were too bad. I was supposed to lecture on public speaking, but apparently I hadn't prepared in any way and I started off really nervously. I told them about my credentials, and that I had done some judging at Northwestern. That got a cheer from one of the students up front; she was from Evanston, evidently.

Then I remembered something I'd told a friend in real life, and I started to be more assured as I talked about how before any speech, I assume that the audience is going to like it no matter what. That gives you the confidence to speak well even if things aren't going perfectly. Anyways, halfway through that point, I realized I didn't have anything to follow it up with and started panicking. Fortunately, my first point sparked some discussion. Every time someone new would speak up, it bought me time to rack my brains for a new topic. I eventually came up with two good ones, but I don't remember them now.

However, just as I was about to launch into the next part, the fire alarm rang. We all ran up to the roof of the school, where it turns out it was a normal high school with a special class room. By the time things calmed down and I returned to the room though, everyone had started packing up to go home. I and the teacher tried to get them to stay so I could start up again, but too many people, including students from other classes, were now walking through the room on their way to the buses. I gave up, feeling disappointed, and then woke up.

posted by Larry at 10:30 AM