"My name is Riley O'Neil and I am smart, kind, sensitive and brave."
Halfway through, I suggest, "Move the paper down so we can see your face."
She moves the paper down.
She starts again.
"My name is Riley O'Neil and I am smart, kind, sensitive and brave. I would be a good student council member because...."
"Riley, projection. We can't hear you!"
Todd, Seth and myself sit on the couch, pretending we're her classmates.
A couple of tries later, I introduce the concept of eye contact while giving speeches. I suggest she look up at the end of each sentence. Look at a person, an object or a mark on the wall.
She wigs out.
She reads the speech loudly, making ridiculously exaggerated eye contact. Think along the lines of this:
"I'M RILEY O'NEIL AND THE ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO ME ARE HEALTHY FOOD AND RESPECTING OTHERS!"
If she were versed in FU, each "eye contact" would be punctuated with one.
The first round is her own classroom. If she makes that, she'll go on to compete against the winners of the two other fourth grade classrooms.
I'm so proud of her for trying.
It's going to be an interesting week.
14 comments:
i would introduce her to the concept of bribery.
"Honey...give these 20's to the right teachers...use the phrase 'ballot stuffing'...and never tell anyone mom encouraged this".
i tell you, the fact that she is wanting to place herself in a situation that would be stressful for anyone, it's amazing. she really is...well, amazing is the word. just reinforce those bribery skills, that comes in handy many, many places.
Sending oodles of good wishes to Riley! (Sorry, I'm outta 20's...)
OMHOG, it's going to be a L-O-N-G week. Stock up on GOOD organic wine!
Good Luck to Riley!! What an amazing kid!
I LOVE her four word choices for describing herself. Wonderful example of knowing oneself, because she is all of those things. She's got my vote!
Go Riley!!
International fan club is chair dancing among the debris of a cold, but dancing none the less.
can we send in recommendations? you know, like the local politicians do - 'this candidate has been endorsed by ... (every mom in the free world)' just a thought.
we're all there with her, lady. and YOU.
breathe. in. out. repeat when necessary.
hugs.
M does the same types of things.
Put Seth in the back of the room. Have him give a "thumbs up" when he can hear her, or when she makes eye contact.
If it's coming from YOU, forget it.
Use the cute little brother. And a less threatening cue, like a thumbs up.
Words can be too much.
And drink.
Alot.
Good to exaggerate in practice. She'll be fine IRL.
Sending love, love, and more love for Riley and for you.
They say fear of public speaking is 2nd only to fear of death. The victory is already hers....she stepped up to the plate.
What a tremendous learning experience for Riley! I hope that it turns out to be less stressful for all of you than you expect.
Love.
Riley is so amazing!! I am sending lots of positive thoughts to help you make it through the week.
Good luck Riley!!
Ha!
Good luck to her! How brave she is.
:)
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