Yes, Scrooge admires his nephew's facility with words. Fred can talk. He gives good speech. In some way, I think Fred is closest to Dickens' real voice and ideas. Certainly, Fred eloquently points out the shortcomings of Scrooge's beliefs about Christmas.
Public speaking is the number one fear for almost everyone on this planet. Given the choice between death and talking in front of a group of strangers, the "normal" person would select the grave. That's a serious fear.
I have never had a problem with speaking. I've been doing it for so long that it simply doesn't phase me any more. There is only one time of the year when I have an issue with opening my mouth and talking. Tomorrow is that one time.
I finished my Christmas essay the day after Thanksgiving. Now I have to go to the local Public Radio Station and record it for a series of Holiday Readings that's going to air in December. In the past, I've been able to complete this task in one take. I have never had to repeat my performance.
However, when I sit in front of that microphone, I get a little anxious. Actually, I get a lot anxious. I only have one hour to accomplish this feat this year. I scheduled my recording session for 2 p.m. I have to teach at 3 p.m. That doesn't leave a whole lot of wiggle room for making mistakes. I've practiced and rehearsed. I've read the essay twice aloud without stuttering or swearing. That means absolutely nothing. I've also read it three times, messing up the same sentence each and every time..
That is Saint Marty's worry this Wednesday. He wants to sound like Fred the nephew, not Porky the Pig.
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| Th-th-th-th-that's all, folks!! |
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