Stage Fright

Megan does NOT like to speak in public. She gets shy and giggly, and it is almost impossible to get her to talk!

So, a few Sundays ago when I realized 20 minutes before leaving for church that she was supposed to give a talk, I wanted to cry. We hadn't practiced the thing, let alone written it!

We pulled out some scriptures, got her to explain some things, so the talk was in her words (edited by mom). We practiced it in the van (Zoë was a super helper to read the talk and prompt her as we drove).

The primary now has opening exercises for both junior and senior primary in the chapel. This is somewhat new, and it does wonders for getting adults to where they should be, and gets the children ready to listen and become reverent. I sat on the stand with Megan as we waited for her to talk.

And then we stood up to the microphone.

Silence.

Giggle.

Silence.

Mother's whispered prompt.

Silence.

Giggle.

Mother's repeated whispered prompt.

Giggle. Mumble.

Mother's urgently repeated whispered prompt. (I had no idea what the other primary children were doing, as I was focused on Megan; I'm sure Megan saw every pair of eyes on her).

Giggle, mumble, giggle.

Mother's voice over the microphone, clearly stating the opening of the talk. Then whispered with the next prompt.

Giggle, whisper, giggle, mumble.

Finally, after we got to the part where she would sing/talk the children's song that she put in her talk, she loosened up enough to actually finish the talk. I have no idea if anybody understood anything. Travis said he died a thousand deaths for me; death by mortification. I think the sympathy should be more for Megan. I was so glad that she finally DID finish the talk. That she actually did speak in front of everybody. It was really hard for her (unlike her big sister, and I'm guessing unlike her immediately younger sister).

I hope she continues to improve. I'd love for her to actually say something intelligible at one of the primary programs, and be prepared for interviewing. Hey! She's gotta apply to Kennedy this fall!




Here is Megan's talk:

Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Just like we sing in the song, this means, "I'll do what is right, I'll follow his light..."*

When I do what is right, I feel good and I feel like I'm playing nice.

Sometimes when I get mad, I feel like I'm doing the wrong stuff. But I know when I calm down, it feels good, like peace and quiet.

Jesus loves the little children**, like you and me. We can show our love for him by being obedient.

*Church of Jesus Christ, Children's Songbook #77
** Jesus Loves the Little Children, C. Herbert Woolston