Writing Prompt 1: Oh no, cat's got your tongue. You've practiced this speech before, it's written down in front of you. Why can't you get the words out?!

The podium light snaps on with just the lightest of touches and the sound catches the microphone, sending an abrupt vibration through the classroom. Seats creak, a cough sounds from the sea of students, papers rustle, and a murmur of whispers flows from the crowd. 

My throat closes up and I suddenly need to swallow. My eyes feel drier than normal, forcing me to blink, blink again, and again. My hands, which have accumulated a decent amount of moisture, fiddle with the papers in front of me, lying crumpled on the angled surface. I’d smooth them but I worry about the sweat on my hands smearing the written words I’ve hastily compiled together. 

I look up to see my classmates watching me. A game of see and be seen that I am losing. Not because I didn’t prepare for this but because I have used up a solid 30 seconds of my presentation time just waiting for the words to form on my tongue. 

I have something to say, my thoughts remind me.

“Well, I’m off to a great start here, aren’t I?” The words meant for myself came without warning and I let out a sigh of release that something left my mouth. I clear my throat. 

A chuckle from the audience has me peering at my classmates with a small smile. Thank goodness. 

“I’m not nervous to present in front of you, freaks.” I kept letting the words become words, and not thoughts, to juice up my argument. “I’m nervous to be judged by you.” I turned to face Professor Davis. Tilting my head down a smudge, I gazed at him through my eyelashes. With a smile, I continue, “But isn’t that just what my argument is about?” 

I straighten and look back at my classmates. My feet widen their stance and I grasp the sides of the podium, not worried that my sweaty palms will leave behind a slick trace. 

“My presentation today is all about financial scrutiny. How businesses can build longevity into their financial planning through rigorous judgment of how they spend their money.” Glancing at my notes, I continue, “let’s start by looking at a few case studies where union workers strike because of ongoing negotiations with employers. Up first, a recent strike that impacted holiday skiers over at the slopes in Vail.” 

It came easier to me than I thought, presenting the argument that businesses prioritizing paying their employees equitably instead of simply cutting overhead expenses in times of hardship generally perform better for longer. I used up my entire 20 minutes presenting solid examples of businesses spending unnecessary amounts of money to battle unions. There is room in the pie for everyone and it’s high time we push for a more equitable spread. 

Professor Davis clicks his stopwatch right as I conclude. I step to the side of the podium, bow my head, gather my crumpled papers, and shuffle back up to my seat. 

Professor Davis assumes his place back at the podium as I make my way up the aisle. He says, “Thanks, Libby. I will enjoy judging this one from you. Up next,” he continues, announcing the next presenter. The course presentations continue on.

Willow extends her hand as I near our seats. I take it as she pulls me closer to whisper, “You’re going to be a terrible business leader, Libby.” With a giggle, I plop in the seat next to her and free my clammy hand. 

I lean in and whisper back, “Isn’t that the point?”