explain how Kelly feels about oral presentations

Kelly loved social studies and was usually eager for Mr. Mortenson’s class. Today, as Mr. Mortenson stood at the front sporting bronze muscle armor and a shield, Kelly found her seat and listened intently for an explanation of his latest costume.

2 “Greek civilization has greatly influenced our modern understanding of science, math, and history,” he said as he flashed his shield before moving to the projector. Soon, images of Greek artifacts filled the screen as Mr. Mortenson discussed their history.

3 He finished by passing out a stack of papers. “The Greek literature, the mythology, the brilliant and complex tales of inevitable fate and doom, bloodshed, nobility, and love!—that is what will inspire your next assignment.”

4 Kelly’s eyes danced across the paper: You’ve been given the myth of Echo from Greek mythology. Your task is to complete an in-depth study of the literature surrounding that story. Why would the Greeks tell the story . . .

5 For Kelly, it was a dream assignment—until her eyes lit upon the last two words: “oral presentation.” Speaking? In front of the whole class? The thought made her heart race like a trapped bird. She closed her eyes in dismay as the bell rang to end class.

6 At dinner, Kelly picked at her food as she listened to her brother, Patrick, and her sister, Erin, fill their parents in on the day’s events.

7 “Coach mentioned that even though I’m a sophomore, he’s considering me for starting quarterback!” Patrick beamed with pride, still wearing his new letterman’s jacket indoors.

8 Erin flashed her contagious smile at him. “That’s great, Pat! I hope things go as well for me tomorrow with my debate team. Central had some state finalists last year, and they’ll be tough.” Mom and Dad chattered across the table, asking Erin and Patrick questions and providing encouragement. Eventually, the conversation slowed, and all eyes turned to Kelly.

9 “You’re even quieter than usual tonight, Kel,” said Patrick. “What’s wrong?”

10 After a sigh, Kelly explained her problem. As her family offered suggestions, Kelly just smiled and nodded her head. They mean well, she reminded herself.

11 Later, Erin knocked on Kelly’s door and started talking before Kelly could motion her in. “Listen, Kel, I’ve been thinking about your problem, and I think I have a solution. You know the old saying ‘practice makes perfect’?”

12 Erin grinned and continued before Kelly could even generate a nod. “Well, I think you just need to practice your presentation until you feel comfortable. That’ll make you more confident in front of the class.”

13 Erin told Kelly to work on her presentation for the rest of the week and promised that over the weekend, she would help Kelly find a way to calm her fears. Then she bounced out of the room, perky and perfect like always.

14 Kelly researched her topic—the story of Echo, a woman who angers the goddess Hera and is doomed to repeat the words of others forever. Those goddesses sure were tough—she thought. Kelly wrote notes on numerous index cards, organized them in sequential order, and tried her best to memorize the information. She even tried practicing in the mirror, but her eyes and mouth seemed to belong to different teams.

15 On Saturday, Erin called Kelly into the living room. As she looked around, Kelly began to laugh. Her sister and brother had taped posters of famous actors, actresses, and singers to the backs of chairs, which also held an array of stuffed creatures and dolls. Her mom and dad were seated as spectators, too. Everyone in attendance appeared quite eager to hear what Kelly had to say about the myth of Echo. Patrick even had a laurel wreath in his hair.

16 “Your audience awaits,” said Erin, arm sweeping across the room like the ringmaster of a circus. She led Kelly to a makeshift podium constructed by placing an upside-down trash can on top of a laundry hamper.

17 Kelly’s body still shifted into overdrive even though her audience was family and stuffed animals. After deep breaths to compose herself, she began her speech. Her trembling fingers fumbled with her note cards a few times, but she reminded herself that slower is better. Breathe. Relax. You can do this, she told herself, and she managed to make it through.

18 Erin, Patrick, and her parents clapped for her. Patrick cupped his hands around his mouth and mimicked the sound of a cheering crowd. Erin suggested a few adjustments to Kelly, such as making more eye contact and holding the podium to hide her trembling hands. Over the course of the weekend, Kelly practiced her presentation, sometimes to her pretend audience and sometimes to her encouraging family. Each time she did a little better, sounding less like a robot reading instructions and looking less like a trembling puppy.

19 On Tuesday, that glimmer of confidence was to be tested in her five-minute presentation. You’ve done this! Kelly reassured herself. When it was her turn, she walked up to the podium with butterflies swirling in her stomach. Mr. Mortenson gave her a thumbs-up and a confident smile. She closed her eyes briefly and swallowed the lump in her throat. Finally, Kelly gripped the podium, took another deep breath, and launched into her speech. The time seemed to fly by, words pouring smoothly out of her mouth. As she concluded, a wave of accomplishment washed over her. She felt even better when her classmates clapped, some she even thought with enthusiasm. Grinning, she found the comfort of her seat. She couldn’t wait to get home and share the good news.

Kelly loved social studies and was usually eager for Mr. Mortenson’s class. Today, as Mr. Mortenson stood at the front sporting bronze muscle armor and a shield, Kelly found her seat and listened intently for an explanation of his latest costume.

2 “Greek civilization has greatly influenced our modern understanding of science, math, and history,” he said as he flashed his shield before moving to the projector. Soon, images of Greek artifacts filled the screen as Mr. Mortenson discussed their history.

3 He finished by passing out a stack of papers. “The Greek literature, the mythology, the brilliant and complex tales of inevitable fate and doom, bloodshed, nobility, and love!—that is what will inspire your next assignment.”

4 Kelly’s eyes danced across the paper: You’ve been given the myth of Echo from Greek mythology. Your task is to complete an in-depth study of the literature surrounding that story. Why would the Greeks tell the story . . .

5 For Kelly, it was a dream assignment—until her eyes lit upon the last two words: “oral presentation.” Speaking? In front of the whole class? The thought made her heart race like a trapped bird. She closed her eyes in dismay as the bell rang to end class.

6 At dinner, Kelly picked at her food as she listened to her brother, Patrick, and her sister, Erin, fill their parents in on the day’s events.

7 “Coach mentioned that even though I’m a sophomore, he’s considering me for starting quarterback!” Patrick beamed with pride, still wearing his new letterman’s jacket indoors.

8 Erin flashed her contagious smile at him. “That’s great, Pat! I hope things go as well for me tomorrow with my debate team. Central had some state finalists last year, and they’ll be tough.” Mom and Dad chattered across the table, asking Erin and Patrick questions and providing encouragement. Eventually, the conversation slowed, and all eyes turned to Kelly.

9 “You’re even quieter than usual tonight, Kel,” said Patrick. “What’s wrong?”

10 After a sigh, Kelly explained her problem. As her family offered suggestions, Kelly just smiled and nodded her head. They mean well, she reminded herself.

11 Later, Erin knocked on Kelly’s door and started talking before Kelly could motion her in. “Listen, Kel, I’ve been thinking about your problem, and I think I have a solution. You know the old saying ‘practice makes perfect’?”

12 Erin grinned and continued before Kelly could even generate a nod. “Well, I think you just need to practice your presentation until you feel comfortable. That’ll make you more confident in front of the class.”

13 Erin told Kelly to work on her presentation for the rest of the week and promised that over the weekend, she would help Kelly find a way to calm her fears. Then she bounced out of the room, perky and perfect like always.

14 Kelly researched her topic—the story of Echo, a woman who angers the goddess Hera and is doomed to repeat the words of others forever. Those goddesses sure were tough—she thought. Kelly wrote notes on numerous index cards, organized them in sequential order, and tried her best to memorize the information. She even tried practicing in the mirror, but her eyes and mouth seemed to belong to different teams.

15 On Saturday, Erin called Kelly into the living room. As she looked around, Kelly began to laugh. Her sister and brother had taped posters of famous actors, actresses, and singers to the backs of chairs, which also held an array of stuffed creatures and dolls. Her mom and dad were seated as spectators, too. Everyone in attendance appeared quite eager to hear what Kelly had to say about the myth of Echo. Patrick even had a laurel wreath in his hair.

16 “Your audience awaits,” said Erin, arm sweeping across the room like the ringmaster of a circus. She led Kelly to a makeshift podium constructed by placing an upside-down trash can on top of a laundry hamper.

17 Kelly’s body still shifted into overdrive even though her audience was family and stuffed animals. After deep breaths to compose herself, she began her speech. Her trembling fingers fumbled with her note cards a few times, but she reminded herself that slower is better. Breathe. Relax. You can do this, she told herself, and she managed to make it through.

18 Erin, Patrick, and her parents clapped for her. Patrick cupped his hands around his mouth and mimicked the sound of a cheering crowd. Erin suggested a few adjustments to Kelly, such as making more eye contact and holding the podium to hide her trembling hands. Over the course of the weekend, Kelly practiced her presentation, sometimes to her pretend audience and sometimes to her encouraging family. Each time she did a little better, sounding less like a robot reading instructions and looking less like a trembling puppy.

19 On Tuesday, that glimmer of confidence was to be tested in her five-minute presentation. You’ve done this! Kelly reassured herself. When it was her turn, she walked up to the podium with butterflies swirling in her stomach. Mr. Mortenson gave her a thumbs-up and a confident smile. She closed her eyes briefly and swallowed the lump in her throat. Finally, Kelly gripped the podium, took another deep breath, and launched into her speech. The time seemed to fly by, words pouring smoothly out of her mouth. As she concluded, a wave of accomplishment washed over her. She felt even better when her classmates clapped, some she even thought with enthusiasm. Grinning, she found the comfort of her seat. She couldn’t wait to get home and share the good news.