By S.L. Kretschmer
I hadn’t thought it through when I’d said yes. I’d been thrilled. It was my mother who sat me down, knowing my terror of public speaking.
“If you’re sure,” she said, pushing forward a flyer offering group sessions for glossophobics, “then this might help.”
I joined. I was taught breathing strategies, how to deal with my fear and my shaking, methods for projecting my voice and keeping it steady. As I practiced, I questioned my decision a thousand times over.
The day came. I heard the lead in for my part, knew it was time.
Deep breaths. Clear voice.
“I do.”
Haha, terrific! The only public speaking some will ever do! Can identify with the terror it holds. Great piece.
Thank you so much Kim! I’m speaking from experience!
After a terrific submission such as this, perhaps 101 words should become 2 words.org
This is fantastic! What a great, unexpected ending! Love it!
Thank you Haley – glad the ending was unexpected!
Thank you Glenn!
Liked it, thanks.
Thank you!
Clever story. Well done.
Thanks Tom!
I love this! When I read the first sentence, I thought it was going in that direction. But as you continued, I thought “oh, never mind.” So I was still surprised 🙂
I’m glad you were still surprised! Thank you Juliana!
I really enjoyed this too. Nice to be reminded that speaking in public is usually for a good, and in this case, joyful, cause.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Well done! Just the right amount of punch for such a tiny story!
Thank you Angela!
Brilliant. Heartening. Nicely executed.
Thank you so much Kate!
Built a great sense of tension – pared back (necessarily!!!!) and clear as a bell. :):):)
Thank you Kim!
Great story. So many of us have been there
Thank you Malcolm! Absolutely been there!
Terrific story! Nerves, tension, empathy, resolution – this has it all.
Thank you so much Laila!
Fantastic, it wasnt where I thought it was going. I loved it, just as I loved “I do”. Well done Sharon.
I’m glad it caught you by surprise Jannine! Thank you!!
Well done Sharon. Happy to say I witnessed your ‘ I do’ too 😉
All those years ago….Thanks Veronica!
Love it Sharon … did not see that coming!
It makes me happy you didn’t see it coming! Thanks Celina!
Brilliant twist! Loved it!
Thank you so much Meghashri!
Excellent work! I did not see where this was going. Very nice build-up!
Thank you John! You are the master of surprising endings, so I’m glad it caught you by surprise!
First rate. Well done!
Thank you so much Mary!
Sweet.
Clever, very clever. The one disadvantage to 101 word pieces is sometimes the entire story will be on a single page/screen. My eyes were immediately drawn to the last line because it was quoted and in italics, so I (unintentionally) read that before I read the complete story. In spite of that, I did sincerely enjoy the piece, my compliments.
Thank you and you make a good point!
Loved the ending, I didn’t expect it at all. What was the protagonist unsure of, the wedding ceremony or getting married?
Just the ceremony – and the need to speak. Glad you loved the ending!