fandomhigh | Public Speaking [Tuesday, April 2, 1st period]

Today the students would find computers on each of their desks as they arrived. "Morning," Josh said, clinging to his coffee with more than his usual devotion. "Granted, public speaking is normally out in front of people, sometimes with cameras, but being a public figure extends to all aspects of communication. Today we're going to talk about a very dark, terrifying place: the comment section of a news article. I've learned--" the hard way because Josh was a little bit argumentative in all facets of his life, "not to engage with the crazy, or at least not to engage under your own name. Today you're going to learn your way around a flame war. Actual flames should not be involved, but I will be grading for grammar and punctuation because by God, someone has to."

Each screen opened up onto a news story about President Obama's work with Congress on the federal budget, and an initial comment:

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH OUR CHILDREN'S MONEY?! WHEN YOU SPREAD THE WHEALTH YOU SPRAD THE MISERY SHAME ON YOU THE US WILL NOT TOREATE A SOCIALIST STATE.

Josh rolled his eyes. "You can start how to spell 'wealth' and 'spread' and what socialism actually is...And when you're done teaching this guy a lesson, Gertrude Yorkes is our press secretary today."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Given the week, asking Gert out might not completely insane...

"Some people can't stop messin' with the danger zone," Lex began. "Saying we don't worry, and don't fret, ain't no law against it yet. Should there be a law against it?"

Gert didn't actually know the song being referenced, but knowing it probably wouldn't have changed her answer much. "I believe in personal liberties and people being able to figure out where their own danger zone is for themselves," she replied. "If it's not a danger to anyone else, individuals can act however they want."

Edited 2013-04-02 12:08 (UTC)

"Ms Yorkes, has the President been working out more recently? He just looks especially... fit lately," Jessica said.

... She was going to believe that she asked that in a moment of random whimsy. Because why was she asking about the President's actually pretty nice body? What? Stop. "And are those new glasses? They look nice." Stoooop.

"I guess he must be," Gert said, briefly distracted by that visual as well. Wait, that wasn't a good answer. She corrected herself, "I mean, the president works hard on all aspects of his life, including his day-to-day work as well as things like his physique. I assume. So yes."

Public Speaking [Tuesday, April 2, 1st period]

For the Reporters [4/2]

Re: For the Reporters [4/2]

Re: For the Reporters [4/2]

Re: For the Reporters [4/2]

Re: For the Reporters [4/2]