November 22, 2004
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“An Intro, Middle and Conclusion”
So I’m back in LA after my East Coast stint for The College of NJ. Here is a panoramic view of what I saw. As you can see for some reason, one side of the audience was having a lot more fun than the other.
It was a terrific crowd. However, this time around, I re-organized the flow and thoughts of my usual presentation. Mostly because for my potential gig at SUNY Stony Brook in Dec, the organizer (who went to my H.S.) mentioned that my former H.S. English Teacher, Mr. McKenna, might attend.
I mean, this is the man who is entirely responsible for cultivating my writing and getting me tapped into my creative side. He drilled the differences between, “There”, “They’re”, and “Their” into my head. “Your” and “You’re”. “It’s” and “Its”. So I sure as heck want to make sure my thoughts and ideas are on point when he’s there!
So I re-wrote my whole speech in essay form with an Intro, Middle and Conclusion, backed up all my statements with examples and addressed any potential questions before they could be raised — just the way he taught me to do.
And whadda ya know? The revamped speech held the audience better. I was able to keep an audience retention rate of 99% for the whole 2 1/2 hours. Usually I lose a chunk of people due to studying or pure boredom from me rambling on, I suppose. Thanks Mr. McKenna!
I didn’t have time for a memorable meal this time since there were no restaurants whatsoever around campus but I did learn a new vocab word: “Sesquicentennial” — It means 150 years. That’s what The College of New Jersey is celebrating next year. You learn something new everyday and some things, like essay writing, stay with you for a lifetime!
Comments (16)
ur edumacated!
hehe
haha! i like the right side better, it would have kept me hyped throughout the whole thing… i like interactive audiences… or classes… more fun!
what are you doing next? coming to boston?
Thanks for coming to TCNJ!… I had a blast!… And I’m really not a bully- just hyper that night!
ur teacher must have been proud if you!
I would’ve been on the side doing the wave. ;]
just wanted to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving…
i figured you’d be in town. wish i could have met you, but of course, it seems not meant to be. hope you had a great time with the family.
hey now… our side (the non whacko ppl) is cooler… and… the rite side were all guys … if you haven’t noticed… but anyways… thanks again for coming.. we really enjoyed your presence… and your speech was phenomenal…. big props to all your english teachers!
hey parry.. jus dropping by. thanks for coming to TCNJ. we enjoyed every bit of it.
..maybe you can come visit again sometime.
Hey Parry, this is Yo-Yo (Joe). Just wanted to say you did a really great job and everything you said was really inspirational. It was nice talking to you and I hope you keep up the good work and I know for sure you’re going to be the next big thing in Hollywood. You’re a personal hero for me and anyone else in the community who needed someone to break the barriers. Come back to TCNJ soon.
Any words of wisdom for an aspiring costume designer?
Never underestimate the power of good communication skills! =) Oh I meant to tell you a while back but I haven’t been on xanga: I finally got my own copy of the BLT DVD!!! I was renting it way too much =P
Mr. McKenna would have been proud !!!
YOU LIKE UNWRAPPED!! I LIKE UNWRAPPED TOO!! it’s so fun. it’s so exciting to talk to the real parry shen! haha
Yay for listening to teachers! And for having good ones!!
Are you originally from NJ? That’s neat. I think PennState just had theirs (sesquicentennial, i mean).