Category Archives: speaking

A new star

Columns, fun, speaking, Susan

Even though I’m an introvert, I have pushed myself to take steps in front of an audience.

This column from 1986 tells of my first attempt at acting. I was afraid, but even so, I went in front of that audience and became the nosy old lady from across the hall–it was a fun part.

Many of my friends worked on this play. Seeing them succeed in other productions made me want to give it a try, too.

A minor character was the best way to start. For me, it helped me come out of my shell.

Copyright © 2021 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

A call interrupted

Columns, Family, speaking

When we were raising our young family, I figured it was a good thing we didn’t live in an apartment. Our pack of loud-mouths would have gotten us kicked out for disturbing the peace. On the farm they could make all the noise they wanted and they sure did.

This remembrance is a time when noisy kids almost cost me a speaking job.

Now, my home is too quiet, but I have memories that make me smile. I doubt if I was smiling when chaos was breaking out as I was trying to have an important phone conversation. Still, yelling at those noisy kids wouldn’t have made a good impression either.

As the world returns to near normal, I hope to have speaking opportunities again. Fingers crossed.

Copyright © 2021 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserve