My brother Patrick sat on his bed and waited patiently for me to begin. As I held the speech in my right hand, I felt the page crinkle between my fingertips. I read my speech loudly, but my brother shook his head disapprovingly. He told me I didn’t sound confident enough. With a heavy heart, I knew I was in for a long day of practicing.

Question

Write a few lines of dialogue based on this narrative.

Answer 1

“Come on, Patrick, I am being confident!” I protested, trying to inject more energy into my voice.

He crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. “You sound like you’re reading a grocery list, not giving a speech. Try it again, and this time, really mean it.”

“Okay, okay,” I sighed, flipping the page and taking a deep breath. “Ladies and gentlemen, today I will—”

“Stop! What was that? More passion! Feel the words!” he urged, leaning forward eagerly.

“I feel like I’m going to vomit!” I groaned, sinking back against my pillow.

“Then use that! Channel it into your speech! Just be yourself.”