I need ideas and input please!

**sunshine** · 09-07-2004, 01:17 PM

I'm going back to college (eek! at age 43!) and taking a speech
class. Our first speech is a demonstration speech and I'm
doing "How to crochet a granny square". I need your input on a
terrific opening statement that will grab these younger kids
attention.

Also- any input on how to make this relevant to the 20 somethings in
the class and in particular the men, would be much appreciated.

BTW- the speech can only be 6-9 minutes.

**AmyMCGS** · 09-07-2004, 06:48 PM

"Today I'm going to demonstrate a fun skill for you. It's something to do with your hands instead of falling asleep during speech class... "

Or maybe relate it to memories of watching mom or grandma knit or crochet: "Did you ever watch your mom crochet, in awe of the flying needle in her hand? Crocheting is really not as hard as it seems, and an easy way to begin is with a granny square."

BTW, I have no idea if a granny square is easy or not, all I've ever crocheted is a "rope" of stitches in a row. It's a family joke that if anyone needs a rope for something-- you know, like to tow a boat-- just call me and I'll whip one up for you.

Good luck with your speech!

**sunshine** · 09-07-2004, 07:24 PM

The teacher said the biggest no- no is to say "I'm going to demonstrate. . . . . " so. . .

Someone else suggested that I say something to the effect of " I've been a hooker for years" That should grab the attention of the young guys in the class.

UGH- I'm really dreading this class, as I'm the ONLY older student in this class.

**pita1213** · 09-07-2004, 09:53 PM

lol the hooker one will certainly grab everyone's attention!

**sunshine** · 09-07-2004, 10:39 PM

Especially my son's - he's in the same class

**canadian gardener** · 09-08-2004, 12:07 AM

I'd do the hooker statement just for the fun of watching the jaws drop, you'd have their attention for sure, and they'd be putty in your hands, um hooks, after that!!!

**kimmee** · 09-08-2004, 12:27 AM

I'm sorry but the hooker line is great - I will never forget when my little boy (Ryan) announced to everyone in the hotel elevator that grandpa had gone to get his hooker (his tow truck!!!)

**sunshine** · 09-08-2004, 09:53 AM

Oh Kimmee, I'm planning on using the hooker line. I think it's great too- and definately an attention getter!

Now to figure out how to make the actual crochet part interesting for the guys, all the while crocheting while talking.

**blueknitter** · 09-08-2004, 11:01 AM

Dede, I'm wondering if you could put some medical info in your speech about how the movements used in crocheting are different than the ones used in gaming, and could be used to offset long hours at the computer/Playstation. Something about men who can do needlework always being surrounded by interested girls/women wouldn't go amiss, either, I'm thinking.