Acting and speaking
Daily writing promptHave you ever performed on stage or given a speech?
I performed several times on stage in school, up to when I was 11 years old. I studies for around four years at a school in Tumkur where drama was part of the curriculum. Every year we'd have a playwright come over with a story, usually involving kings and conflict, and they'd cast us for various roles and have us rehearse for months. I was almost always one of the 'extras' but I didn't mind: it was just good to be a part of it. We also got to do a lot of craft work in the process as we prepared the props and materials for the set, often involving bamboo, after school hours. Finally we'd put up a show for the whole town to watch. (Tumkur was a town then!) I still remember we had a particularly great time the year Velu Saravanan directed us. There was a lot of laughter, even if I don't remember what the story was. It was a wonderful period.
I generally don't like giving speeches and talks because I'm not convinced that that's the most useful way to share what I know with others and vice versa. I've received quite a few opportunities and invitations in my professional years. On the few occasions I've accepted, I've insisted on being seated with the 'audience' and converting the chance to an AMA, where anyone can ask me anything. That way I can be sure what I say is useful for at least a few people.
