I “Might” have made a “Mistake”

I have a confession to make; I air quoted during my speech today. Big mistake, I know. In the moment I didn’t even realize that I did it. When air quotes came up on the list of things not to do while delivering a speech, I grumbled and rolled my eyes. I did that. The worst part is my friends brushed off my grumble with, “Yeah… but you do that all the time.” I do not. I cannot. But do I? How can anyone take me seriously if I use air quotes. I realize they are ridiculous. Anyone who passed the eighth grade shouldn’t use air quotes, but I apparently I do. After the teacher demonstrated a speech in class today with an over use of air quotes, I promise I will never ever again use them to drive my point home.

Friends - Ross and Joey always show us what not to do

That being said, how am I supposed to get my sarcastic mocking point across if I can’t use my beloved air quotes to help me out? It’s all up to me and my delivery. It seems like I will have to overcome my speech nerves and improve my tone and inflection. The same idea that is given by air quotes can be given in a more mature way if I use my voice. It’s like telling a little kid not to hit, “Now sweetie, just use your words.”  My mother or any of my friends would be able to confirm the fact that I am sarcastic or, more affectionately, sassy. So why do I have a problem talking like me when I give a speech? All I can hope is by giving more speeches I can become more comfortable talking like a mature human being, who doesn’t have to use air quotes to get her point across. I’m sure it will come in time, but while I wait I’m cutting air quotes out of my casual conversation too.

Admittance is the first step. I, Elizabeth Thorwart, solemnly swear not to use air quotes whether I am talking to my friends or giving a presentation. It stops here. I’m on my way to recovery.