When I was in college I had to do an oral report on the power of words. I thought it would be funny to incorporate George Carlin's, "The Seven Words You Can Never Say On TV". I wrote about how words can have different meanings in different situations. I did my best to make it funny and I thought I did a fairly good job.
Here's the thing. You can't tell from reading my blog, but I have social phobia. I can't speak in front of a group consisting of more then three people. And three people may be stretching it. So for me to get up in front of the class and deliver what amounted to a humorous monologue, was frightening. But it had to be done and I expected to loosen up as I went along.
I started off with a shaky voice and ended with shaky hands. I didn't loosen up. I got more and more nervous as I went along because no one laughed. In fact, i think they were trading looks as this pathetic girl read a report which was laced with profanity.
When it came time to put George Carlin's album on, my hand was shaking so badly, I couldn't put the needle down on it. I had to ask my professor to do it. It was awful. Horrible. One of my top ten most embarrassing moments.
None-the-less, I've always had a soft spot for George Carlin. It was with sadness that I heard of his passing this morning. Here is the original "bit" off the album that I played for my English class way back when.
Let's hope my Mom doesn't listen to this. When I came home for summer break and she found the album in my room she took it away from me. She still doesn't know that one of my friends replaced it on my birthday. I must have done a top-notch job of hiding it, because i still have it today. Don't' tell her.
Here's to you, George! Rest in peace.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GB59GLjhR1c&feature=related
2 comments:
I remember that sketch fondly...my friends and I would laugh our heads off at the "hard 'F' and a soft 'K'" thing. We were in like sixth grade, and felt slightly naughty every time we heard it.
I'm so sad he died...I feel old.
I know what it's like being scared to talk in front of people. I had a class where I had to give presentations and I was always the first one to go - just so I could hurry up and get it over with. I'm sure your report WAS funny. People didn't laugh cause they could see how nervous you were. Anyway, thanks for this great tribute to Carlin.
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