Strolling through our hamlet, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s one sprawling retirement village with more mobility scooters than you could shake a walking stick at. We don’t see too many teens milling about the sleepy streets and kicking their heels. Recently, though, I had a chance to get up close and personal with a bunch of 15 and 16-year-olds – nothing pervy, of course – when I volunteered to conduct one-to-one mock interviews at our local school. I gave up my proper job way back in 2008, so I don’t know who was the more nervous, them or me.
Despite our collective nerves, my guinea pig kids were delightful – well turned out, warm, smart and engaging. It was a chance for them to try out their presentation skills before moving to the next stage of their studies. I was impressed most by their ambitions; less butcher, baker and candlestick maker, more firefighter, engineer, medic and – get this – child psychologist. I really enjoyed the experience, and I hope that having old bones like me as their guinea pig wasn’t too traumatic for them.
Perking the Pansies 
What fun! Years ago I joined Toastmasters. I don’t know if you have it across the pond. It’s a club to teach public speaking, leadership and critiquing skills. It was also very fun. Look it up. Your little town might find it just the right thing to bridge the age gap.
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I’d never heard of Toastmasters. And guess what? There’s a branch in Norwich! I’ll suggest it to my contact at the school.
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What a coincidence!! Each branch has its own flavor. Our group was super fun and liberal. I’ve also attended the stodgy as well. Give them a visit, you might be surprised.
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How fun! I don’t think they do anything like that with students here. I’m sure the students you saw appreciated your practice time with them.
We used to have a Toastmasters in our area. But it was held about 30 miles NW of where I lived, and I worked about 25 miles SE of my home. It would have meant all that extra driving after an already long day, so I never joined.
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That’s a shame but understandable given the distance.
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