AN: I finally followed advice and split off the the series of drabbles that had developed into a connected story line which I will post under the title "To Catch a Ghost". This story will remain a place to post drabbles that are not necessarily related.
Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom
Public Speaking
(two 200 word dribbles)
Lancer had made this a required assignment every year. The students complained but it was a valuable skill and in the end they gained a sense of accomplishment in conquering their fears.
"To keep it relevant, you will actually be giving this speech. If you don't have an upcoming occasion where you will be able to speak, see me and I'll make arrangements.
To ensure that you actually give the speech, you will also have to turn in a signed evaluation from the event's supervisor in order to get credit.
You will write your rough drafts and I will help you revise it in class. You will have an opportunity to practice it in front of the class before the public debut."
"I have to give a presentation to the public works committee on the city sewage system," said Tucker.
"Ew. Do I have to listen?" asked Paulina.
Sam spoke up eagerly, "I have a rally for saving the habitat of Clamydephorus Purcelli, an endangered slug."
"Do we have to listen?" chorused the class.
"Ooh Mr. Lancer, I'm going to be in a beauty contest. I could write my acceptance speech!" Paulina gushed.
"Do I have to listen?" asked Sam.
.
.
Mr. Lancer frowned at Fenton's paper. There was always some wise-acre who refused to take the assignment seriously.
Probably, the boy was just trying to get out of it. He knew public speaking could be a terrifying experience. He still broke out into a sweat when addressing the school board to try and explain the latest supernatural incident.
The boy was shy. Daniel lacked the confidence of his outgoing sister. Perhaps, writing a speech to address 'the whole world' was his way of bolstering his courage. Maybe if the kid saw that his teacher was genuinely willing to help he'd come around. So Lancer dutifully suggested some revisions to Fenton's speech.
In the back of his mind he thought about some alternative venues for Daniel. The retirement home would be a good choice with a small friendly audience that was likely too senile to remember anything anyway.
Several weeks later, Fenton turned in a somewhat rumpled copy of his speech along with the standard evaluation sheet. It had been signed and notarized with the official seal of the Secretary General of the United Nations.
"Thanks for helping me, Mr. Lancer," the boy said as he slouched back toward his seat.
AN: Yes the slug in question is on the endangered species list. Sam would be the first to champion those less appealing endangered species.