
FADE IN.
INT. FOYER, UNIVERSITY CAMPUS - DAY
Function. LADIES and GENTLEMEN including PETER are there.
Cue cards in hand, a MC (21) requests the PRESIDENT (62) to address the party. Behind the podium, the president speaks without referring to a script. He has eye-contacts with Peter who gestures acknowledgement by nodding. A round of applause when he finishes.
PETER (V.O.)
Excellent delivery... I
speak without a script
too. My former supporting
staff were happy that
they never needed to
write any speech for me.
Then, the MC introduces an elegantly-dressed lady DIRECTOR (30s) to speak.
DIRECTOR
Well, the President's
speech was short and
sweet ...we don't find
it stuffy at all...
PETER (V.O.)
Well, her English is
very fluent. We just
casually chatted in
Cantonese only.
The Director continues to speak, referring to her script occasionally.
PETER (V.O.)
It's just a matter of
training. If one hasn't
ever tried to speak
without a script, he/
she can't speak without
a script.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Over two decades ago,
I tried to speak in an
appropriate occasion
for 45 minutes without
referring to any script.
And I made it. The
courage to try is very
important.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Since then I've been
speaking from my heart.
The director ends her speech. A round of applause. Some STAFF remove the podium away.
After the MC's introduction, the two GIRLS (20) speak in turns passionately, without any scripts in their hands.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd) Everybody can see they
speak from their hearts.
There isn't any visual
hazard between them
and the audience. They're
captive.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)
When I speak, if there's
a podium and the mic
is fixed there, I'd speak
by the podium so that
there's no visual hazard.
I've nothing to hide
either.
Pausing.
PETER(V.O.) (Cont'd)
If I've a wireless mic
and a remote control
of the computer, I'd
even walk side ways
or in the front to engage
the audience like a
performer.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Yes...I might even sing
a few lines to conclude
my speech. Although
my audience may not
remember what I said,
the feedback has been
that they like to hear
me speak.
The girls finish their presentation. A big round of applause. A launching ceremony featuring a PARTY follows. Then the PHOTOGRAPHERS direct the party on stage to take their positions for a photo session.
As the party getting off the stage, we hear the MC's another announcement.
MC
Now, let the party have
a photo together...er...
All attention focus on the mc who is checking his cue cards.
MC (Cont'd)
Oh, yes, photos have
already been taken...
The ceremony has now
come to an end.
Applause. A reception follows. After having some snacks and drinks, Peter begin to engage the girls and shakes hands with them..
PETER
(Smiling)
Well done! Both of
you speak from your
hearts!
GIRLS
We love what we do.
PETER Your tech project is
really good as it helps
the poor in Cambodia,
Girls are nodding.
PETER (Cont'd)
(Seriously)
You two really bring
glory to Hong Kong!
The girls are overwhelmed with Peter's remarks.
Then, seeing the President is nearby, Peter engages him.
PETER .
Great speech, as
always!
The President smiles.
PETER (V.O.)
For those who have done
well, I wouldn't hesitate
to praise them as they
deserve it and would do
better still. Speaking from
the heart is difficult for
many!
Peter leaves the reception.
FADE OUT.
The End