On the lecture circuit

At the beginning of October, I put out my first redesigned issue of the newspaper and we promptly left for a much-needed vacation to SC. We spent time with grandparents, aunts and uncles, great-aunts and -uncles and all sorts of cousins. Amidst all that confusion, Darla and I slipped out for an overnight camping trip as just a couple.

Also while we were down, I had a couple speaking engagements. It was the first time in over 5 years that we were on campus while classes were in session. Normally we're there over Thanksgiving or Christmas breaks.

First I taped a segment here, talking about being a newspaper editor. I was reminded why I prefer asking the questions, not answering them. It was a pleasant time getting back to my old stomping grounds and seeing former coworkers.

That same evening, I spoke at the inaugural Writer's Forum of the school year at BJ. The forum was in the DC Red Room, and it was followed by a cookie "social." Pretty fancy stuff ... they never did that when I was a student. It also seemed like more students were at this forum than when I was attending them in GLC.

I spoke about our time serving as layworkers in NYC and the freelance work I did while we were there. Then I spoke about community journalism (weekly newspapers) and why journalism students should consider it as they start their careers. I rounded out my talk with discussion about the redesign I'd just finished. I brought samples of old and new. There were no new copies left at the end, but we had a small stack of old papers to take home. We wrapped up with a quality question and answer session.

By all accounts, I did a good job. And as one who's not fond of public speaking, I enjoyed it. I had an outline, which I followed loosely, but didn't really refer to. And I was able to use a little impromptu humor to keep it fun.

Hopefully I was able to plant a seed here or there that will benefit and inspire the students in attendance.