Jerry and Karen weren’t finding the presentation pleasant. Jerry felt it was slow and disorganized. He’s done dozens of these types of things, and it looked cheap to him, and far too loose.

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Karen couldn’t believe the things people were saying. It was as if no one had pre-approved the speeches, or vetted the speakers for their opinions. It was not cohesive to her, and there was no succinct narrative that people could take away from the event.

Jerry whines to Karen. “I can’t believe they’re not moving things along. They have a speaker, and some Q&A from the audience, which is really just unnecessary, and then they wait 20 minutes for the next person to take the podium. Do they really think people like some noisey jazz trio so much that they want to sit there for 20 minutes?”

“I know right?” Karen says. “And, who are these people, what are their pedigrees? What do they do, just choose random citizens to talk about these things, without any expertise? This is pathetic. Some of them don’t even look like they’re educated, and they use common street language.”

Jerry continues, “People are just milling about, talking to one another in between the speakers. They just get up and walk around, talking, and there is no coherence. There is a table full of random food out on tables in the back. People are just going back there to eat and talk. God knows where it even came from. Why are they even coming here if they aren’t going to pay attention and get their talking points and instructions?”

“It’s ridiculous.” Karen says. “I could organize something better than this in my sleep.”

The MC of the event takes the podium, and asks people to take their seats, or stand over to the side. Very quickly and respectfully, things are calmed down and people are listening.

“What great music today! Isn’t the Plasma Trio wonderful? Thanks, you three for your hard work, and for providing the ambiance and room noise. We really do appreciate it.” The people applaud, whistle and shout their agreement to those sentiments.

“We are so glad we could provide this opportunity to get so many people from different places in life together. We know you’re going through a lot and there is a lot happening. It’s so good to hear common, American voices for a change. There have been so many new relationships started today. There have been some reunions, too. We know you have great plans and are getting things in place for some good forward movement. Please stay as long as you’d like, to finish things up. Finish up the food, and be sure to take some home if you need it. I can’t wait to hear and see what you’re going to do. We are so glad we could create these conditions. Good night everyone.” The crowd applauds and cheers again.

“How pathetic.” Karen says again. “How unorganized.”

“What in the world is that woman talking about?” Jerry says. “What plans? What forward motion? What kind of program is this?” — 515 Words.

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