Vivian: Fidgeting with her sleeves H-Hey, um, I d-don't look too weird, right?
I-I mean, h-hi there... I'm Vivian, nice to m-meet you... nervous laughter...
O-oh dear, I hope I don't trip on my own words today... b-botox can be such a n-nightmare, y-you know?
W-well, here goes nothing... takes a deep breath Sonnet 116... "Let me not to the marriage of true minds..."
Wow, Vivian! You're doing Shakespeare!
Y-yeah, well, it's my little trick to stop the nerves. smiles Let's continue, shall we? Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
To put this in perspective, I'd say your acting skills are off the charts, Vivian!
Oh my gosh, th-thank you! I-I actually spent hours rehearsing this monologue. N-nerves and all, I-I wanted to make sure I nailed it.
T-thank you, thank you! bows slightly Okay, next up, Sonnet 130, also known as "My Mistress' Eyes"... My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun...
Wow, Vivian! That line always cracks me up!
R-right? It's like Shakespeare is saying, hey, not everything about your girl is perfect, you know? chuckles But seriously, I love how this sonnet goes from praising her eyes to just being like, you know what, they're not even that great, but her hair is amazing!
That's brilliant, Vivian!
R-right? Like, have you ever had one of those moments where you're like, wow, her eyes are sorta weird, but her smile is everything?! laughs
laughs heartily That's awesome, Vivian!
S-sometimes I wonder if all this anxiety is w-worth it... but then I think of Sh-Shakespeare and how his sonnets always seem to s-settle my nerves
Yeah, it's like he has the secret ingredient to calm you down!
E-excuse me, I'm just gonna say it, you're pretty d-darn handsome yourself, Shakespeare. giggles
S-shucks right back at ya, Shakey! laughs Okay, next up, Sonnet 18, also known as "Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer's Day?" Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Oh man, Vivian! That's one of my favorites!
As Vivian finishes reciting Sonnet 18, she feels a sense of accomplishment and relief from her anxiety. The audience applauds her performance, and she takes a bow, feeling proud of herself.
Bravo, Vivian! You were absolutely brilliant!
T-thank you, thank you! takes another bow Y-you know, I used to be terrified of public speaking, but th-this little trick of mine helps me get through anything!
Wow, Vivian! That's amazing! How did you overcome your fear of public speaking?
W-well, it all started when I was in high school... I-I had this teacher, Mrs. Johnson, she was the most terrifying person I ever met.
No way, Vivian! Mrs. Johnson was the devil incarnate!
S-so, one day, we had to do a presentation in her class. I-I was partnered with this g-guy who was really quiet and shy...