In Keith’s words.
“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”
The photo.
The Speech by John W. Howell © 2021
“Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention.”
Oh no. Another speech.
“I promise this won’t take long.”
Yeah, like an afternoon.
“On this special day, I just want to make a few comments.”
Special in his mind. It’s just a damn picnic with baloney sandwiches and no beer
“You all know how much I admire and respect each one of you.”
Uh-oh. Here it comes.
“I want to take this time to thank you for your hard work and dedication.”
When they thank us, they have screwed us.
“So it gives me great pleasure to announce that my son Boris will be joining the company.”
Oh, good, another family member to train.
“Boris will be taking over the position of President and Chief Operating Officer.”
At least he can’t do any harm there.
“In conclusion.”
Yay
“I hope you’ll all give Boris your support and help.”
Sure will, boss. Hey Boris, I would love to help you out. Which way did you come in? Heh, heh.
“Let’s continue on with the picnic, and here’s to a better tomorrow.”
“Oh, do we get the day off tomorrow?”
“Who said that?”
Shit, was that my out-loud voice?
Fiction Favorites 
LOL my out loud voice always got me into trouble as well 😱😂
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Hahaha. It is as if there is a devil inside just wanting to see how much trouble they can cause. 😁
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Exactly, John 😂🤣😂
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😂
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Ha ha ha! There had to be a company picnic involved!! 😀 😀 😀
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Of course. With no beer at that. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John. 🙂
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😊
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Lol! Good one, John!😂
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Thanks, Jill. 😊
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Loved this dialogue – and the outside voice! Who hasn’t thought something similar? Brilliant, John.😃
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Thank you, Gwen. 😁
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Don’t put Boris in a position of authority – you know it won’t work out well!
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Yeah but at COO I suspect he will be harmless.(Dad is running the show)
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Love the blurt of the out-loud voice. Great job, John.
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Thank you, Staci. 😊
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Yikes. Internal monologues are always slipping out.
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Hard to stop sometimes.
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Did you just say that out loud ? And thus another shocking revelation was birthed. Not bad for a beerless occasion. There has to be a corrective institution of philosophy and aiming sauce nearby. Come on lets get outta hear before he really gets warmed up with that microphone…
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I could use some soothin syrup for sure.
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Heeheee. That was fun, John!
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Glad you liked it. 😁
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Gotta watch that out-loud voice.
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I know right? Thanks, Craig.
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Ooops. Definitely gotta watch out for the out-loud voice. 🙂 This Is written like a true veteran of the corporate world. Good one, John.
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Thank you, Jan. I have the shirt. 😁
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Good one:) Have to watch that outloud voice.
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Yes. I should more often. 😁
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Funny but true, oh, so true. 🙂
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Yes, indeed.
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Melika – ‘OUTLOUD’!
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Outloud is very dangerous.
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I think everybody learns pretty quickly that those outside voices often get us into real trouble, ha!
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Yes they do. Like a baby is a cute little boy when it is a girl. Bless its heart.
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Those pesky out loud voices. Always dragging us down.
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LOL to “out loud voices” and “baloney sandwiches with no beer.”
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Thank you, Pete/
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I hate when my out-loud voice overrides the voice in my head. But it happens, like . . all the time.
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I know right? 😊
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Yep been there, eaten the tacos, got the indigestion ..
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😂
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No beer? How does one cope with the company picnic?
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Yes I agree. Paying attention and pretending to have a good time is so much harder. But then it is a company picnic.
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hah, yup, you got me there!
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😊
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Too funny, John! Thanks for the smiles. Our son left on Sunday, so I’ve been scarce here. A week of adjustment while he’s on the road…hope all is well!
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I hope all is well in your adjusting too, Lauren.
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That out loud voice seems to sneak out at the most inopportune moments, doesn’t it?
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It does.
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😀
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Saying the quiet part out loud…yikes! 🤣
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I know right?
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OMG, you nailed this one. Hilarious, and (unfortunately) oh so true.
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Yes indeed. Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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[…] The Speech by John W. Howell © 2021 […]
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