Finishing his work in the oak lined office of the family HQ, Kurtz stood up and gathered a pile of scrolled papers. Carefully placing them into a canvas bag he collected his jacket and headed out into the streets. As he walked he looked at the stories etched into each building he passed. The city had a long and rich history. A lot of it was turbulent, controversial, bloody and successful but above all, it was known.

He strolled past the various businesses that lined the streets, taking time out to go and visit the old aquarium that was established by the late Godfather SpaceMountain. He remembered his grandfather commenting on his fondness for the colourful fish. It was a beautiful day and lost in thought Kurtz found he'd walked all the way into the city. Stopping by the bakery to grab a coffee from the friendly faced old ladies, he remembered reading a very old journal from decades ago, about another bakery that stood in almost the same place. It had been owned by a particularly bloodthirsty right hand woman to a great man named FormerlyGrand. One of his oldest ancestor's first families.

It occurred to Kurtz how many generations had come and gone and the streets they inhabited had remained the same. It was the streets themselves that provided the common thread. The topic had been on people's lips recently so he thought it time to address it. He thanked the old girls at the counter and headed off to the square he liked to frequent.

Hello folks. I have just come from our offices where I have been talking to Marston about the situation we have seen in our streets recently. The subject of street discussion has been brought up a couple of times and each time it has been noted that not everyone is entirely confident in coming forward and presenting themselves and their opinions. I know it is easy to stand up here and say 'Don't be afraid, just speak your mind, its perfectly alright', its quite another to actually do it.

After all, sometimes arguments erupt. Sometimes opposing views can cause heated conflicting debate. I can completely understand why some less experienced or confident members of our community would be hesitant to venture an opinion. This was the legitimate concern that set me thinking. How do we help to resolve this and help give people experience, advice, feedback and constructive criticism without putting them directly in the firing line of the streets.

After some reading I came across a class my grandfather set up in his headquarters some years back. He developed a workshop situation where various members of his family would take turns to begin a discussion. The discussion would take place in the safety of their building and everyone was invited to get involved. The people with less experience were provided with an entirely safe simulation of street discussions and encouraged to voice their opinion and develop their skills.

As time went on the more experienced speakers would help the lesser with constructive mails and private chats giving advice and pointers on how they may improve their method of speaking. Making their points clearer, speaking with tact and respect, using vocal illustrations to help elaborate on points, the list of benefits went on and on. Each discussion would run it's natural course and then a new speaker would be selected to begin a new discussion on a new subject. The old would be removed and so the cycle continued.

Far from being tame, the topics were often challenging. He encouraged his members to get into heated discussions, to test themselves. They were encouraged to learn to control their tempers and remain clear and constructive in the face of adversity. The whole point was to replicate as best they could, the fun and the fear, the good and the bad of our street life.

Kurtz took a swig of his coffee and savoured it's flavour for a moment before finishing what he had to say.

Anyway, I think you get the point. I have re-established this fine idea in our Outlaw headquarters. I hope to help our members have a great deal of fun with it. Also, I have drafted up a blueprint for the class' basic format. Several copies of which I have here. If anyone cares to take one and adapt it as you see fit to suit the needs of your own family, you are most welcome to do so.

Kurtz opened his canvas bag and set it down on a cafe table in front of him so anyone that cared to could take a scrolled blueprint.

Street Speech Workshop