Trying to avoid cliche

I am trying hard to find a fresh way to convey how moved I was by the biographies read out loud in class on Friday. Maybe it's the five hours spent today working on my reflective essay, but I am finding myself at a loss for words. I guess if I had to boil it down to one particular quality, it would have to be the exceptional use of those gerund phrases used as subjects coupled by such professional use of introductory participial phrases, (punctuated with commas, of course)...And, if you believe that one, I have some oceanfront property here in Hocking County that you need to take a look at!

The biographies were honest, genuine, and extremely alive. I know everyone in that room realized that we were in the presence of something beyond the ordinary. Thanks to every one who was brave enough to read and to be read about. Both acts required courage, although of a difference sort. Our high school book group is reading The Courage to Teach. It takes courage not only to teach but also to share one's writing in any context. All listeners were blessed.