Self Evaluation #3

In the final speech, I felt that I achieved my point to the best of my degree. I spoke openly and candidly in hoped that people would consider my side. I found my self nervous, but I think that overall, in watching the video, I did an adequate job. I could tell that at the beginning I was really nervous. I passed out the diagram relatively fast, and almost forgot about it completely. However, once I started my nerves calmed down, and I was able to focus on the real topic. I knew that from watching my tape, I was still very apprehensive, but I pushed though, speaking at a slower rate, not having to rely on memory and facts. I think that I maintain a good amount of eye contact, spoke loud enough, and articulated my words more slowly. Over all, I think that I improved a lot more than any of my speeches.
After watching the final speech I found that having the cards in my hand distracted me in keeping a normal stance. Instead, I used more hand gestures, which I felt could have been kept at more to a minimum. I know from watching my face, I felt more prepared and ready to finish up strong, however I think I faltered in being as persuasive as I could have been. I ve seen persuasive speakers and I know that its the voice projection and the look. Martin Luther King's famous speech had moments that made me tremble. As a speaker, I think I should work towards having more of a strong presence. Watching my video made me realize that I wasn't as forward as I could have been, though some other aspects turned out much better. I spoke at a softer pitch, and maintained proper posture. I did not shuffle as well. I think in the preparation of my speech, I could have researched more statistics, and cited more sources. I also would have liked to try the problem- solution outline. It might have worked better for my topic. I could have given more room to add facts and information. I wished that I would have more time to recite to make it more flowing rather than choppy. Watching my speech , I would have liked more time to prepare to make it the best that it could have been.
I also noticed that I kept my voice at a good level as well as the degree of eye contact. I do think that other aspects could have been altered. I saw that having my cards in my hands was kind of a safety net, where I didn't have to feel that I was standing in front of a crowd with no other options. The note cards and the excessive use of my hands was unnecessary. I think using your body can be powerful in conveying a messages but over using it becomes a nuisance. Next time I want make sure that my body position and hand gestures are not awkward but helpful. I would rate my eye contact at about an eight simply because I think that I looked at the note cards slightly too much.
Overall, I felt that I used all the tips from the students to improve my final speech and in reviewing all three of them, I believe that this was the best one. I didn't shuffle, or utter the word "um", and I didn't get stuck like the last speech. I was able to maintain my composure and deliver with a few mistakes than before. I felt as though this speech was more easy flowing, and better composed. I worked diligently on the outline in order to make sure that it met all requirements. I mentioned all 5 citation/ sources, and made sure not to freeze like the past speech. I believe that this was the best speech simply because I incorporated all tips from both students and professor in order to deliver the best speech possible.

My Favorite Part of the Class

This class was defiantly very helpful. I never noticed how speakers articulated words, or even gestures, but reading and seeing videos opened up my eyes to a side of communication that I have never seen. This class forced me to not only express myself, but truly pushed my composition tactics. I had never before given any thought to how speeches were assembles and for the first time, I learned about what should be In a speech and how to make people persuade, and learn from a presentation. I am going to take all that I have learned about the outline composition process, and the actual presentation as a speaker. I find myself using words that are more expressive than simply saying words like "um". I want to articulate myself in a way that is formal and expressive. Learning about the importance of facts, I think, is huge. It defiantly goes a long way to use facts and validate the point you are trying to make. I also think the looking people in the eyes, maintaining good posture, and using gestures to some extent, makes all the difference in the world. I cant express how much I ve learned over the course of this semester.I think that with every speech, my skill improved tremendously, and I can only hope that I will continue to get better.

Informative Speech

The informative speech was my absolute favorite. I think that is was my favorite because expressing my own liking of a certain topics has always been easy. For most of us, feeling comfortable is best when we talk about something or someone was are passionate about. I felt that being able to speak about my own passion is so much easier than demonstrating or even persuading. I felt that persuading is a lot more difficult but talking about a person that I find influential is much less of a task. The informative speech was also fun research about and piece together. I had a lot more fun in not having to show something with my hands but express my liking to a topic of some sort. I also enjoyed hearing about other people and their topics and what in a sense fueled their passion. For any one, I think talking about something that the speaker is knowledgeable makes it easier to feel calmer and less nervous.

Concepts

In preparing for the speech I felt that the most important concepts were organizational patterns as well as the different tactics that followed the different speeches. I think that having resources that allow you to prepare credibility, sources, and facts makes it easier to prove a point efficiently. I also thought that all of the information on the videos on maintaining eye contact as well as proper posture makes a lot of difference. Avoiding common phrases was a really good tip for preparing my speech. Also keeping in mind the different components of what a speech should have was really helpful for me. I ve never had to demonstrate, nor persuade anyone but having to understand what makes a good speech made me push myself as a writer and speaker. I think that of the many things that I learned, having to present and incorporate all the aspects have pushed me to not only improve my speaking skills, as well as learning to point out good aspects in different speakers. From what I learned in composing a good speech, I have found myself applying it to everyday life, especially when i have to validate a point. I think that learning about fact and the different types of credibility made me really try hard to incorporate those aspects into different speeches, or even simple dialogue.

videos 15.1

Watching the video, I found that both used evidence to support their claims. They also validated their data by saying that they have researched the topics extensively. The persuasive speech for home schooling uses several statistical data to persuade the audience and show the increase in school violence. The video uses several examples as to why it a better choice and more of an advantage for the demands of the school system. Her statistical data also helps prove that children that are home schooled are more likely to get more on-on time, as well as the most amount spent at school. Her evidence makes her point seem more and more true. She seems to be using evidence and alto of statistical data to prove her perspective on school tactics. I think that the way that she used the evidence helped her point seem more valid. When a speaker does that, they are defiantly using good persuasive tactics in her speech.
The second persuasive speech does many of the same things against home schooling. I like how he used rhetorical questions that help add to his point. His form, as well as main points helps prove his point. His conclusion, I noticed was very strong and reassed his claim, further emphasizing that "home schooling" is not the answer. I do think that both did an exceptional job in proving their points effectively.

Using Evidence Effectively

I found that chapter 15 talked about how to use evidence effectively, and in doing so, the audience will know how valid, and creditable the speech is. There are four types of forms of presenting evidence. Ethos has to do with the speakers credibility and focuses on referencing on own experiences. Pathos is emotional proof, and often uses motions such as humor in a story. Mythos refers to cultural beliefs and values, on example is using such stories as a well known fable. The final example is logos, which provides more statistical data. Logos mostly appeals to logical data is the most persuasive type when trying to make people side with your opinion. Ethos asserts how the audience perceives you. This has an impact on the validity of the speech. If people think that your speech is invalid, than it is mostly likely will not engage the audience from the start. To some extant, I think that asserting yourself as an expert on the topic is what will win over the audience in trusting you on the topic. I think that for my speech, I want to be able to use a majority of the types of evidences to assert that I am confident in what I am talking about. Reading about all the different types makes me want to use all the information and apply it accordingly so that people trust my judgement.

Trying to Persuade

Being 18 an living with parents, you definitely have to be able to use persuasive skills to get permission to do anything. For example, the idea of a tattoo. Everyone wants one, but so many of us have parents that are not willing to comply with our decisions. Despite being legal, I had to persuade my parents to allow me to get one. Its a really difficult topic to elaborate on, but with the right about of evidence, and a clear and cohesive answer as to why i should get one, my parents did ease up. It scary to have to persuade someone with such a made up mind, regardless of the topic. The one thing that is important to remember, is to always try to have enough amount of facts, that allows the person being persuade to feel as though you are informed, and know that you have enough details to make the decision. I take into account what my parents say, but most importantly, I care about their opinion. I also know what I want, and even though we might have differing opinion, having and knowing enough factual evidence on any topic will make me seem more responsible, and informative. I noticed that in any speech, it is important to know much about the topic, and have enough to rebuttle.

Immersion of Persuasion

I think that persuasion is all around us. Whether it derives from family members or from oneself, i think that daily, we are exposed to much persuasive topics and speeches. For myself, I find trying to convince my parents in allowing them approve of tattoos. What I found in hearing the cases of different friends, or even family members, is that it is important to have a coherent amount of evidence. I have also been exposed to persuasive speeches especially in context to the past elections. The media itself is sea of persuasion, with commercials, especially infomercials which try to prove a point as to why its vital for the customer to buy the product. Anytime that we either hear of view a persuasive speech, the most important thing to look for is how valid the agreement is, as well as the evidence, and if it helps aid the speaker. I think that in any case, it is important to stress your point, but only do so in a way that the evidence and argument go hand in hand.

Informative Speech- Different Outlines

Reading chapter 14 I feel will be extremely helpful. We have learned about media and use of PowerPoint, but I think that this chapter will be the most useful for the persuasive speech. In reading the opening speech, I could help but think in the manner that the speaker wanted me to. I want to be able to do the same, and make people agree with my way of thinking about the fact. Chapter 14 details different forms of outlines that are helpful when preparing the form in which we want to preform the speech. The main points are more important this time. In stead of simply stating a thesis, they begin to support your case for whether something is right or wrong, immoral or moral. It also stresses the importance of having a moral and coherent view on the topic. Providing value in the speech is also vital. I want my audience to see my perspective of the topic and hopefully choose not do engage in it. In order to do so, I have to provide a good enough argument so that my audience will listen and agree. I think providing multiple sources, I can do so, however. This, I believe is the hardest part of any speech. Gathering all the statistical data as well as all the possible facts can be hard. Yet, it is possible. Organization is important and I think that in order to make sure that they flow well, the organizational pattern is an important aspect.

Progression of Speech

For my speech I decided to research the effects of marijuana and what it can do to the body. I have gone to the library in search of books that could possibly be useful. Hopefully I will be able to use power point to depict pictures about the effects on the body. I also want to gather statistical data that will be helpful in aiding my speech. I think that by detailing personal experiences and possibly emphasizing the negative effects both short term, and long term, people will maybe think twice the next time offered. It is a bit more difficult to find information for this speech. Hopefully by reading the chapter specifically tailored to the persuasive speech, I can gain helpful information to show my peers my point of view and hopefully sway them towards opinion. I want my main view to be the effects physically, the long term effects. and the over all down fall though there maybe positives for medical patients. This weekend I hope to accomplish a massive amount, with my conclusion and intro being strong. I have had a start by accumulating all the books but i still need to complie it and I have not decided to use powerpoint.

Flicker Response

In reading the Flicker blog, I think that much of it is taken way to far. Some words, yes I take into offense, but some words I do think that are meant to label. There are some words that have a negative connotation and a biased position, I do not agree that those words should be used in presentation but should be avoided. Many times I don't think that we notice that we use them, but being able to identify them is just a start. I think that I agree with the Dancing Dear for the most part. I do think that there are negative words that have more of an impact than others, but at the same times labeling as well as calling someone a women, I don't think that it is very offensive to me. I think that there are words that every one is well aware of that are very inappropriate. I think those words that are general and refer to a man liking a sporty women, is not meant to attach women or make men seem more important. It is simply a logo. This is were I don't take it personally. I think that Stewart Pratts response about the form in which we interpret the words can affect the over all perspective. Many times we can take them to far, and over analyze, but yes there are some words that are negative for women and men. I still think that people should be able to recognize them and avoid them.

10.1,10.2,12.1,12.2,12.3 Interactive videos

After watching 10.1 I was able to understand the importance of language and using it in presentations. Having pronouns such as "we, us" and avoiding inclusive pronouns will make the audience feel more apart of the presentation as though you are talking to them like a friend. Humor can also help alleviate the atmosphere and make the audience feel more comfortable in class. I think that by including the audience and making them feel more apart of the speech is essential to any presentation.


Video 10.2 was tailored more towards language and wording. In having words that portray confidence and avoid any biased perspective. Wording is key. One of the most vital tips in the video was making sure to not get to attached to words. I feel that I do get attached to words that are comfortable. Being able to vary in diction will make speeches seem less ambiguous and more concise.


12.1,12.2, and 12.3-Video 12.1 gave two different demonstrations that helped in remembering to keep your pitch and volume at a good rate. It showed how to avoid long pauses that could make audiences feel uncomfortable in any setting With both examples I was able to see what types of projections are key and what things i should avoid when using loudness as well as tone. In video 12.2 it makes five points of how important body language, voice projection and eye contact are. It stresses the important of eye contact on how keeping eye contact . I think that in order to make sure that you maintain eye contact you have to feel comfortable. Gestures should not be awkward but should be used. I think that gestures make a speech more personal, however. Posture and gestures should elude that you are confident and interested in your speech. The last video gave great tips that will help with memorizing my speech. I think being prepared is vital! I cant wait to use the tips that I have learned by watching video 12.3.

Language and Gender

One topic that I felt was very important was language and gender. I was taken aback by the simple everyday words that are sexist and almost have a negative connotation. There were great tips on alternatives top make the speech less biased. Also using powerful language will help audience see you more as a person with confidence. There are different phrases that women will say that eludes different meaning. The entire topic was very interesting. Hedges also portray uncertainly. I use this several times during conversations. I think that chapter 10's information on dialect is very helpful not only in my normal speech, but simple tips that can make you seem more confident and assured of certain topics. Using spoken language with a minimal biased perspective is key.
Also chapter 10 talks about audience centered language. These tips help gear language so that audience help not only understand your message but feel apart of their speech. I think that when you make speech geared towards your audience, speaker are more probable in gaining what the message it truly about. I want to make sure that my audience center language becomes appealing.

Interactive Videos 11.1 and 11.2

Both video presentations 11.1 and 11.2 were very helpful in displaying tips for using multimedia. Video 11.1 explained to keep the slide very simple, and straight to the point. In doing so, listeners will grasp an understanding of the most important aspects your trying to explain. Also, though it is important to make is some what appealing, refraining from using too many graphic images is helpful. Limiting the amount of noises will also make the listeners less prone in deviating or loosing concentration on the entire topic.
In 11.2, I learned the importance of keeping images both simple and to the point. Using jarring colors will less the images and make it difficult to read. Also ,making sure to spread the information on to multiple slide will also help with making the entire presentation more cohesive. I learned on the importance of color schemes as well as how to make sure that things remain simple and to the point. In watching both interactive videos, I hope to be able to apply the many tips that can make power point presentations very effective.

Practise with Your Media

After reading chapter 11, I picked up upon a few good aspects that would be helpful for my next presentation when using media. After reading about practising with your media, I learned that the most important thing is to use your media in a way that is helpful for the listeners, integrating in a way that's as smooth as possible. I felt that many times fear that our use of technology can be uneasy, and in order to avoid this fear completely, I think that it is important that we constantly practise until feeling comfortable. Effectively managing technology is vital especially when definite mishaps are most likely to occur. Also, making sure to keep the focus on the audience and not the media is important as well . Glancing from media, and back to audience is important for any speaker. Acknowledging the audience is key and making sure that they feel apart of the speech will avoid losing their attention span. I think that the book made it a good point of using your media to enhance the major points of the topic, however. In any case I find myself using my media but avoiding my audience members. Chapter 11 gives great tips to find that happy medium.

Reflect on Public Speaking Event

Last week in my English 1B class, we had a presentation on one of our favorite authors. The speaker did a good job in presenting the data, however. The media that he used was both effective but almost distracting. I felt that the speaker's use of media could have been more effective. I was almost more distracted by the amount of information on every power point slide. I think that had the PowerPoint slides had less info, it would had been more effective and less overwhelming. I think that in order for the PowerPoint to be more useful, it should have had only the major points of the presentation. That way, the listeners could have been more in tuned with the information that the speaker was not talking about. The media was effective at some other points in which had less information and more of the main points. That was when i understood most and gained much out of the presentation. Watching the speaker and the use with the media made me realize how i wanted to relate what I want to say.

Self Eval

In this last speech, I felt that I defiantly improved from what I had accomplished the first time, however. I do think that like every speech there is much improvement to be done. After watching the tapes, I learned that there are several skills that can be improved and altered. There were good points and other skills that could be fixed for the final speech. Hopefully after watching and re-watching the videos I can learn more about several was that my communication skills can be altered for the future.
After reviewing my speech I do think that i did achieve my purpose for my speech. In the begining I felt confident, and overall, ready. As the speech continued I felt my self go in and out of nervousness. Overall, I think that I am the type of person, that when avoids feeling nervous, can. When i give into to feeling anxious, I allow the feelings to overwhelm me. I noticed this happen as I reached the last couple points of my speech. I think that if I could, I wold rearrange the form of delivery, making it more easier to memorize. I really did underestimate the speech from the previous time. The first time, our demonstration took much of our time, allowing the speaker to use their visual aids in support of their main topics. This, to some extent, took much of my nervousness away. This time, being left to simply talk the entire time without using my aid made it a bit more harder. Overall I felt that my supporting details where adequate and gave the main points support. For our next speech I hope to be even more prepared and go over my speech several more times then before.
My speech content could have been improved. After watching all of my other colleagues go before me, I felt that their multimedia provide not only evidence but several visual aids for their audience. I think that in order to improve my content, I could have used more visual aids and possibly a PowerPoint slide. I feel that those that did provide good evidence to support the main idea. For my delivery, I feel that I did an adequate job, however. This among other aspects can be improved greatly. I need to make sure that I come more prepared with note cards, as well as the amount of time that I memorize my speech. I did feel comfortable for the first 4 minutes and then allowed my nerves to get to me. To insure that this doest happen, I want to first, memorize me speech to the point where I feel very comfortable with it. I want to also have an effective opener that engages my audience. In viewing my speech i defiantly know what aspects I want to alter.
I feel that for this speech I felt more comfortable and avoided any unnecessary words, such as "um". Yet i encountered what seemed to be a major pause that could have been avoided. Though I paused, I regained my thoughts and calmed myself down in order to make sure that I could not make any unnecessary commentary. I should have been better prepared in order to have avoided the situation. My body language could have been altered as well. I think that I could have maintained proper posture as well as avoided moving from side to side. It was a major improvement from my last speech. I was less nervous and I think that it was evident from one video to the other. I did maintain more eye contact, and did not show much of my nervousness from last speech when I stumbled across an unexpected incident. I think i maintained eye contact of about 8. It could have been improved had I felt more comfortable with the delivery of my speech.
If I were to grade myself, I would give mys self a grade of a B. I think that I did a much better job than before because I was able to maintain eye contact, and overcome situations in which did not allow the audience feel to much of my nervousness. I did say "uh" though. Next time I encounter a situation that shakes my nerves, I want to make sure that I take a deep breath and do not allow my audience to feel that nervousness as well. In the midst of the entire speech, I did make sure to mention all my sources in order to meet the requirements. Overall, I do think that my speech tactics did improve from the last oral presentation. I am proud of the entire outcome as a whole but feel there is much room for improvements.

Intro and Conclusion

The book emphasises the importance of an introduction and a conclusion. In a conclusion, it is important to have an attention getter that captivates the audience and gets their attention. It is also important to have a thesis in which explain exactly what are will be adressing in your speech. This means that the thesis must be explanatory. In the into, the main points should be stated as well as the evidence of reliability, which could be quoting a statistics from an important resource. According to the book you also want to ensure that you include the purpose for what you are trying to attain. The books tips provide a form that makes the introduction flow and creates validity for the speaker. Starting off the introduction is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the speech, and the potential to attain good feedback. The book provides the basis for writing and formatting an adequate introduction.
The conclusion should provide most of the information and restate the major points of the speech. It should also close with a memorable ending because it is the final sentences in the entire speech. The listeners should also have an understanding that the conclusion is the final sentences in the speech. This is why it is important to have transitional phrases that lead into the conclusion. The book says to make sure to reiterate the important points, as well as the thesis of the speech. For my informative speech, I am still working on keeping the intro and thesis simple but effective. It defiantly is hard but i think that in following the blue prints that the book sets, my speech will be adequate.

Introduction Chapter 9

Chapter nine was very informative and a good reminder on how to develop an introduction that is well composed and includes the major components in an outline. There was several different examples that helped me in not only clarifying what makes a good introduction, but how to help it sound cohesive. For our informative speech, our introduction must be a narrative, with cited sources. Chapter 9 gave good tips on exactly how to not only incorporate the different parts of the speech, but use transition words for the next main points of the speech. Similarly, like a introduction, the conclusion is just as important. A conclusion must not only reiterate the main points of the informative speech but reinstate a memorable message for the listeners. All of chapter nine helped me make sure that my introduction as well as my conclusion have all of the information that is need for my outline to be correct and effective. I hope that my introdution and conclusion will have my thesis, topic points, purposel , but amoung other things, remain creative and interesting.

Video

I did consider much of the information when piecing together an informative speech. Supporting material is vital to any speech, but must be representative of what your trying to inform. Using power point and making your speech informative. Narratives can be tricky to use because they may sometimes be biased. What the video pointed out was that the facts and statistics should be credible and straight to the point. I need to make sure to incorporate the information about transition. Having transitions makes the speech have flow. I think that was the most important information that I picked up from the videos. Making sure that I have transitional sentences will help the informative speech seem more cohesive. Having a narrative of some sort will also make the speech more interesting having some sort of a attention getter. I do think that the video was very helpful and gave much information about how to make the informative speech effective. I do agree with some of my student that these videos were very good refreshers in making the speech informative.

When are Facts Most Useful

I believe that the facts that are most useful are one's that relate to the central topic and help provide coherent data. I think that facts and statistics can be helpful for any topic, but should be used so that listeners can connect the facts and statistical data to the main topic. If the facts or statics are not relateable nor understandable, that makes the data useless. In using graphs for a statistical data, I do think that they should be clear and straight to the point. The worst type of data or statistical graphs are those that are clearly illegible. Meaning, they do not provide enough detail to allow the listeners to comprehend there data. Data can only be helpful if it is understood. It does help prove the point accurately but requires that the speaker display t in a presentable format. The data that is not adequate is confusing ultimately leaving the audience more indifferent. Hopefully my data will not only support my information, but provide enough statistical information about my topic making it fun and exciting to hear.

Examples

I found that in reading the section about different examples, I was able to use much of the information and gear it towards my informative speech. I feel that using personal examples, as well as specific examples, I can illustrate the meanining behind my speech. Examples also reaffirm certain facts. Examples are important in giving the audience valid information not only about personal experiences, but reinforce certain topics in the speakers speech. I also believe that facts and statistics help validate certain aspects of the speech. In using facts and statistics, speakers not only enhance their point, but show that the speakers validity in their speech. The use of facts help the presentation seem more credible but at the same time have to be accurate. Facts and statistics can be interpreted differently, and as a both a speaker and students, it is important to accept the interpretation as well as observations. This may include media . Students that use the media should probably use sources that are reliable, and don't express a bias. Using both media sources as well as Internet sites, I think its important to find resources that are representative of credibility. Using media that shows a certain bias gears the speech to a certain perspective. For example with issues that are more controversial, I think that it is important to use resources that are not biased but show an equal representation on both perspectives. Reading more about chapter 7 gave me a new perspective on what sources i can uses and how to choose sites that are reliable.

Self Evaluation

Self Evaluation 1: How to Make a Caesar Salad

After completing the first presentation in front of class, I felt an array of different emotions. Both excited and relieved, I could not help but experience a rush of adrenaline as I concluded my demonstration. Like most of my fellow classmates, I was very nervous, however. All my classmates were very encouraging as well as welcoming. I fell like through out my speech, there were good aspects, as well as habits that could have been broken or improved. .
In watching my video, I learned that I did educate my audience on my three major points. Though I did reach my general purpose, I definitely feel that there are several improvements that could have been made. I did feel prepared because of the multiple times that I reviewed both my demonstration and speech, however. I felt as though by doing so, I simply over thought the entire demonstration. I think that my speech could have been less rehearsed and more real. After watching my video, I think that the way that I delivered my speech could have been more realistic and less rehearsed. Being in front of a crowd was both exhilarating and easy. I felt relaxed and I definitely felt that I did maintained eye contact through out the entire presentation. With a rush of different emotions, I did feel a bit nervous, and said a couple of unnecessary words such as “um”. I not only want to improve that aspect in my speech, but omit it from my vocabulary. I think that there were definite occasions that I felt very comfortable and enjoyed the public speaking process. This I noticed in my video. The only times that I felt most nervous was when my demonstration strayed away from the instruction s. This can definitely happen when conducting a demonstrative speech, and after practicing without any errors, coming upon a unexpected incident did shake my nerves. I did contort my face, and felt a rush of nervousness. In my next speech, I will be more aware of my surroundings. I was able to learn from this mistake, and use my energy to remain calm. Instead of thinking out loud, I need to remember to smile and know that not everyone is able to sense my nervousness.
The content for my speech could have been improved. I could have avoided the use of the word “um” by not only being more aware of my bad habit, but also talking more slowly in my speech. The use of the word “um” derives from a nervous pause. Next time, If I choose to take a pause I want to make sure that practice good breathing techniques. Slowing down is also helpful in that it will force me to manage my time in order to fit the assigned time frame. I noticed that I used my hands, which could be limited and easily avoided. I think that the overall delivery was adequate but needed to be slower. For my next speech I want to seem more at ease and not so mechanical. After watching my speech for the first time I felt as though it were to rehearsed. I really want my audience to feel as though I am comfortable. I felt that in watching my presentation, I was very dependent on my body, meaning that I used my hands. I need to make sure that I maintain a good posture and avoid overly using my body. I want to make sure to control my body and maintain any movement such as moving from side to side. In doing so I feel that my presentation will not be distracting but more formal.
Besides not focusing on my demonstration I felt that I maintained good eye contact. I feel that I scanned the room accordingly, but could have looked up when I demonstrated how to make the salad dressing. I think that maintaining eye contact was’nt as difficult. In fact, I felt most comfortable when addressing my audience. I think based on a scale from 1-10 my eye contact could receive an 8. Overall I felt that my voice projection as well as eye contact remained constant. I also sited all four of my sources through out the speech. This I made sure not to forget. For my next presentation, I want to strive to have overall good eye contact and remain confident in my speaking abilities.
This demonstrative speech allowed me to work on my speaking skills. I feel that my overall grade should be B+ for the simple fact that there were few instances were I did not keep my head up , and reacted in part from my nervousness. I want to continue perfecting my speaking skill, and improve immensely. Watching my video playback was very helpful, allowing me to find constructive ways to improve my speaking abilities. I cant wait for the next one.

Interactive Videos

In watching both persuasive speeches, I was able gain an understanding of what I want my speech to look like. The speaker about air pollution was attentive to the audience, continuously look up and keeping eye contact. Learning how to not look at the podium and being more attentive to audience members makes the speaker seem professional and know what their talking about. I definitely enjoyed watching her acknowledge her audience, keeping in mind the presence of her peers as she explains her topic. I also liked how it was very straight forward, and cut right into the matter.
Mathew's speech lacked many aspects of being a good speaker. I did not think he prepared enough, and his speech felt very unorganized. I did like the amount of information, and the matter in which he sited his sources verbally. Though his speech was very informative, I did feel that Mathew lacked eye contact, and did not deliver the topic in the best form. The opening was very unexpected and abrupt. Being able to see very different speechs will help me gear my own speech, and force me to practice this week.

Chapter 5: Meeting the Challenger of Audience Diversity

Chapter fives gives readers great tips on how to adapt to a diverse audience. I truly believe that for any speech , it is important to acknowledge the audience, and formulate a well rounded idea on how to meet the needs of diverse backgrounds. Being aware of the culturally different experiences, ideas, beliefs, and opinions of the audience members will help gear the topic to be more supportive. In order to avoid ethnocentrism, speakers should be well aware of the differences within the audience members. Being accepting and coherent of the audience is vital in establishing a comfortable environment. Allowing audiences to feel at ease within the environment makes it easy to possibly make the audience more responsive. In making the speech accepting and supportive, the second most important information is being well aware of different types of information. It is vital that as speakers we try to incorporate all forms of information upon the topic and be accepting different points of views and experiences. In doing so we can establish a comfortable setting in which students can interact in constructive conversations.

Audience Analysis

In conducting any form of a speech, it is important to evaluate basic information about the audience so that the speech remains concise and effective. Adapting to the audience means understanding who they are, essentially basing the speech on the audience to ensure that they get the most information. In really understanding audiences, it is vital that the speaker do research on the interests of the classmates. Getting to know one another is inevitable, especially for any communication class. To better prepare myself, I have definitely considered my audiences need. I want my speech to be effective. In hopes that my speech is as audience-centered as possible, I have been reading blogs and ensuring that my speech adheres to the responses. Being able to see what my fellow classmates think about each others' posts is a vital resource that helps me guide my speech. I also want to make sure that when my speech is over, I can gain some feedback on how to better the presentation of my speaking ethics. I hope that learning about cooking tips will be appealing to my audience members, as well as provide a good representation on how to make authentic food. My hope is that my speech establishes a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. I want my audience to be pleased with my topic, and find it credible.

Topic: Cooking

For my topic, I decided to show the class how to make a salad. I have not decided what salad I would want to make. I have been brainstorming about if I either wanted to make one of my mothers famous recipes, or search the web site/ cook books for a recipe that has some history as to how is was created. I want to make sure that I give some historical background on the salad that I choose to make and then proceed to show the class how to make it. I still need more information on the speech itself, in order to start constructing a outline. I am slightly nervous, but mostly excited because it seems as though there will be many ideas and things to learn from my fellow classmates. Overall, I think that I am on the right track, but need more clarification in order to feel comfortable and prepared.

Research Interview

I have conducted a research interview in the past for a paper on the justice system and courts. In finding the suitable candidate, I thought about the information that I wanted to know about. I interviewed sheriff who worked in the courts that new more about justice and law. As I conducted the interview, I made sure to formally introduce myself, and start the interview promptly. I asked several secondary questions, in which he elaborate more on the subject. I should have been more aware on my time constraints because I only had a limited time to finish. Unfortunately, I asked too many question that took up most of the interview. I could have deviated his attention to more of the basic questions that I needed answered. It was relatively easy for him to continue talking about a topic that did not need an more clarification. Using methods to bring the conversation back to topic are essential, when conducting an interview. In order to make the most of the interview, I found that asking the most vital questions towards the beginning was an advantage. Time, and secondary questions that moved father away from the actual topic were the most difficult to handle.

Chapter 6

In reading chapter six, I was able to understand how much of an importance it is to not only refine an Internet search, but use other resources available. Today, the Internet has become a vital tool for any type of research. It is so accessible, that the Internet provides an outlet to several other sources, including blogs, dictionaries, and special websites tailored at a specific topic, however. Despite the Internets advantages, their are several other aids, especially found at the school library. Files, past newspaper articles, and journals are all accessible at the public library. As I read chapter six, I gained more of an awareness of the many resources found at the library alone. Like most students, the Internet is the easiest and most accessible tool to use for any type of project of paper. The library also has an online data base that allows users to browse through a variety of different sources, including magazines, books, and even government publications as well. The library is just as vital and even more of useful tool in today's technological era.

Video 2.1,2.2,and Intro to Jessica

Watching vide 2.1 gave several helpful tips on how to feel comfortable and present put together during a speech. Visualization was also stressed in order to fully feel confident in speaking. It is important to prepare mentally, as well as emotionally, for any speech. Breathing exercises can help loosen muscles and help relaxes the body over all. It is important to take them into account before speeches.
Video 2.2 also stressed the importance of knowing the classroom setting, classmates, and topic. Having an interest in the topic and enjoying researching and presenting the speech will allow the speaker to feel more comfortable in a setting. Its easier to express knowledge of topics that are of interest, and have a sense of confidence in doing so. Knowing the audience members interests can make it helpful when picking a topic. Having an idea of the setting, listeners, and of the speech makes public speaking more comfortable.
Intro to Jessica's gave me a good idea on how to look poised, articulate my phrases, and exude my enthusiasm for speaking. She not only felt comfortable, but made it seem as though she was speaking to a friend. I will use Intro to Jessica to use as an example of how to present my speech in the most confident form.

Chapters 2 & 4

Speaking in class can be very difficult and in some cases a dreadful experience . Gaining insight on how to counter act the common side affects of anxiety, sweat, trembling, fidgeting, and stances was vital for my experience in the class. Many times, as student, we are plagued by the fear that people are able to see more of the speaker. The book explained how to counter balance the negative energy and overwhelming feelings of anxiety into more of a positive outlook. I think that it is very important to not only comprehend the importance of the confidence but actually allude it to the listeners. Gaining self confidence is the key to feeling comfortable and at ease with the process of public speaking. For most student confidence can arise for simply being well informed, prepared, and excited about the topic researched. Chapter four emphasize that in order to be enthused about public speaking, in must first derive from wanting to speak about the topic. Not having any emotional connection to the topic makes it difficult to present any topic. Overall, having confidence is an important step in understanding, and enjoying public speaking.

Question #1- Nerves

Public speaking has always been a common fear amongst several students. Like many of my peers, public speaking is also one of the many circumstances that can truly jumble my nerves into a frenzy. I believe that most of us fear public speaking because it puts us in a vulnerable disposition amongst crowds, family, or other students. Its the idea that my peers are all watching me, and I have no other person or thing to depend on. It is simply myself, that is standing alone in front of an inanimate object, such as a podium, that is unlikely to bring about any courage or wisdom for success. Public speaking is difficult when all you have is yourself. That is were the true feelings of anxiety begin to flourish . The fear in failure, with the addition of several students watching, is the true essence for the dislike of public speaking.