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.