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.