Melissa Santos Post Reflection 1

 

Hello everyone!

Today I will be reflecting on the great presentations I observed from my classmates during our informative and public speaking assignments. Each group brought something unique to the table, I was impressed by their clarity and ability to publicly speak for long periods of time while remaining professional. Their presentations brought me insight into various strategies I can incorporate into my own presentations. From engaging visuals to compelling storytelling, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to properly captivate an audience and deliver more successful speeches. In my blog post I will be sharing all the tips and tricks to public speaking.

Part 1: Getting Started

The Evolving Art of Public Speaking

In the chapter, “The Evolving Art of Public Speaking”, I learned quite a lot from how technology has changed public speaking, such as the usage of presentation software and videoconferencing in order to reach an audience. My classmates explained perfectly the interest of the audience and how storytelling and Aristotle's idea of logos, pathos, and ethos remain of fantastic relevance today. I did like the fact that they repeated how your audience is the key, and it put a better perspective in my mind as to how to apply such tools and strategies in my speeches. In general, their presentations were well done; it gave me good insight.

Four examples of forms of technology a public speaker might use when giving a presentation could be:

1. PowerPoint or Google Slides

2. Zoom or Microsoft Teams

3. Teleprompters

4. Live polls or surveys

Building Your Confidence

In the chapter, “Building Your Confidence”, some valuable strategies about building confidence when giving speeches were taught. The presentation given on this topic underlined that a lot of our anxiety about presenting comes from not knowing what to expect. I realized that becoming more familiar with my topic, by preparing appropriately for the presentation, can reduce this stress and will help in being more confident. Additionally, it has made me aware of how much the admission of fear of judgment actually activates one's performance as a speaker. Because of this, it's best to focus on your strengths and your improvement rather than the possible negative reaction from the audience you might get. This has helped me gain clarity into how I can approach future speeches with more confidence.

Listening

In the chapter, “Listening”, I was taught what effective listening is, which means complete reception of the message from a speaker, comprehension, interpretation, and responding knowledgeably. My classmates clarified rather well how such factors like individual filters and distractions may be barriers to effective listening. They also mentioned mindful listening and giving constructive feedback during a healthy dialogue between a speaker and an audience. I liked the way they gave clear examples and made the topic so understandable. This presentation gave me many things to think about for my improvement in listening.

Part 2: Developing Your Purpose and Topic

Developing Your Purpose and Topic

In the chapter, “Developing Your Purpose and Topic”, It was communicated that in an informative speech, being clear and focused on what one would like to achieve, whether to describe, explain, or demonstrate, is essential. The focus should be on a general purpose that drives the whole process. Narrowing a topic that would fit my purpose, brainstorming ideas of what I want to say, and lastly, identifying what would interest my audience are ways to build a pretty good foundation for my speech. Also, in speaking, I have learned that creating a specific purpose and thesis statement is so important in order to be clear with the direction and to keep my speech organized. In doing so, it would clarify what I am supposed to accomplish. This early planning is, in my eyes, the most useful in-class instruction for the effective delivery of a well-organized speech.

Organizing and Outlining Your Speech

In the chapter, “Organizing and Outlining Your Speech”, I learned that in an effective speech, one has to structure it effectively to convey the message. My classmates definitely explained properly during the presentation the roles of the four major parts that compose the speech, such as introduction, body, transitions, and conclusion. The thing that really caught my interest was the emphasis on the use of organizational patterns, such as chronological or problem-solution, which best serves the purpose of fitting into your chosen topic and purpose. Also, their explanation of transitions and how they tie it all together really helped. Overall, this presentation really made me see how proper outlining can make a speech more interesting to listen to and follow.

Part 3: Presenting Yourself and Your Ideas

Using Language Effectively

In the chapter, “Using language effectively”, It was shown how powerful word choices are in order to make a speech more interactive and memorable. My classmates did a great job in explaining how language can be an opportunity, but at the same time, a challenge because of its ambiguities and abstract nature. I found one of the most helpful things was how they explained the use of connotative versus denotative meanings and the importance of considering the audience's cultural background in choosing words that would not be offensive. They also emphasized using clear, audience-centered language to create a connection, which was a great tip.

Part 4: Speaking Situations

Informative and Persuasive Speaking

I learned that one had to put more emphasis on the transfer of information alone, rather than trying to persuade the audience. My classmates explained how using clear language and connecting the topic to the audience can be of great interest to people. They also went over different ways of organizing an informative speech: chronological order and cause-and-effect. The presentation gave me good ideas on how to make my own effective speech.

However, the intent of persuasive speaking tends to lean toward changing the beliefs or actions of the audience. My class peers discussed how the speech might either be issue-based or practical, such as proposing an action. They also demonstrated how to adapt a speech according to the audience's disposition—whether they are in favor or opposed. I thought the problem-solution method they recommended sounded like a good way to structure a persuasive argument.

One thing that I did like was their focus on ethical speaking. They pointed out how important it is to be truthful and never manipulate the audience. That is something I hadn't really thought of before. Overall, they had a nice explanation of how informative and persuasive speaking differ and how to approach both styles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this assignment really advanced my knowledge in speech. It clarified basic information and strategies I had already known of, more clearly. I believe this was a beneficial assignment as I’m sure a lot of us can agree, we have learned a significant number of things from each presentation that was given. I trust that I can implement the tips I learned into my daily life when speaking or giving a public presentation. Thank you!