Tamara Chocoy - Reflection 1

     Coming into this class I did not know what to expect. All I can say I know by the time I leave this class I would have leveled up not only as a speaker but a leader. In just this first presentation I have learned a lot. I've gotten to see how others react and share information. All my classmates understood the assignment and clearly explained their chapters and I've learned a lot from their performance and information. My classmates have taught me a lot in just the little time of this class. 

    I was very nervous that from the jump we have a group presentation but even from my group I have learned a lot. From my fellow group and I - I have learned how to better manage speech anxiety, the craft of public, and how to better understand/listen when it comes to public speaking. Managing speech anxiety is a big one for me. I now better understand that being prepared for your speech and not being uncertain in your speech will help you build your confidence as a speaker. Understanding public speaking and how to better was another one that intrigued me as a listener you must always remember about body language and having empathy but also as the speaker you want to engage with your audience so that both the listener and speaker show that the care and are intrigued. Learning all of this is understanding that public speaking is more than justs standing in front of an audience delivering a message it's a form of art and science that combines content, delivery, and audience engagement to effectively communicate one's ideas. Group 3 went deep into how to be a better speaker like effective uses of introductions and conclusions, diverse delivery methods, and voice and body managements.  For example, having a strong hook from the start not only captures the audience attention but also establishes credibility and provides the main key points but also making sure that ending with a strong conclusion with techniques such as quotations, dramatic statements, and references to the introduction. I also learned that having different delivery methods like impromptu, manuscripts, and memorizing notes helps with engagement but also speech anxiety. All of this relates to voice and body control: therefore, speaking clearly and loudly, maintaining proper posture, adjusting your pitch and loudness, and creating direct eye contact. Managing each of these elements improves the speech’s overall delivery and helps to keep the audience interested. 

    Group 2 shared a little guide on speechmaking. They covered various aspects of preparing and delivering a speech, including types of speeches, evaluating and selecting topics, and even organizing your speech. I learned that there are three categories of speeches being informative which describes/explains something, persuasion which aims to reinforce or change the audience beliefs, and lastly special occasion  which are design to connect the audience and appropriately enhances the occasion. I also learned on how to consider selecting a topic with my own interests, the audience interests, time limits, and more. And lastly, organizing the speech like and essay having the introduction, body transitions, and conclusion. This all really helped evaluate what I can do better and clearly explained the steps. Group 4 shares different aspects of public speaking. I learned on informative speaking including types of speeches, crafting thesis statements, and effective organizational patterns. Also, persuasive communication, which stresses the use of words and visuals to sway opinions and effective persuasion strategies. It explores the nature of arguments in public speaking, highlighting the importance of claims, reasoning, evidence, and various appeals such as pathos, mythos, ethos, and logos. To ensure clarity, I learned some highlights like the importance of keeping the topic focused, interesting, and backed up by visual aids. But also keeping the speech to no more than three or four major themes. And lastly, the importance of cooperation in group presentations is also covered, along with the responsibilities of each role like having a coordinator that oversees team development, a researcher that collects and evaluates data, a presenter that conveys the information, and the designer that produces visual elements. And emphasizing the value of time management, consistency, and interactive aspects to draw in the audience.

    

    I’ve reflected a lot on all the chapters my classmates have shared and from also watching them present. I know next time to let go of all the anxiety and go for it. I saw confidence that I did not know was possible. Some of my classmates just know how to flow with what they are saying but also the audience and for the next presentation I plan and hope to come off with more confidence. As I reflect on my experiences so far in this class, I recognize how much I have grown both as a speaker and a leader.  In addition, I discovered how critical practice and preparation are to overcoming fear. Through practice and familiarizing myself with my topic, I can gain a readiness that frees my mind from fear and lets me concentrate on my delivery. I also plan to apply the strategies I saw, including utilizing rhetorical questions and storytelling components to engage the audience. Watching my peers navigate their presentations with poise has motivated me to embrace my unique style and voice. This class has also taught me the significance of feedback, both giving and receiving it. My peers' constructive criticism has been helpful because it gives me new insights into how to improve. I can keep becoming better at my presentations and develop as a speaker if I welcome criticism. I'm determined to turn my anxiety into excitement as I get ready for more presentations. Rather than allowing fear to get in the way, I want to focus my attention on engaging my audience. I am eager to put what I have learned in this class and other areas of my life to use, and I am thrilled about the path ahead. My development as a speaker and leader has been greatly aided by this experience, and I can't wait to keep improving these skills.