Victoria Orono-Reflection 1

This class has been the perfect start to my college experience. It has really helped me understand different perspectives and feel less shy and anxious around new people. Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, and I feel truly grateful for this opportunity. Growing up, I was always surrounded by public speaking at my church. I watched as parents gave speeches about finances, marriage, and personal growth. It was nerve-wracking to see them up there, but it also made me curious about speaking in front of others. I started participating in Christmas plays as a dancer while my close friends took on the main roles. Watching them perform inspired me to think about stepping into a lead role myself, even though I felt hesitant at first. As a child, I kept to myself because I often felt inferior. That feeling faded a bit over time, but it came back in my teenage years because I hadn’t fully dealt with it. Participating in Christmas shows helped me let go of some of that insecurity. While I’m not completely free of it, my confidence has grown and definitely outweighs my fears. Taking a public speaking course puts you in real situations where you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone. From the start, this class focused on practical skills. Separated into different groups, my class and I, discussed essential parts of effective presentations, like building confidence, listening well, and adapting to our audience. Each of us really tried to apply these lessons, and I’m proud of the effort everyone put in. One of the first things we learned was how to deliver great presentations. Understanding your material is key. We talked about the importance of knowing your topic, its background, and its purpose. When you grasp these elements, it becomes easier to engage your audience. We also explored critical analysis, which means being clear and logical in how we connect our ideas. This helps us avoid being vague and ensures our message is accurate. We also looked at modern communication models, which are important in today’s tech-driven world. Public speaking is always changing with new technology, and being aware of these changes can improve our communication skills. I learned that being well-prepared gives us a big advantage in delivering our messages clearly. Our second presentation focused on perfecting how to deliver a speech, and this was a crucial topic. I really liked how my classmates stayed focused during their presentations. Even though some showed nerves, they surprised me with how well they stuck to their topics. It was inspiring to see how they managed their anxiety and communicated effectively. Group 3 was similarly impressive, sticking to their main ideas without getting sidetracked, which showed the importance of clarity in our messages. Overall, every group contributed to my understanding of public speaking and helped clear up any uncertainties I had. Their feedback and insights made the learning experience more collaborative. I believe that as we continue in this course, we’ll all become more comfortable with each other—and, most importantly, with ourselves. I’m excited about what lies ahead in this course. I’ve heard great things from others who have taken this class, especially regarding its impact during the first semester of college. It makes you feel more secure and at home among new people, which is something I’ve found incredibly helpful. College life is different from high school, and I’m sure that by the end of this semester, I will feel ready to take on a lead role in my church's Christmas play. This is truly the perfect time for me to evolve and become more open-minded. I believe that taking this class is more than just earning credits; it’s a crucial part of my healing journey. Combatting anxiety is very hard, which is completely understandable. However, once you begin to conquer it, you feel empowered and capable of taking on new challenges. I am very excited about everything that is to come in this class. One topic I am particularly looking forward to is the election matters topic. I know it will be something I find engaging and relevant. Additionally, I can’t wait to see my classmates progress throughout our college years. As I’ve heard before, the knowledge we gain in this class will last us a lifetime, and we will be able to apply it in many areas of our lives. I also look forward to sharing what I’ve learned with others who may not have had the opportunity to hear this information. Sometimes, it’s the simple things, like reminding someone to take a deep breath to calm their nerves, that can make a significant difference. Learning to speak up for myself and educate myself on topics I’m passionate about is what ties everything together for me. I want to learn how to express my ideas clearly and even persuasively, so others can understand my perspectives. I love being educated and educating others, which makes it clear that this class is a great fit for me. Battling negative thoughts and pushing myself into the unknown with confidence is something I’m committed to doing more often. I trust Professor Sherri to help me reach my goals because I am willing to learn and be open to feedback. What we’re developing in this class is valuable and will help us in many parts of our lives. I’m eager to see how I will be able to use these techniques in real life, whether in my community, church, or future career. I’m grateful for the chance to grow, learn from my classmates, and become more confident. Looking ahead I see the new version of my unique voice, I can see positive changes happening. Public speaking is not just a skill; it’s a lifestyle that can help everyone, and I recommend it to anyone looking to grow in this area. I can’t wait to see how we evolve together as speakers and communicators!