Carlos Silva - Blog #1

I enjoyed most about the presentations that the students employed in their speeches the same methods they were talking about. They were brief, they were confident, and they captured the class. I could tell by watching that each group practiced and tried getting their points across in a way which we could all understand. To me, the most valuable part was that they not only presented information from the chapters, but also showed how to use that information in real life. I felt every presentation was distinctive, but all of them added something important to my knowledge on public speaking.

Group 1 my group showed us the foundation for what public speaking is and why it is still applicable today. Ashley explained how rhetoric remains applicable in society today and how words do matter in the age of the internet. That was one thing that impressed me because I believe social media overwhelmed speeches, but she made me realize they do matter. Aquilah spoke about stage fright, and I actually connected to her because I too get nervous before presenting. She explained that nervousness could be turned into energy if we are prepared and focused. Listening skills and audience analysis were also spoken about by other group members. I enjoyed a great deal how they illustrated that communication is not only about talking, but also about being respectful to the audience and observing cultural differences. The work we did as a group made me understand that public speaking is not about being in the front of the room with a lot of people; it is about creating a connection.

Group 2 was how to prepare for a great presentation, and I liked that because preparing for something is something that I always forget. Daniel Alvarez showed me how to make an outline and a thesis, and it made me understand the importance of ideas in order before talking. Samantha De La Cruz spoke about doing research and plagiarizing, and I thought she was extremely honest and informative. Isabelle spoke about brainstorming and choosing topics, and her examples showed that the best ideas can come from anywhere if you take the time to think about them. The group as a whole showed me that a presentation starts much sooner than the day one is to present. It begins with preparation, choosing the right topic, researching for data, and thinking about how to present it in the best possible way. I left their presentation thinking that if I prepare myself well enough, my presentation will be more comfortable and solid.

Group 3 took the focus away from preparation and towards delivery. I liked most of all when they spoke of opening and closing with impact, as he showed us with himself how powerful the first impression can be. Language was discussed, and they showed us how descriptive and concise words make people pay attention. Their time made me reflect on how much filler language or slang I speak, and how that affects how people see me. They talked about visual aids, and I thought their segment was really helpful since we all use slides. They suggested that slides should enhance, not replace, the speech. Finally, Julien and Lizabeth explained the different delivery modes, e.g., memorized or extemporaneous speaking, and they even mentioned body language. This group motivated me more because they showed me that delivery can always be improved through practice.

Group 4 concluded the set of presentations with different speaking situations. I liked how they separated informative speeches from persuasion speeches and explained the difference between just presenting facts and trying to persuade. The part on persuasion was fascinating to me because he explained that persuasion must be ethical and specific to the audience. Another part that really caught my attention was when they were talking about media appearances and distant speaking. I never knew that it was different to speak in front of the cameras or on tape, but their examples showed me that public speaking does not just refer to a stage or classroom anymore. Natalia spoke about occasion speeches and presentations to groups, and those seemed so applicable because in real life we will have to give speeches at events, at the workplace, or in teams. Group 4 forced me to think about how public speaking is used in the majority of life outside school.

After hearing each of the groups, I feel I get the whole process of public speaking step by step. Group 1 gave the foundation, Group 2 described preparation, Group 3 gave explanation, and Group 4 showed how to adapt to different situations. What I liked most is that each group not only explained the content, but they applied the methods in their presentation. When someone stated that stories make a speech strong, they told a story. When someone stated that body language is important, they used body language. For me, this was the best part because it showed me that learning is not only in the book but also in practice. Overall, I feel more confident now because I discovered that with preparation, practice, and knowing who the audience is, anyone can be an effective speaker.