Alexa Adame

                       

                      HOW SPEECH CLASS CHANGED MY VIEW IN PUBLIC SPEAKING

This semester has been my last one in college, and to be honest, I left my speech class for the very end on purpose. Public speaking was never something I felt comfortable with. I've always been the type of person who gets nervous just thinking about talking in front of a group. Because of that, when I saw that I could take this class online, I felt that was the best option for me. It felt safer and less stressful. Looking back now, I can say that taking this class was one of the best decisions I made, and it completely changed the way I see public speaking.

At the beginning of the semester, I saw speech as something scary. I thought only confident people could be good at it, and I did not consider myself one of them. I assumed everyone else was more prepared and less nervous than me. However, as the class went on and we started presenting, I realized something very important: almost everyone feels nervous. Everyone worries about making mistakes, forgetting what to say, or being judged. Knowing that made me feel less alone. It helped me understand that being nervous is normal and that it does not mean you are bad at speaking. It just means you care about doing well.

Over time, I actually started to enjoy speaking in public more than I ever had before. I began to see speech as an art. It is a way to express yourself, share ideas, and communicate with others in a meaningful way. When you think about it like that, it becomes something powerful instead of something scary. Learning how to communicate properly is extremely important not only in school but in real life too. This class helped me realize that speaking well is a skill that can be developed with practice, patience, and confidence.

When I found out we were going to present in groups, I honestly thought it was going to be very difficult. I was worried about coordinating schedules, making sure everyone was in the same page, and dividing the  work equally. Group projects can sometimes be stressful, especially when everyone has different ideas and working styles. However, once we started working together, I realized that it was actually a good experience. My group, Group Number 1, worked really well together nicely. Everyone did their part, and I think we created a strong presentation.

I was proud of my group and of myself. Each person presented confidently, and I felt that we were well prepared. Even though we had different styles, it added personality to our presentation. It showed that we were individuals who came together to create something meaningful. That experience taught me that teamwork does not mean everyone has to be the same. It means respecting each other's differences and using them to make something better.

Overall, I think all four groups did a really good job with their presentations. It was clear that most people put effort into researching, preparing, and practicing. Of course, there were some students who seemed to be reading directly from the slides. While that can make a presentation feel less natural, I understand that it happens, especially when someone is nervous. With more practice, I am sure they will improve. Presenting is not easy, and everyone is learning at their own pace.

There were also students who did not turn their cameras on during their presentations. Personally, I think that having your camera on is very important, especially in an online class. When people can see you, they feel more connected to you. It also helps keep their attention and shows that you are confident and engaged. I know it can be uncomfortable, but I believe it makes a big difference in how your presentation is received.

Another thing I noticed was that some people had technical difficulties, such as internet issues, sound problems, or trouble sharing their screens. That is something that can happen to anyone, especially in online classes. Most of the time, it is out of our control. What matters is how you handle it. Many students stayed calm and tried their best to continue, which showed professionalism and responsibility.

One of my favorite parts of these presentations was that they were based on topics from our speech chapters. This made them even more useful because we were learning the fundamentals of public speaking. We were able to share what we thought was important and what stood out to us. It made the presentations more personal and meaningful.

I also enjoyed seeing how creative everyone was with their slides. Some students used images, charts, colors, and different layouts to organize their information. Others kept their slides simple and focused on speaking more. There was so much variety, and I liked seeing how everyone expressed themselves differently. It showed that there is not only one "right" way to present. What matters most is clarity, confidence, and connection with the audience.

Some students finished their presentations very quickly. I felt that in some cases, they could have explained their ideas more and taken more time. However, the most important thing is that they still shared valuable points. Everyone had something important to say, and that deserved recognition.

I was also impressed by how the managers were able to write conclusions so quickly and provide feedback while the presentations were happening. That requires strong listening and thinking skills. It helped make the class feel more interactive and supportive. In addition, I really appreciated how the professor gave individual feedback after each presentation. That feedback was helpful and encouraging. It made me feel like my effort was seen and valued.

Of course, some groups were more organized than others, and some presentations stood out more in terms of performance. That is normal in any class. Everyone has different strengths and experience levels. What matters most is that everyone tried their best. I truly believe that every group did a good job and learned something from the process.

Looking back, I am grateful that I took this class, even though I was scared at first. It helped me grow not only as a student but also as a person. I gained confidence, communication skills, and a new perspective on public speaking. What once felt impossible now feels manageable and even enjoyable. This class taught me that fear should not stop me from trying new things. Instead, it should motivate me to grow.

In conclusion, the presentations were valuable and meaningful part of this course. They helped me improve, reflect, and understand myself better. As I finish my last semester, I feel proud of how far I have come. This experience will stay with me and help me in future, both professionally and personally.