Group Presentation (Aiva Deus)

Speech Class 

     It has always been hard for me to step out of my comfort zone. I have usually avoided speaking in front of an audience. I get nervous and awkward even when I'm only reporting to one person, let alone a whole group of people. That is why I usually come up with an excuse to escape being the main speaker at any event. However, this semester I decided to take a Speech class, and after giving the presentation, I saw public speaking in a new light. 

    When our first assignment was to give a presentation, I dreaded it. However, preparing for the presentation was enjoyable, and my group, Group 1, was very organized and hardworking. We divided our roles, and we put our PowerPoint together nicely. 

    I am proud of myself, but also disappointed. On the day of my presentation, I was a nervous wreck. I was so nervous that I turned my camera the wrong way and stuttered a bit. I am proud of myself because, though I was anxious when I started, I began to feel comfortable as I went, and I got through my presentation. One of the points I covered was the Foundations of Public Speaking. While researching and reading the book to identify what to include in my presentation, I came across the Greek philosopher Aristotle. Aristotle's rhetoric of logos, pathos, and ethos was interesting. It helped me gain insight into how I, as a speaker, can get the audience's attention and relay my message clearly. Another point was the Five Arts of Public Speaking. These five arts: invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery, enabled me to give my presentation effectively. I am pleased with my progress, and I believe practicing more will enable me to be better in the future.

    My group members did great in presenting their parts. The visuals were great: the pictures and graphs inserted in everyone's slides were precise in their speech and clear with their points. In Group 1's presentation, I learned that in an information age, we need to be mindful of how our messages influence the audience. An important point I learned is how to build my confidence and not be anxious while giving my speech in any public setting by avoiding negative thoughts. I also discovered being interested in my topic that I have to present results in a great presentation. I noted as well that speaking in public, active listening is key because I wouldn't want to be absent-minded when someone is asking me a question on my topic, and I can't answer because I wasn't paying attention. Lastly, from our Group 1's amazing presentation, I understood that the audience is my target when I'm speaking. I have to give my audience what they want through my speech.

    I think the other groups did amazing, too, and I learned something new from everyone's presentations. The presentations reflect how everyone took their time and worked hard on their parts. I learned about art or persuasion. It influences what the audience is thinking and helps the speaker connect with them according to the occasion. Brainstorming, which is also linked to the idea in the five arts of public speaking: invention, is when I choose the topic I would be interested to talk about, being specific. I understood that writing a thesis is a great help if I want to stay on topic and not veer away from my main point. Preparing my speech, research is a very good first step, and it has to be from a credible source. In addition, when presenting another person's thoughts or ideas, citing my sources correctly assists in avoiding plagiarism. 

    One valuable aspect is the importance of the beginning and the end of my speech. A way is to use narrative or ask a hooking question to grab the audience's attention early on. At the end of my speech, I should state my main points again in my conclusion, leaving a strong impression like an outro in a song ( I love outros, I think that is the best part in a music piece). I should engage with the audience through their culture, language, and idioms. At the end of the day, my speech should be audience-centered: I should make the audience feel respected and comfortable. One point I noticed was the presentation media. I learned that giving the audience a physical copy of what I am presenting will greatly help them understand and engage. I became aware of several key points that helped me deliver my speech fluently: maintaining eye contact, which is linked to active listening, accuracy, and effective body language. 

     I found out that informative speeches educate the  audience. Knowing my facts is an important point in sharing knowledge and giving a clear message. Well-planned speeches are a way I can help the audience understand and follow my message. Persuasion is a very important point in my speech. Using examples, statistics, and stories will make the audience interested in my topic, which could allow them to grasp my point. I also learned that my speech should include arguments. Not violence, but one that could open a new understanding of my topic.

    Overall, I think all the groups, Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4, did great on their presentations. I also appreciated how the group leaders applied active listening and were able to give great feedback to their members. They were specific in giving each individual their positive opinions that greatly helped us feel proud of our work. Having responsible leaders who listen will help us members grow.

    After completing this assignment, I not only have a completely different view of presenting, but I have also acquired a lot of core insights that will definitely help me organize and deliver a speech in other classes or any other situation where I need to give a speech. Though I still need to work on my nervousness, I will definitely be more prepared moving forward. By practicing and with time, maybe I will be comfortable speaking publicly.