Skye Galley COMM 1020- Jorgensen December 1, 2013

COMM 1020-- Public Speaking Self-Analysis

Public speaking is important because words have power. They have the ability to influence others by inciting thoughts, feelings, and even action. This semester I learned my strengths as a speaker include organizing, outlining, and speaking with presentation aids. I currently use these strengths in each of my classes and hope to continue to develop these skills. The most important concept of public speaking I will continue to develop after this course is seizing as many opportunities to better myself with public speaking as well as adjusting to different audiences. Many people fear public speaking because of the uncomfortable attention given by audience members as well as the criticism we give ourselves. Reflecting back on this course I remember times when I felt terrified to speak. I didnt want to look foolish or forgetful in front of my classmates. Despite these thoughts and feelings preceding ones delivery, the message you have prepared is more important than your uneasiness. Your audience will either absorb or reject the things you say. Through this communications class I have learned the importance of being a credible speaker and evaluating my audience to avoid offense. One of the most influential speakers in American history is Martin Luther King Jr. He was significant because of his bravery to stand and say that which many felt but were too afraid to express. He was able to make a difference by persuading those who

were oppressed to take action when others with more influence would not. Although his courage caught peoples attention, it was his words that changed peoples way of thinking and feeling. Dr. Kings words persuaded people to believe they could have his courage and even spurred them to action. His famous I Have a Dream speech is still used as a power example of imagery and inspiration. A few of my strengths as a public speaker are organizing, outlining, and speaking with presentation aids. Organizing and outlining speeches are similar, although organizing is differentiating thoughts into speech as opposed to outlining which is framing your speech. You can organize your speech by writing down the introduction, main points, and conclusion of your topic. (pg. 96) This concept is currently helping me as a public speaker because it requires fluent thought in my writing to prepare for my outline. Outlining your speech requires you to delve deeper and explain the subpoints beyond a brief explanation. (pg. 112) Subpoints are used as reminders when speaking through examples or stories to further your speech on main points. I currently use the concept of outlining speeches to help me as a public speaker by exploring my main points deeper than a brief explanation. Speaking with presentation aids can include using props, models, pictures, graphs, charts, audio, or video. (pg. 156) I used a PowerPoint presentation to show visuals for many of my speeches in this class. Another presentation aid I used was for my applied speech. I gave a speech about the different styles of snowboarding and used my snowboard as a presentation aid. Presentation aids are useful because people are more likely to remember things they have seen as opposed to things they have only

heard. Presentation aids are also helpful to me as a speaker because they remind me of key points I want to speak about. The most important concept of public speaking I will continue to develop after this course is continuing to seize opportunities to better myself as a speaker and become comfortable with different audiences. I hope to take advantage of the knowledge I have gained in this class by not hesitating when given a chance to stand in front of others and face my fears. I know there will be many times in my life I will be asked to speak; weddings, funerals, college class, etc... I dont want to refuse to speak because I fear what others will think of me or because I fear not knowing what to say. I know the experiences I have gained these past few months have helped me become more confident and clever when put on the spot which will help in future speaking situations. The importance of public speaking is evident. Words are used every day through speech as well as writing and have the power to influence and motivate others if used correctly. Public speaking can be extremely intimidating but is necessary for improvement and evolution in ones ability to express and persuade others. I have seen improvement in my own abilities these past few months because of the concepts I learned and implemented in this class. My presentations and speeches have become easier and less frightening. I have become accustomed to looking others in the eye especially when presenting. I hope to continue to develop my skills and use them for future assignments, projects, and even social interactions.

Works Cited
O'Hair, Dan, Hannah Rubenstein, and Robert A. Stewart. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2004. Print.