Monica: Before and After Summer 2011

I first claimed that body language was one of the most important elements in public speaking. While I still believe that body language is extremely important in public speaking, I have learned from this class that the content and organization of a speech is probably the most important thing of public speaking. Without a good and organized structure, a speech can be confusing to the audience and not mean anything to the audience. Learning how to produce successful outlines of speeches has been extremely helpful in organizing the message. Also, ethos, pathos, and logos have also been drilled into our heads since the start of classes. These three elements mean for credibility, emotion, and logic and are also key terms in understanding communication and public speaking. These past few weeks here at Penn State summer sessions have been extremely valuable. Not only have I learned more effective ways of communication my public speaking course, but I have gained a lot of maturity, independence, self-discipline and a better understanding of who I am outside of class. Learning how to cope with unfavorable situations and live with a room mate had made me more mature. Having to do my own laundry and take matters and responsibilities into my own hands has given me more independence. Being dedicated to my school work even though at times it was tempting to put it aside has taught me more self-discipline. Making all new friends and meeting new people has given me a better sense of who I am and the type of people I would like to surround myself with. I came to Penn State about two months ago not knowing what to expect. I was nervous about meeting new people, fitting in, getting all my work done, and the overall adjustment in itself. I progressively got used to my new environment and I can honestly say that I am very sad that summer sessions are coming to such a quick end. Overall, I have enjoyed the past two months because I have gained a lot of knowledge, learned many important lessons, and am now ahead of the game!

Reflection

The first post that I completed for the class blog was about Jimmy Valvano's 1993 ESPY speech. While I still find this speech to be a great example of public speaking, my understanding of this subject has changed very much. The speaker here does an excellent job and is very motivational and influential. However, his speech purpose is different from the many examples I have listened to and evaluated since the start of class. In Jimmy's speech, he talks a little about his own life and inspires people to change the way that they live theirs. Although this is an effective speech, I have learned in class that not all good examples of public speaking need to be as formal or professional as this one. Also, according to the textbook, most motivational speeches include a call to action which is not the case in Jimmy's speech.

A different example that I consider to be more relevant to the concepts taught in CAS 100A is Al Pacino's speech in the movie "Any Given Sunday." In this motivational speech, the coach does an excellent job at inspiring his football team to beat the odds and come out on top at the end of the game. The call to action is for the players to work together and play as a team so that they can go that extra mile that they need to in order to win. The coach also establishes his ethos, or character, very effectively when he explains the negative consequences he suffered when he made poor decisions in his life. In doing this, he is able to inspire his players to follow their dreams of winning the game.

Farewell CAS

When I chose my courses for summer session at PSU, I was very happy with my decision. I thought to myself, getting a public speaking class and an english class out of the way is genius. However, the first day is CAS changed my mind. I walked out of class that first day in a panic. I remember thinking, ''What did I get myself into?'' I was so intimidated and I thought there was no possible way I could stand before 25 strangers and make a speech.

After the first speech I delivered, the cultural object speech, my feelings about public speaking only got worse. When I sat down in my seat after speaking, all I wanted to do was cry because I knew I didn't do well. I wanted to drop the class all together and give up. To make matters worse, I had to watch myself speak on the recording! However, watching that recording is what changed my mind about public speaking in the long run. It inspired me to improve on the things that I knew affected my grade in the first speech. As soon as I was done writing my second speech, I practiced making my delivery stronger and more effective. The thing I focused on the most was the extemporaneous delivery and making eye contact with my audience. I was determined to do better on the next speech.

My hard work and dedication definitely helped me deliver my problem-solution speech very effectively. After delivering that speech, I walked back to my seat with a smile on my face: I knew I had achieved my goals. I felt this overwhelming sense of accomplishment and confidence. In fact, I am even looking forward to delivering the next speech. Maybe because I will have three other people up there, but mostly because of my new found confidence in my public speaking. I'm very glad I decided to stick with Cas100 because I met a lot of great people, made many memories, and found out I can deliver a speech pretty well :)

Miracle on Ice

As the course comes to an end, the example I choose for my first blog assignment does represent public speaking, however not in the same way I now associate public speaking with today. For my first blog, I choose Lou Gehrig’s retirement speech. Although this is a form of public speaking is not the most common. It doesn’t have to due with persuasion, motivation, or giving information. The speech is more of a thank you to his fans and family for always being there for him. Although it remains one of the most famous sports speeches, it is not a speech I would tie together with this class. Instead of this Lou Gehrig’s speech, a speech that would relate better to this course would be Herb Brook’s pre game miracle on ice speech. This is one of the most motivational speeches I have ever heard. It is the kind of speech that gives you the chills after listening to it. Brooks pumps you up as if you were about to put on skates and play in the game yourself. Motivational speeches are a big part of public speaking, especially within sports; therefore this choice of a speech is far better than the original I chose. My understanding of public speaking has changed since the beginning of this class. I am know much more well informed on the types of speeches people give, the correct way to give the speech, and all the little details in between.

Reflection

In my first post, I spoke about my experience with public speaking. I wrote about my presentation that I did in high school to my peers. I presented in a small group and spoke about the risks of HIV and other information about it. This example still does represent my understanding of “public speaking” I think this speech is a persuasive speech and informs the audiences of students about HIV and also persuades them to stay safe and refrain from risky behavior. It convinces them to use protection and to be careful with their decisions. I had to present in a group setting, communicate with my members, and divide the information we would speak evenly; we also had to create our own presentation, using our own ideas to help keep the class interested and be willing to listen to us. Now that I have learned more about public speaking, I feel that I am a better speaker and am more aware of my word choice. I now know that public speaking requires prior knowledge of the subject and much time is put into all speeches. The research process is very long and an important part in this process. I never realized how significant this step was. I learned the difference between different types of speeches, and the different occasions to give a speech. I also learned the different types of language to use depending on the audience, and how the audience can affect the speech given. In this class, I learned many valuable pieces of information that will be useful to know in the future, weather it be in my community or in a future class.

CAS100A Taught Me...

When I decided to take CAS100A for one of my English credits this summer, I was horrified. I had never taken a public speaking class and I had very little experience talking professionally in front of an audience. However, I realized how valuable this class was and it taught me a lot about speech techniques as well as myself. I really feel like I am much better at communicating to an audience after taking this class. I thought the most valuable thing that we have done in speech was the policy speech. Although this speech was nerve-racking because of the time requirements, it was the one chance I had to talk about something I really cared about. I've never had that opportunity before and even though I don't really enjoy giving speeches, I did enjoy having that opportunity.

I think at the start of this summer session I was very overly anxious and critical on myself when delivering my speeches. However, I now feel a lot more confidence when I go up to the podium. I can do this. And to be honest, it really isn't that bad. The worst part is the anticipation of giving your speech if anything is. I think the skills that I have learned in this class will help me throughout my college career and the rest of my life. Now that I feel more confident in front of an audience, I won't be as hesitant to voice my opinion and stand up for what I think is right. Getting up in front of an audience used to be the most terrifying thought to me. Now, I see it as just another valuable challenge in my life.

Reflection

In my first post I completed, the example I chose to reflect my understanding of "public speaking" was an acceptance speech made my Natalie Portman. However, it definitely does not still reflect my understanding of "public speaking." After learning about the different kinds of speeches and after making my own speeches, I've come to realize that acceptance speeches are not as relevant as a persuasive, informative, or a motivational speech would be. I've also realized that there are so many other types of speeches that are interesting and that any type of speech could evoke an audience.

Over the course of this semester, my understanding of communication and public speaking has changed; I've learned that there are parts to a speech, how a speech can depend on the occasion and time, and most importantly, how to be a good public speaker. At first, I thought I would never be able to make a speech in front of the class, but now, this course has helped me overcome stage fright and any other insecurities I had about public speaking.

If I were to give an example of a speech that reflects my understanding of "public speaking" now, I would choose President Obama's speech about the death of Osama Bin Laden because it is memorable and it reminds me of everything I have learned about what to do in a speech; he gives eye contact, has a strong voice, and is descriptive.