JOURNAL #1: What are the big takeaways from chapter 1? In a full journal entry, help explain the significance of what you found important and what you connected with in the chapter.
The most important takeaways that I found in Chapter 1 were: recognizing the importance of developing good public speaking skills, identifying that there are real fears of anxiety that must be overcome by the speaker and understanding that public speaking should be an interactive communication process.
As an UNE employee and student, I can agree with the authors’ statements that public speaking is unavoidable to one’s personal and professional development. I use public speaking skills daily by participating in undergraduate classes, addressing students in a large auditorium, or interacting with fellow employees in work meetings. However, I can say that with all this experience, that I have never felt totally comfortable.
Although public speaking is a powerful communication tool, it can be extremely intimidating to attempt, especially to those who experience anxiety when addressing groups. For me, the fear stems from the possibility of saying the wrong thing, displaying nervous behaviors, or embarrassing myself in some way. As Warren Buffet explained in the reading, public speaking is an asset; you can either train to improve your skills or you will always be uncomfortable. To truly overcome the discomfort, I believe that individuals must come to terms with their fears and face the challenge head on by pursuing formal training in a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.
The reading also emphasized that public speaking should be an interactive communication process. A speaker does not just go to the podium and conduct a presentation. There are other factors such as verbal and non-verbal feedback, shared meaning, and audience-centered perspectives, which must be considered when addressing an audience.
JOURNAL #2: Select a small object from home that means something to you. In 2-3 paragraph narrative describe it and explain why it is holds meaning for you. THEN, convert your narrative into an outline (think: points and subpoints). We will use the outline next week to deliver a 1-2 minute speech describing the object and helping us to understand its significance. Post both the narrative and the outline.
Small Brass Bell
One of the items that holds prominence in my kitchen is a little brass bell that sits on the windowsill. It is roughly three inches wide and four and a quarter inches tall. The bell has a handle on it in the shape of the classic Claddagh design: two hands clasped around a heart topped with a crown. The word “IRELAND” is engraved in it in Caps. When rung, the bell has a light, pleasing sound that permeates the air.
The bell is significant to me in several ways. First, my friend, Lynda Simmons, purchased this bell for me on her trip to Ireland. The trinket enhances my connection of friendship with Lynda, emphasizing the fact that she thought of me while on a lifetime trip to Ireland. Also, I use the bell occasionally to clear the air, to forget the problems of the day, to make me live in the moment and signal that it is time for me to enjoy working in the kitchen. In addition, my husband and I also use the bell to beckon our children to the kitchen for dinner, signaling a time of warmth and connection.
Oddly enough, I never knew what the Claddagh design meant, but for this speech I researched the topic. Evidently the hands symbolize friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown embodies loyalty. All of these elements are ones that I value and prioritize in my life. Somehow the mystery of why this little item holds such meaning makes sense.
Outline
I. Intro-
A. Who I am
B. What I am going to talk about today
II. Object-
A. Physical appearance
B. What does it sound like
III. Perceived Significance
A. Friendship
B. Reminder of where I am/what I am doing
C. Connection with family
IV. Revealed Significance
V. Wrap up
JOURNAL# 3: What are the big takeaways from chapters 11 and 12? In a full journal entry, help explain the significance of what you found important and what you connected with in the chapter. (150 words/chapter).
Chapter 11-Initially as I was reading Chapter 11, my mind wandered to the famous Steve Martin quote in the movie Trains, Planes, and Automobiles: “Here’s a good idea: have a point. It makes it so much more interesting for the listener!” I definitely want to safeguard against having a disorganized, confusing, tangent-laden speech that confuses people, so organization is a key to public speaking success.
Secondly, I recognized that the techniques to writing an organized speech also apply to writing a scholarly historical paper, which are familiar to me as a history major. Both tasks require an ordered, simplistic structure to promote a thesis while holding the attention of the audience. By creating an outline, one can identify very quickly that the specific purpose and thesis are being addressed, streamline supporting points, and confirm that all points are being covered equally. One can also determine that the speech is weighted properly so that one point isn’t overly explained, which could result in some confusing tangents.
Finally, I also learned about transitional words and phrases. I am aware that I used some transitional tactics in my impromptu speech, but now can see that I should be inserting them consistently among my points for maximum impact.
Chapter 12-Before reading this chapter, I had no idea that speeches can follow twelve different organizational arrangements. I am most familiar with utilizing the chronological pattern for history projects or for recorded software tutorials. After reading the different examples, I believe that I have incorporated the topical pattern in one of my recent history papers. I also have found that the pattern of my impromptu speech fell under the narrative category. However, the most interesting thing about all of these arrangements is that you could mix and match some of the elements to create a spectacular speech! One would need to be careful not to use too many components though, to avoid any confusion on the part of the audience. For my second speech, I believe that I will employ aspects of the chronological and narrative patterns. I found that the topical pattern allows for more flexibility with arranging the points in a speech, which I may also try for future speeches.
JOURNAL # 4: After submitting your final version of Speech 2, compose an honest self-reflection journal analyzing Speech 2. What went well during the speech? What can be improved? Consider delivery, content, organization, and audience reaction in your response.
For Speech 2, I made a few alterations due to Julia’s feedback and the fact that I had a time limit issue. First, regarding delivery, Julia stated that I should try to slow down my speech-I was talking way too fast. After taking another look, I recognized that was definitely a problem because I was trying to rush and cover all of my content. This caused my speech to suffer since I was moving too quickly between topics. So I went back to my outline to look at the organization of the speech. I ended up cutting out one of my perceived significance points and some other fillers. I was then able to try to slow down my speech and I felt that it worked much better. I also recognize that I still have issues to improve upon. I definitely had more umms than I would have liked, even perhaps in my dry run attempt. I also felt like there were a couple of transition areas that were a little choppy. However, the most important thing that I recognized after reflecting and observing upon the new take was that I didn’t have to rehearse as much. I felt more comfortable and natural during my presentation. Overall, I definitely think this version was a vast improvement over my first dry run.
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