Kiyana Lugg

Public Speaking Presentation Reflection

Watching everyone present their group projects has shown me that public speaking isn’t just about what you’re hearing but what is being shown as well. Before taking this class, I mostly thought of public speaking as being able to stand in front of people and explain something clearly. After watching the different groups present, I realized that there are many other things involved in communicating a message effectively. Watching the groups also gave me a better understanding of how the information from the textbook can actually be used when giving a presentation instead of just being something that we read about for an assignment.

Group 1 focused on the foundations of public speaking and the skills needed to become a confident and effective speaker. Their presentation introduced public speaking as more than simply talking in front of people. A speaker has to prepare a message, understand their audience, and know how to adapt to different situations. I think understanding the audience is especially important because the same message may need to be presented differently depending on who you are speaking to. The way you communicate with classmates may not be the same way you communicate with a professor, an employer, or a group of people you have never met.

Confidence and managing public speaking anxiety was also talked about, which I can relate to. They explained that nervousness is normal, but preparation and practice can help a speaker feel more comfortable. This made me feel better in learning that these things are normal to feel, but there are ways to combat them and push forward regardless. It also made me realize that being confident doesn’t necessarily mean that you never get nervous. It can mean that you are able to continue with your presentation even when you are nervous.

Group 2 focused more on the different tools and concepts that can help a speaker improve a speech. Their presentation showed that having a good speech involves more than simply having an interesting topic. You also need to be able to explain your ideas and give your audience enough information to understand what you are trying to communicate. One part that stood out was the use of different types of examples and definitions to make information easier for an audience to understand. I found this useful because it gives you various ways to communicate with your audience in a way that feels comfortable to you while still relating to them.

I think this can help a speaker who may have trouble explaining something in one particular way. If one explanation isn’t working, there are other ways to approach the same idea. Using the tools showed in the presentation can give the audience something they can connect to. I can see myself using this in future presentations because I can choose examples that make sense to me while also making sure they make sense to the people listening.

Group 3 focused on how a speech is organized, the language used by a speaker, presentation media, and delivery. Their presentation showed that even if a speaker has good information, the speech still needs to be organized in a way that lets the audience follow the message. If information is presented randomly or without a clear structure, it can become difficult for the audience to understand the main point. This made me realize that preparation isn’t only about knowing what you’re going to say. It is also about knowing when and where you are going to say certain things.

The group also discussed delivery, including body language and tone, which can communicate beyond the actual words being said. I was able to find this helpful because I speak with my body, and it’s important to keep in mind that what you’re saying and how your body language may come off should be in alliance with each other. If the two don’t match, it can send mixed signals or cause a distraction. This showed me that communication happens through more than just words.

Group 4 focused on different situations in which public speaking skills can be used, including informative speaking, persuasive speaking, arguments, media appearances, and special occasion speeches. This demonstrated that public speaking does not always happen in front of a live audience because people may also have to communicate through virtual presentations, interviews, or other forms of media. This is something I’m currently going through as I’m taking public speaking as a class even though I’ve taken introduction to speech in person. There are definitely different skills needed for the two different settings.

Presenting virtually can feel different because you may not have the same connection with the audience that you would have in person. In a classroom, you can see people’s reactions and body language more easily. When presenting online, you have to pay more attention to things such as your camera, voice, background, and how you appear on screen. This made the information from Group 4 more relatable to me because I am experiencing the difference between speaking in person and speaking in a virtual environment.

I took away from the presentations is that public speaking skills can be useful even when you aren’t giving an official speech. Being able to explain yourself, communicate an idea, participate in an interview, or speak professionally are all forms of communication. This makes what we are learning in this class feel more practical because these are skills that can follow us into our careers and other areas of our lives.

Overall, watching everyone’s presentations gave me a better understanding of public speaking because I was able to see the concepts being used instead of only reading about them. I think the biggest thing I learned is that communication involves the entire presentation, not just the words coming out of your mouth. What the audience sees, hears, and understands all contribute to the message. These skills can be useful outside of the classroom because communication is important in school, work, interviews, presentations, and everyday situations.