Having participated in Group 2 and sat through the other three presentations, I have a far more grounded sense of what public speaking is about than I did prior to this assignment. A textbook will give you the definitions and the theory, but there is no substitute for the clarity that comes from actually presenting or observing your peers do it.
Each group brought something to the table in terms of style and strengths, and some had room for improvement as well. In watching them all, I was reminded that success in front of an audience is not merely a matter of knowing your facts. It is in the way one organizes and conveys those facts, puts on a good presentation, uses visuals and makes a connection with the room to hold their interest.
Group 1
The presentation from Group 1 was highly informative and touched on many of the fundamentals. What came across most clearly was the need to have an understanding of your audience. I used to think giving a speech was as simple as being clear on your topic, but they made the case that the audience should be the one dictating how a speaker communicates. The language, tone and level of detail one would use with classmates is not the same as in a business setting or an interview.
They also managed a good deal of information without making it difficult to follow. It was a good illustration of how preparation and a logical structure can simplify even complicated material so the audience does not have to strain to keep up.
Then there is the matter of anxiety. Almost anyone will be nervous, but as Group 1 showed, practice is what keeps it in check. Confidence is not the absence of nerves; it is being able to speak clearly despite them.
Group 2
Being in Group 2 meant I could see the process from the other side of the podium rather than just as an observer. You learn quickly that group work is more than doing your part; there has to be communication and organization so that the final product is cohesive and everyone knows when to step in.
We made a point of not just reading from the book. Using Kahoot was a good move since it forced the class to engage with the material rather than passively listen, which is easy to do in an online environment where everyone is behind a screen.
I was also struck by how examples can demystify a textbook concept. A definition can sound convoluted until you put it in a real world context, and I intend to make use of that going forward.
That said, there were things we could have done better. The transitions between speakers at times could have been more organized. We knew our individual pieces, but I learned that the group has to rehearse how they fit together. And there is a difference between preparing and actually doing it. What seems straightforward when you are practicing on your own can be affected by nerves once you are in front of the class, impacting your pace and confidence. This has made me more conscious of that.
Group 3
Of all the groups, Group 3 was the one that made the strongest visual impression on me. They put on a presentation that was well designed and creative enough to be memorable; it was a good reminder of how much an impact visuals can have on what people retain.
I used to believe that loading up a PowerPoint with as much information as possible was the way to go so nothing would be forgotten. But after seeing these presentations, I have come to see that an overabundance of text can work against you. If there is a full paragraph on the screen, the audience will read it rather than listen to the speaker. The best slides were the ones with clear organization, pictures and brief points that backed up the speaker without supplanting him or her.
Then there is the matter of delivery. Group 3 showed how much of a difference confidence, tone and body language can make in an audience’s reaction. Two people can give you the same data, but the one who is more natural and engaged will hold your attention. It got me thinking about my own approach; I want to be better at explaining things and not just reading from my notes.
Group 4
With Group 4, the information was presented in a very digestible way. They laid out where public-speaking skills are applicable, from arguments and persuasive speeches to media appearances and special occasions. I took from this that the skill set is not confined to the front of a classroom; it is just as relevant in an interview or a meeting.
They also made for an organized and easy to follow presentation, which is something I would like to emulate. When a speaker tries to include every detail, it can be overwhelming for the audience. Breaking a complicated subject into smaller pieces is far more effective.
The distinction between in person and virtual presenting also became apparent. On Zoom a speaker has to be mindful of the camera and microphone, whereas face to face you are more concerned with eye contact and movement. Both call for confidence but the challenges are different.
Project Managers and Feedback
Hannah and Miahh did their job well as Project Managers. Their evaluations provided a useful outside perspective on how we were doing, and their organization kept us all in the loop.
As the presenter, you are so preoccupied with making sure your slides work and you do not forget your lines that you can miss your own habits. An observer might tell you that you are using too many filler words or not making enough eye contact. That kind of constructive criticism is hard to come by on your own. I could not agree more with the feedback that it is better to sound natural and use your own words to teach the material than to simply parrot what is on the screen.
What I Learned About My Own Public Speaking
This assignment has taught me that preparation is more than just memorizing a script. You need timing, organization, good visuals and the confidence to make smooth transitions.
Timing was an issue in a few of the presentations, mine included. Some ran long, which is why it is important for a group to practice together. There is no point in speaking at a breakneck pace; it is better to decide beforehand who says what and for how long.
In the future I plan to rely less on my notes and more on my understanding of the subject so I can explain it naturally. I also need to work on my pacing as nerves can make me talk faster than I intend. Keeping slides simple and engaging the audience when appropriate are techniques I saw work well here.
Having been in Group 2 while watching Groups 1, 3 and 4 has given me a dual view of public speaking. I have seen what makes for a good presentation and felt the pressure of being the one on stage. I now understand that the audience takes in the whole package: the voice, the body language, the examples and the timing. I want to move forward and be a more effective speaker by ensuring my presentations feel like I am confidently putting forth information I know inside out, rather than reading it off a slide.
Another great one! Good writing and ideas!!
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