Lessons from First Semester

As a student in the independent study speech course, I realized and learned a few concepts and lessons that will translate directly into my life as a college student next year and the years to come. First, I learned that I should put more time into things before their deadline. for instance, with this class, I would wait until the last moment to plan things out or to even actually complete my speeches. Mainly this issue occurred with the blog posts.I also learned that I need to prioritize my tasks. In the future, I need to keep track of due dates, of things that must be completed and how to complete them.   This issue is displayed in my overall grade for the class. This will teach me that I should be much more committed to my school work and to be diligent in completing assigned tasks.

The second thing I learned was that in order for myself to be motivated and productive, I should choose classes and tasks that are interesting to me. My thought process at the time I was signing for the speech course was this: “I don't need to take a class on public speaking, I do it all the time.” And, while this might be true, it was a poor viewpoint on my part. I saw the course as a pushover class that I thought I could get an “easy A” and  forgot about it. Speech became my least priority, and again my grade reflects this. So, what this taught me, is that I need to take classes that are more interesting and necessary for myself to take. Another way to look at this would be to take every task as high priority and of the utmost importance.

In all honesty, I don't believe that I learned much, if anything, in regards to public speaking from the speech course. The independent study class style doesn't seem to work well with the speech course(that's how I feel). But what I didn’t learn in public speaking, I learned in knowledge for the future. It will benefit me in the long run. Although the grade I will be receiving does not necessarily reflect my abilities, it reflects the effort that I put into it.

Conclusions

The conclusion of the speech is the last thing that the audience, or listener, hears. It is your time to make a lasting impression upon the listener and to allow them to remember your speech.A conclusion shouldn't be abrupt, and should be worked into and blended into the body of the speech. the main topic of the speech should flow into the conclusion.

The conclusion also should not be excessively long, and not necessarily used to add extra time to a speech. No new topics or points should be introduced and the conclusion should only be used to restate your opinions or your main points. Often times it may be a good idea to say "in conclusion" or "in summary". Other times a call to action may be more appropriate. Other suggestions for conclusions include but are not limited to quotes, rhetorical questions, restating the thesis, or humor.

Stage Fright

Stage Fright, or performance anxiety is a real, legitimate phobia that many people suffer from. But there are also many ways to remedy or alleviate the anxiety.

Methods Include:
Practice and Preparation
Self-Confidence
Relaxation

Many people fear that they may not be "good enough" for their audience. In all actuality, with a little confidence, practice, and inspiration, the speaker will do well. Stress is something that is mental, to 'psyche' us out and to scare us, but nervousness is nothing to be afraid of. Even the greatest of public speakers can be nervous. But, they proceed, they carry on, and they succeed.
Stage Fright and nervousness are nothing to worry about.
-Geroge Plimpton on The Art of Public Speaking



http://www.brainpickings.org/2013/04/03/george-plimpton-public-speaking/
stage fright.pptx by Katie Dennert

Creating Speech Outlines

A speech contains three parts: Introduction, Body. Conclusion.

A Mock Outline:
A. Introduction
     1. Greeting
     2. Thesis Statement
B. Main Body
     1. Transition
     2. Main Idea
           a. evidence
     3. Supporting Idea
           a. evidence
C. Conclusion
     1. Transition
     2. Restated Points
     3. Closing Statement

The Outline looks very similar to an outline for a formal paper. It helps the speaker to organize their thoughts and to sketch out the speech. It serves as a type of script, but should not have full sentences. It is not word-for-word. It only contains the main points.

Simple Outline Description
Detailed Outline

How To Practice

Practicing is necessary if one would like to successfully present a speech. Ideally, repeating and presenting the speech alone 3 to 6 times should be sufficient. One should use the notecards that they plan on using whilst presenting their speech. Also, they should run through their speech in its entirety. It allows then to time it as well as work out transitions between points. Using gestures and visual aid during practice is also recommended.

Public Speaking: Tips AND Hints

Public Speaking:

• the art of effective oral communication with an audience
• 
  
• the act or process of making speeches in public

Tips and Hints For Speaking Publicly:

1. Knowledge: One must know the topic they are speaking on. Most speeches are planned out and set up according to expectations and the type of information the speaker is trying to convey.
2. Practice:  "Practice makes Perfect." The age old saying applies here. Timing is a good idea when practicing. While practicing, the speaker becomes comfortable with the topic and the flow of information.
3. Audience Engagement: It is necessary to keep the audience entertained while giving a speech. if your speech is boring, or you lack knowledge, the audience will not be attentive. In order to keep the audience's attention, LOSE THE PODIUM; walk around, use hand gestures, and be energetic in your speaking. Make Eye Contact.
4. Self-Confidence: In order to be a sufficient public speaker, self confidence is key. Do not psyche yourself out. People will rarely be able to notice your nerves. There is nothing to be nervous about, as long as you put in enough work; practice and planning. You will succeed, if you believe that you will. Also, people want you to succeed.

"Better Public Speaking." MindTools.com. N.p., 201. Web. 3 Sept. 2014.
"Public Speaking." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, Web. 3 Sept. 2014. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public speaking>.

"10 Tips for Public Speaking." Toastmasters International. 2014. Web. 3 Sept. 2014.

Test Post

Hopefully this works. We will soon find out.