Monday Speeches

I thought that the speeches given on Monday were done very well. I think that everyone who went chose interesting topics, which made it enjoyable as an audience member. The only thing that seems to be present in everyone, is nervousness. I don't know why that is, but almost everyone whose given a speech has said/acted nervous. A solution to this is to practive the speech so much that there isn't anything to be nervous about. Other than that, I really enjoyed all the speeches.

Informative Speech

Basically, I thought that my speech went okay. I feel like I'm talking fast, but it's good to know that it doesn't come off that way. This time, I was excited about my topic because I found it really interesting, and hopefully that came across. I'm not sure how I did on time, which, as I was practicing, was a little short. I also hope that I am improving. Other than that, I really don't have any further comments on my speech. I'm just glad that it's over with!

Monday Speeches

Again, I think that everyone who gave their speech on Monday did a great job. The stories all had great descriptions and very very detailed, giving the audience a vivid picture of the peoplel, events, places, etc., in the story. I thought that Gina did an excellent job keeping her audience entertained and interested. There was no point, during her speech, when it was difficult to pay attention. She was loud, enthusiastic, and it was obvious that she was very familiar with her speech. So, to Gina and everyone else who went on Monday, great job!

Friday Speeches

Overall, I thought that everyone who gave their speech on Friday did an excellent job. The stories were all interesting and began with a captivating attention getter that did just that, got the attention of the audience. Each speaker also used descriptive and detailed adjectives to better communicate their story to the audience. The only suggestion I can think of, as a general suggestion, is to speak loud enough for everyone to hear. Other than that, be familiar with the speech, which everyone basically was, and don't be too tense at the podium. Otherwise, great job!

Narrative Speech

Although I'm not scheduled to give my speech until next Wednesday, I'm still anxious about it. One of the most frustrating rhetorical problems I face is my nerves. Before giving a speech or standing in front of people to make some sort of point, I get nervous, which I guess is normal, but annoying nevertheless. In an attempt to stop this problem before it starts, I'm planning on practicing my speech so many times that there isn't anything to be nervous about. Maybe that will help me stay calm before my speech and focus on the other people giving their speeches, instead of worrying about what I'm going to say. Another problem I'm experiencing in preparing for this speech, is trying to avoid sounding "preachy" or cliche. My topic has been so over-commercialized and exaggerated that it's become boring and redundant. Hopefully I'll be able to tell my story from a perspective that won't appear "holier than thou" or boring. I'm currently working on different angles from which I can tell the story, so by next Wednesday, I should have it well rehersed and interesting. If it sucks, I officially apologize in advance.

Introduction

Hi. My name is Noelle, I'm from California, and no, I was not born on or near Christmas. In taking this speech class, I hope to become more confident in my public speaking, while also improving my ability to create and perform a speech. I hope that taking this class will also enable me to effectively communicate with others. I also have a tendency to get nervous before speaking in front of other people, so hopefully this class with help me become more confident and easy-going in my pubilc speaking.