Sophia Candelario - Reflection #1

Reflection #1

    In my speech class, we were required to give and watch presentations. My group, which was group 2, was given chapters 4,6,7, and 8. The presenters in my group were: Michael Acosta, Sophia Candelario (Me), Leonardo Santana, Ruth Arias, Ernesto Vazquez, Keven Muniz, Ruben Borrero, and Carlos Hernandez. Our presentation's main focus was building strong foundations for effective speeches, from developing a topic and researching it to supporting ideas and organizing a presentation.

    I was very nervous that from the jump we have a group presentation but even from my group I have learned a lot. From my fellow group and I - I have learned how to better manage speech anxiety, the craft of public, and how to better understand/listen when it comes to public speaking. Managing speech anxiety is a big one for me. I now better understand that being prepared for your speech and not being uncertain in your speech will help you build your confidence as a speaker. Understanding public speaking and how to better was another one that intrigued me as a listener you must always remember about body language and having empathy but also as the speaker you want to engage with your audience so that both the listener and speaker show that the care and are intrigued. Learning all of this is understanding that public speaking is more than justs standing in front of an audience delivering a message it's a form of art and science that combines content, delivery, and audience engagement to effectively communicate one's ideas. Watching my group members also reminded me that each person has their own strengths: some were better at organizing, others at showing enthusiasm, and others at staying calm under pressure. I realized that there is no one “perfect” way to present, but rather a collection of techniques you can adapt to your own style.

    

    Group 3 went deep into how to be a better speaker like effective uses of introductions and conclusions, diverse delivery methods, and voice and body managements. For example, having a strong hook from the start not only captures the audience attention but also establishes credibility and provides the main key points but also making sure that ending with a strong conclusion with techniques such as quotations, dramatic statements, and references to the introduction. I also learned that having different delivery methods like impromptu, manuscripts, and memorizing notes helps with engagement but also speech anxiety. All of this relates to voice and body control: therefore, speaking clearly and loudly, maintaining proper posture, adjusting your pitch and loudness, and creating direct eye contact. Managing each of these elements improves the speech’s overall delivery and helps to keep the audience interested. Seeing these elements demonstrated by my classmates helped me understand that even small changes, like pausing before making a big point or adjusting your tone, can completely change how the message is received.

    I’ve reflected a lot on all the chapters my classmates have shared and from also watching them present. I know next time to let go of all the anxiety and go for it. I saw confidence that I did not know was possible. Some of my classmates just know how to flow with what they are saying but also the audience and for the next presentation I plan and hope to come off with more confidence. As I reflect on my experiences so far in this class, I recognize how much I have grown both as a speaker and a leader. In addition, I discovered how critical practice and preparation are to overcoming fear. Through practice and familiarizing myself with my topic, I can gain a readiness that frees my mind from fear and lets me concentrate on my delivery. I also plan to apply the strategies I saw, including utilizing rhetorical questions and storytelling components to engage the audience. Watching my peers navigate their presentations with poise has motivated me to embrace my unique style and voice.

    This class has also taught me the significance of feedback, both giving and receiving it. My peers' constructive criticism has been helpful because it gives me new insights into how to improve. I can keep becoming better at my presentations and develop as a speaker if I welcome criticism. I'm determined to turn my anxiety into excitement as I get ready for more presentations. Rather than allowing fear to get in the way, I want to focus my attention on engaging my audience. I am eager to put what I have learned in this class and other areas of my life to use, and I am thrilled about the path ahead. My development as a speaker and leader has been greatly aided by this experience, and I can't wait to keep improving these skills. In fact, I can already see how these lessons apply beyond school. Speaking up in a meeting, interviewing for a job, or even having a confident conversation with new people are all situations where these skills will matter. Knowing how to communicate effectively is not just for grades—it is something that will help me for the rest of my life.

    In the end, I’m glad we went through this process. Watching my classmates present reminded me that theory from a textbook only goes so far—it’s the actual practice that drives the lessons home. From the basics of organizing a talk, to the finer points of body language, to the variety of presentation styles, I walked away with a much clearer picture of what makes a presentation effective.

    I enjoyed some presentations more than others, but even the ones I didn’t enjoy taught me something valuable. And that’s probably the biggest lesson of all: whether a presentation succeeds or fails, it leaves the audience with an impression—and as presenters, we get to decide what that impression will be. That idea has stuck with me because it means every time we speak, we have an opportunity to influence how people think, feel, or respond. Even if I stumble or feel nervous, if I show effort and try to connect with my audience, they will remember that. Public speaking is really about building connections, and that is a skill I want to keep developing long after this class is over.