The Nostalgia Sessions Part 3

LAST BLOG POST!

What I would like to take from this class is the idea that public speaking just isn't that big of a deal. I build it up to such epic proportions in my head, what with the nerves and the anxiety and all. I was just starting to get to the point in the semester with these speeches where I could explore how much fun I have up in front of people. I think that in another two or so speeches I may have been able to stop looking at public speaking as something that is going to tie my bowels into knots, but more as an opportunity to ...play. I'd really be able to take all of the tools I have acquired this semester and be able to use them to make a fun game out presentations in general. It's something I was able to do in my last rank test; instead of freaking out on whether I was getting everything right I was somehow able to relax and just have fun. I love martial arts, so why shouldn't I take the opportunity to enjoy the test? And it worked - I totally kicked ass. If I could translate this mentality into not only public speaking, but all other areas of my life, well, I think I would be one happy camper.

I've really enjoyed getting to know you all! (This has been my favorite class people-wise by far...) I hope you all have a fantastic summer!

Nostalgia Sessions Part 2

I would have to say that out of all of our speeches, I probably liked the informative speech the best. At least, that is the speech I felt best about. I am a huge nutrition geek and I felt really confident getting up there and talking about Paleo Nutrition. I also actually really liked having the power point up there, because it was almost like speaking with a friend up there. A non-verbal, two-dimensional and very colorful friend. And even though the informative speech involved a lot of work researching and putting everything together, in the end that made me feel even more confident about my topic. Which just does to show that you get out of it what you put into it, right?

Actually, the more I think about it I realize that the persuasive speech is up there too. I had a lot of fun with that topic. (How could you not, with a subject like play?) but I think the informative speech wins, just because I had a lot of stress going on while I was preparing the persuasive speech. But both topics were well researched, had power points, and were fun to talk about.

As "enjoyable" as they were, I am certainly glad to have them all over with. :)

The Nostalgia Sessions Part 1

What concept or concepts have I found most helpful in this class? well, I know this is kind of a cop-out answer, but I found everything to be useful. If I had to pick out specifics though, I would have to say that the chapter on organizational patterns and the chapter on reasoning stand out in my mind. I have come to the realization that without a good foundation you won't go anywhere. Each day seems to drive that point a little more home, and it is true in public speaking as well as the rest of life. Good organization in the preparation stages of your speech will make your life SO MUCH EASIER. All across the board, too.
I liked the section on reasoning because weak arguments do not a happy Emerald make. Whether you are writing or speaking, having a clear, sensible argument that is derived from solid evidence feels really damn good. Having the little table of fallacies was helpful, as well as having a better understanding of how to use different types of reasoning. I think I still need some work on proper deductive/inductive reasoning skills, but hey, it'll come in time.

And hooray for being done with out speeches! Does that feel good or what?!