Journal 2.2 - First Speech - PINE TREE THEATRE

8/30/2016

Journal 2.2 - First Speech

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Congratulations, you have now completed your first speech in class! What have you learned about yourself when it comes to giving speeches? How can you improve for future speeches? What do you feel you got right? What do you feel you got wrong? What words of encouragement would you have for a future student who may be about to give their first speech?

90 Comments

Heather Hinkley

8/30/2016 11:49:41 am

I learned that I swing my leg when I'm nervous! I've always been nervous when it comes to stand in front of people, but I didn't realize that being nervous is what made me not want to stand still. I feel like I explained me reason well in my speech, but I don't think I did a very good job at speaking up so everyone could hear me clearly. My word of encouragement for a future student would be don't be nervous, no one is going to judge you and if you are nervous know that you are not the only one! The majority of people are nervous the first time they give a speech!

Marcos Salazar

8/30/2016 12:21:15 pm

You did speak loudly and clearly and that is what I say you did a great job on. You did sound nervous, that is all there was. You are right though, everyone is nervous on their first speech.

J'Taija Hunter

8/30/2016 12:48:37 pm

I also am a nervous person when it comes to having to be in front of people. Other than that I think you did really good when you did your speech.

Tristen vansant

8/30/2016 08:47:18 pm

I too was very nervous heather. I tried to hide my nervousness by standing as still as possible. I still felt my knees shaking a little though.

Cade Rowland

8/30/2016 10:20:48 pm

You did speak very good even though your leg was swinging. Just don't be so nervous and have confidence.

Tanner Holt

8/30/2016 11:04:08 pm

I was also nervous Heather. I could hear the shaking in my voice when I tried to speak. I was not very comfortable for my first time but it all comes with pracricw

Tanner Holt

8/30/2016 11:04:55 pm

practice.

Danny mills

8/31/2016 12:42:56 pm

I feel as if you did a really good job with your speech. You got your point across very well and you seemed to know a lot of what you were saying. Your swinging leg is a problem but if you are aware of it then it should stop the next time you speak!

Marcos Salazar

8/30/2016 12:14:58 pm

I learned that having a regular size piece isn't a good idea. It would is better to take a note card when one is speaking to a crowd. I am always nervous before I go up and speak but once I am up there, it just disappears. Of course, I still do stutter at times but the way I get rid of that (at times) is by making the crowd laugh. I now feel like the is one of my strengths. I saw everyone else dong a great job, I actually learned new stuff from them!

J'Taija Hunter

8/30/2016 12:49:38 pm

I think you did very well when doing your speech. You sounded very confident and not nervous at all.

Heather Hinkley

8/30/2016 05:05:05 pm

Marcos, I think you did an awesome job!! I also learned by watching others speeches that a piece of regular size paper isn't a good idea!!

Cade Rowland

8/30/2016 10:21:52 pm

You did way better than me. You were perfect except for the paper size.

Madison Stephens

8/30/2016 10:42:06 pm

Hey Marcos! I need to work on my preparedness as well as you do. Making the crowd laugh is a great idea to take your mind away from the nervousness.

Tanner Holt

8/30/2016 11:06:32 pm

I also realized that the note card would help a lot, especially for not looking up at the screen
Although I didn't even have a piece of paper I'm sure I would've done a lot better had I been more prepared.

J'Taija Hunter

8/30/2016 12:46:13 pm

I learned that I need to speak out more so the audience can hear me and I need to be more confident. I can improve that by practicing speaking in front of people. I think the one thing I am good about when it comes to giving or writing speeches, I have good grammar and wording. Some words of encouragement to future students would be to be confident about yourself and not to think about what others may say or think about you.

Brett Wilson

8/30/2016 03:11:20 pm

Yes I understand how you feel about that, I feel like I had no confidence speaking in front of others. But I managed to get through it and I need to do the same to speak to other people or practicing doing the speech with my family and friends.

Zach Condo

8/30/2016 05:59:03 pm

Those are problems that a lot of people have. but once you learn to control those little movements you should do just fine. Good luck on your next speech.

Marcos Salazar

8/30/2016 06:11:58 pm

Even though I felt that I was loud, it didn't quite sound like it but practicing will definitely improve loudness. You are right. You did have great grammar! I am sure that is one of your strengths.

Jemyri Hull

8/30/2016 06:33:46 pm

Im with you on the part when we should work on being confident and speaking more clearer. Hopefully as the semester progresses we'll be better at this.

Faith Lucas

8/31/2016 01:13:42 am

I think that a student could go very far with the advice you have given. It's extremely important to be confident in yourself, because if you are confident, people in the audience will be able to see that, and they will be more interested in what you are speaking about. I think that a lot of nervousness comes from worrying about what other people will think of you, but it is imperative that you focus on yourself. Confidence is key when giving speeches, and I hope that you can achieve that someday!

Brett Wilson

8/30/2016 03:08:08 pm

I learned that I need to look up when I'm speaking in front of others and to have more confidence in myself instead of being a nervous person all the time. Other than that I guess it was all right for my first speech and also my speech I think was very short I could've done better. I just never thought I would be so nervous doing the speech.

Anazzsa williams

8/30/2016 03:30:24 pm

I understand you because I wasn't that nervous either until it got closer to being my turn. You did good honestly and i bet you'll do better the next time.

Heather Hinkley

8/30/2016 05:12:50 pm

Brett, I am also someone who needs to have more confidence while standing in front of people. Also, a lot of people underestimate just how hard it is to stand in front of a crowd, but you will get more confidence the more you do it and you won't be so nervous!!!

Zach Condo

8/30/2016 05:54:57 pm

Brett. You did pretty good on your speech all in all. Yes you coulda spoke louder cause I could barely hear you but once you get that down you'll be set.

Jemyri Hull

8/30/2016 06:40:52 pm

Mr. Dickson didn't mention this for me, but I also have that problem. I tend to look down a lot in front of others. There's plenty of time to work on these little things though.

Tristen vansant

8/30/2016 08:48:51 pm

Yeah I would have to agree that confidence is a big key to giving a speech. It really opens up people's minds.

Giselle Gonzalez

8/30/2016 09:25:18 pm

I definitely understand how you felt because i too was short on time. I feel like next time we could be more prepared and perhaps be more confident in ourselves.

Alec Hou

8/30/2016 10:51:22 pm

Brett, I agree on needing to have more confidence in ourselves because I felt the same way when I went up there too. I also thought I wouldn't be so nervous but it's not all that bad!

Anazzsa williams

8/30/2016 03:19:47 pm

I've learned that needed to have a steady posture and project my voice more and also take my time and think about what im about to say so i wont fumble my words. A way of improving these things is practicing these speeches on front of a small group and gradually move to a more advanced crowd. I think that i got the whole making eye contact wrong because i was either looking at the floor or the walls and for a student who is about to give there first speech Id tell to just practice and go over there speech as many times as it take to get comfortable enought to do it in front of a audience.

Zach Condo

8/30/2016 05:52:24 pm

I learned that I need to project more towards the class. I feel that I got most of the requirements right except for maybe a few things that I now know how to correct. I feel that I could've been more creative with my flyer. Make sure that you project towards your audience. Make sure you siren loud enough fir everyone to hear you. And just be confident in yourself abd your abilities.

Zoey Hall

8/30/2016 06:52:12 pm

Zach you did very well on your speech! Don't put yourself down or think that you didn't do well on it but just do like you said and remember to be louder and you're set for future speeches!

Sincere Mosley

8/30/2016 08:31:20 pm

You did great bro you're a pro compared to me I need to work on a lot of things compared to your couple, but I can definitely relate with you when it comes to speaking to towards the class that's the biggest thing

Giselle Gonzalez

8/30/2016 09:23:25 pm

Zach dont pu yourself down like that, I'm sure you did very well. I think we all need to work on being more confident in front of crowds and we need to project our voices. Good luck on your next speech!

Kaitlyn

8/31/2016 09:02:43 am

I'm sure you did great. Even though you had trouble. A lot of people felt the same way, I know I did. It can be extremely hard the first time ao all we can hope for is that it gets better.

Jemyri Hull

8/30/2016 06:21:20 pm

I already knew that I would be very nervous when I spoke in front of the class since I have social anxiety. For future speeches, maybe I should have it much more planned out. I should also take advice from Mr. Dickson and be less comfortable when I have the floor. I don't think I got much right. What I got wrong was not being able to give clear information on the thing I was talking about. My words of encouragement would probably be to make sure you know what you're going to speak about.

Zoey Hall

8/30/2016 06:53:41 pm

I can also be a nervous speaker but just be comfortable, I promise no one is going to make fun of you in class. Also I need to work on the same thing about having it more planned out before I go up to present.

Sincere Mosley

8/30/2016 08:28:51 pm

Yeah I'm a real nervous speaker and I think if I would've planned it out and came to class prepared I would've been way better off

Alejandra Leon

8/30/2016 10:10:39 pm

I think being too comfortable is better than being way too nervous (me). Having everything planned out is great advice

Gabriel Kurth

8/31/2016 07:40:14 am

Well the first step to getting better is recognizing your faults. Once you understand that it only leaves room for improvement. Give it your best you'll get there.

Zoey Hall

8/30/2016 06:48:27 pm

Giving this speech made it clear to me that I'm not very good of coming up with stuff to say of the top of my head in front of an audience when I know I haven't reached my time limit yet. Something I did well was speaking loud enough and also keeping my eyes on the audience. Something I need to improve on is swinging my nervous leg while I'm speaking. I would tell future students who are about to give their first speech would be to make sure to talk clearly and not think about messing up. As everyone always says but is very true is If you think its going to be hard it is, if you think its going to be easy, most likely it will be.

Pedro Salvador

8/30/2016 09:56:47 pm

I believe that you would be a gray speeker since I know you for along time you just have to get in your zone.

Sincere Mosley

8/30/2016 08:23:26 pm

I learned that im not really a great speaker and I have a lot of stuff to fix. I'm probably not the best at coming up with stuff of my head and should practice and practice before the day of the speech. Some words of encouragement I would give would be just look at someone you don't know and practice if you do those two things you'll do way better than I did

Dylan Osborne

8/30/2016 09:37:28 pm

Sincere, that's pretty cool that you're a natural speaker considering that you're on the football team. A great way to practice is to just go over your speech and continue to find new ways to improve your speech.

Pedro Salvador

8/30/2016 09:55:16 pm

Don't worry sincere your not the only one. I also felt like I have to fix a lot of things but we can do it !

Tristen vansant

8/30/2016 08:45:04 pm

After giving my speech I learned that I use words like "like" or "umm". I can fix these things by eliminating them from my everyday language. I do, however, feel that I did a good job speaking loudly so everyone could hear. Advice to another student would be to show confidence while you speak

Dylan Osborne

8/30/2016 09:34:49 pm

Tristan, I think that you did a great job while presenting your presentation today it was very clear and I could easily follow the information that you presented.

Tristen vansant

8/31/2016 08:58:33 am

Thank you Dylan! I liked your speech too. It was very organized and well presented.

Giselle Gonzalez

8/30/2016 09:20:10 pm

I learned that i have a swinging leg and that its one of my "nervous ticks". I feel that i can fix this by not being nervous next time. I feel like one thing i could work on is my time management. I tend do be very straightforward and this causes my speech to fall short on time. A word of encouragement for other people is to not be nervous and be confident in yourself.

Jesse Meraz

8/30/2016 10:56:12 pm

I too have a nervous tick that was pointed out but like you said, I think it can be an easy fix just by relaxing. I also tend to be very straightforward with my speaking so I could practice on expanding with my speech and learning to speak off the top of my head more efficiently.

Emily Baker

8/30/2016 09:22:55 pm

I didn't seem to be as nervous as I thought I would.I need to stay calm and show more confidence.Not letting my nervous side come out to much, but on the inside I was nervous.I felt like I could've rephrased my speech to make more sense and to be more effective.Keep calm and say your speech with confidence.

Sam Krider

8/31/2016 07:22:32 am

Keeping calm is probably the key component when presenting. If you aren't calm and confident, then none of your other skills as a speaker will show.

Dyamond Rhem' Brickhouse

8/31/2016 09:34:22 am

I agree with this statement your confidence , how loud you speak , staying calm is a big part of giving a speech even if you don't have great information doing these things will make your speech so much better.

Brett Wilson

8/31/2016 09:07:26 am

I feel you on that i need to be more confident. I thought I wouldn't speak because I was so nervous but I know can get over that.

Maria Rodriguez

8/30/2016 09:29:26 pm

I learned many things while I was giving my first speech, the one thing that stood out was when the teacher told me I had nervous feet, since it was my first speech I didn't know what to expect. I really wish i wouldn't have rushed so much while I was speaking and I feel I need to improve on that. Other than that I was proud of myself for having accomplished that assignment. My advice for a student who is giving their first speech is to try and dominate the subject by knowing or at least having an idea of what they are going to say and also not to stress so much or be too nervous, i mean it's just your classmates.

Faith Lucas

8/31/2016 01:07:52 am

I also need to work on pacing myself when giving speeches. I tend to go over the information very fast, and because of that, I didn't quite reach the time limit. If I would have slowed down, and added more information, my speech would have improved significantly.

Dylan Osborne

8/30/2016 09:33:06 pm

I learned that I shouldn't bring a piece of paper up to the front when presenting if anything I should bring a note card. I can improve by being more prepared like going over the speech and maybe watching myself in the mirror or maybe do a drill like we had learned in class today. I feel like I got my information down clear and in control which was effective in presenting my speech. I think that the thing I got wrong was that I could have put a lil more effort into the flyer and it could have looked a little bit better. I could say to a future student that the more prepared the better of you'll be, also go in with confidence in yourself because that's something that could turn your speech the right or wrong way.

Alejandra Leon

8/30/2016 10:15:17 pm

The drills they taught us in class seem like they really do help. Being prepared is always great advice to give a person about to give their first speech

Alec Hou

8/30/2016 10:59:10 pm

Dylan, if you wanted to use a paper, you should've just made the paper into a note card size like me. I also agree that students can improve by being more prepared like going over the speech because it will give them a little overview for themselves.

Pedro Salvador

8/30/2016 09:54:12 pm

The thing I have learned about me when it comes to giving speeches is that I still get really nervous when I'm talking. The way I can improve is by giving speeches at my job and just communicating with people more. The thing I felt I had right is I had examples to go with my flyer that helped me waste time. Something I would say to a classmate is to just believe in your self and to not be afraid.

Alejandra Leon

8/30/2016 10:05:23 pm

I learned that I tend to do a lot of nervous gestures such as, crossing my legs and arms. I was also told I was timid, which is true. So that I can improve I think I need to be more confident in myself and just relax. One thing I think I did good on was that I actually gave the speech and met time. Something I did wrong was probably everything else. To all those who are about to give their first speech, just relax and be confident in what you are saying.

Madison Stephens

8/30/2016 10:39:27 pm

Hey Alejandra! I need to relax more as well. We both have some nervous ticks we could both improve on!

Jesse Meraz

8/30/2016 10:52:02 pm

I also learned about myself that I need to relax and improve upon my hand gestures. I think your words of encouragement are very appropriate and can be very helpful to students giving a speech for the first time.

Ethan Cadr Rowland

8/30/2016 10:19:39 pm

I really didn't learn that much. I can improve my future speeches by being more confident and prepared. I honestly don't think I got anything right and I feel everything was wrong. For advice to another student I would say just be yourself and confidence is key.

Madison Stephens

8/30/2016 10:38:01 pm

I learned not to mess with my hair or put my hands in my pocket when I get nervous. I can improve by being more prepared and more confident. I feel like I spoke loud enough and I'm glad I met my time mark but, I know my confidence level was low and I felt like I could've used more hand motions. DONT be nervous you'll do great.

Alec Hou

8/30/2016 10:44:46 pm

In my first speech, I learned that I am pretty much a natural speaker but I could improve on speaking for a longer time. I can improve on future speeches by being more confident in myself and not being nervous. I feel like I got most of my speech right because I did not stutter, hesitate, or have any nervous leg movement up in front of the class. What I had gotten wrong was that I was chewing gum in my mouth while speaking. Some words of encouragement I would give to future students who are giving their first speech are don't be nervous or pressured, you should have confidence in yourself.

Roxanne Lane

8/31/2016 10:19:57 am

I'd like to congratulate you on not having any nervous habits! I can also agree with you that confidence is key while giving a speech. Keep up the good work.

Jesse Meraz

8/30/2016 10:48:16 pm

When it comes to giving speeches I have learned about myself that I fiddle with my hands as a nervous tick. One thing I can do to improve upon this is to practice speaking in front of a large audience until it becomes second nature to not mess with my hands or other limbs while speaking. I feel that I got my information and my voice, as far as volume, in the correct domain and where they belong. I feel that I got my hand gestures and body language wrong because I was messing with my hands while giving my speech. Words of encouragement that I would give to a fellow student is to pay attention to their body language and to not swing legs, fiddle with hands, or have unnecessary hand gestures while speaking.

Tanner Holt

8/30/2016 11:02:18 pm

I learned a lot about myself by givimgy first speech. One thing was that I tend to laugh when I get nervous with can be a good thing except I happen to do it to much. One thing I could do to improve would just be to give more speeches and to get more comfortable in front of a crowd.

Sam Krider

8/31/2016 12:01:19 am

I learned that even though I might not feel confident at all, that may not come out in my presentation. Apparently, I did well with being a presence, which I was worried would be an issue. However, I tend to wait for a response when giving a speech, which can mess up my pacing. To improve upon this I'm going to try to power through the presentation without waiting for an audience cue to continue that probably won't happen. My advice for future students is try not to let the nerves get to you, as chances are everyone else is about as nervous and/or self-conscious during there presentation, and won't remember the mistakes you made.

Makayla Besherse

8/31/2016 04:18:42 am

Yeah if really is important to remember that everyone in the audience has to do the same thing, because then you don't think so much about them criticing you. Most students are supportive of their peers and we often times forget that.

Gabriel Kurth

8/31/2016 07:43:35 am

While powering through your presentation is a good idea keep in mind that you don't want to go too fast. Keep your presentation clear to the audience. Good luck man.

Faith Lucas

8/31/2016 01:03:01 am

After giving my first speech, I've learned that I need to avoid making eye contact with people in the audience because it can be distracting. I can work on that by not looking directly at people while speaking. I feel as though I conveyed the information in my flyer very well, but I need to work on going more in depth by adding information off the top of my head. To anybody that might be giving their first speech, I would try to help them understand the importance of projecting, confidence, and poise. They way you present yourself makes an impression on the audience, and it's very important that they feel comfortable and involved in the discussion.

Makayla Besherse

8/31/2016 04:20:50 am

I have to work on saying more information off the top of my head too. During my speech I basically just read my note card and that made me feel like I should have had more content in my speech.

Sam Krider

8/31/2016 07:28:01 am

Making eye contact can be extremely distracting when giving a presentation. I found that it helps to just scan your eyes over the back wall while speaking in order to "look to" everyone in the room, while also not looking at them directly.

Dyamond Rhem' Brickhouse

8/31/2016 09:27:39 am

I agree it's always better to give a speech looking any where else but the people in the audience because all it does is make you even more nervous.

Makayla Besherse

8/31/2016 04:15:05 am

During my first speech I learned that I'm very comfortable in front of an audience. I could have improved the content of my speech, it should have been a little longer. I actually got too comfortable and leaned on the podium. I I projected my voice well which was a good thing about my speech. My advice for someone who is about to make their first speech would be to come prepared and come confident.

Roxanne Lane

8/31/2016 10:12:12 am

I think it is very good that you are comfortable in front of the class, as that is a big factor in giving a good speech. It is also important that you realize what you did wrong and you did, so congratulations and keep up the good work!

Gabriel Kurth

8/31/2016 07:35:14 am

I learned that I don't really get nervous in front of an audience. I need to improve my hand signs so that every movement has a meaning. I got my message across to the audience very clearly. I need to start putting my info on a card to remember better. For anyone that has to give a speech like this in the future my only advise would be to not let the peer pressure get to you.

Kaitlyn

8/31/2016 09:00:17 am

I believe you did great! You spoke loudly as well as clearly. Keep up the good work.

Justin Morrison

8/31/2016 10:47:57 am

Whenever you use handsigns you have to have a meaning, or else you're just waving your hands about aimlessly. Getting your point across is the main objective in my mind though, as long as the class can understand you're set.

Kaitlyn

8/31/2016 08:59:02 am

I learned that I'm a decent speaker but I could speak louder. It's a bit hard do to the fact that I'm shy in front of a lot of people but I'm sure with practice I'll get a lot better!

Josh schnitker

8/31/2016 09:14:38 am

I learned that I talk with my hands when I'm nervous or talking to an audience. The things I did right was looking at the crowd and being loud. Things I did wrong was my nervous hands. I would say to be more confident when speaking

Dyamond Rhem' Brickhouse

8/31/2016 09:25:51 am

I learned that it's always easier to talk to people during a speech of your picturing yourself talking to someone your close with it kind of helps me focus in on what I'm saying and not the audience I'm speaking too. For future speeches to improve myself I would practice my speech assisgment in front of a family member so that they can help me with any errors I make when speaking. One thing I did right was put my information on note cards to refer to when I forgot something. One thing that I need work on is fill in words such as , "like". A piece of advice I would give when giving a speech is think of something that makes you feel calm so your nerves won't get the best of you.

Danny mills

8/31/2016 12:44:42 pm

Repeating words are a big problem when giving a speach, however you did really good and your voice is nice to listen to when you were delivering infomation so just work on the nervous ticks and you'll be a pro!

Danny mills

8/31/2016 09:42:30 am

I thought it was pretty to do considering I'm fairly confident in speaking out loud with people or giving speeches for assignmentsin past years. As it was pointed out to me, I need to work on my timing, however I feel like I got my point across very well and talked clearly. Standing still wasn't hard thing to do, you just need to pretend your feet are glued down.
I feel as if before a speech you should always remember that people don't think you're stupid. They aren't worried a put what you're wearing or what you look like
It's just what you say that's important.

Roxanne Lane

8/31/2016 10:06:08 am

While giving my speech I learned I rocked back and forth, it is such a habit that I did not realize I even did it. I will definitely be more mindful of it during my next speech. But overall, I was not nervous and think I did a fairly good job. Some advice I would give to future prof com students would be to speak clearly and confidently.

Justin Morrison

8/31/2016 10:45:48 am

Rocking back and forth is a tough habit to deal with, especially since I do it too, it's mainly out of nervousness and I think you'll overcome it

Justin Morrison

8/31/2016 10:44:19 am

I've learned that I'm pretty prepared about when it comes to speaking because of my other classes. I could probably improve my back and forth rock, because I definitely did that when I got nervous. I don't think I really did anything wrong, and the only thing I was told to fix was my rock.

Mr. Dickson

9/1/2016 08:37:54 am

It was a pleasure to hear all of your speeches and to see you reflect upon them with your colleagues. It only gets easier from here. Keep up the great work!

Here are some great tips for preparing for a speech from Toastmasters International.

Preparing for a speech is one of the best ways to ensure you give an effective presentation. Try these tips to help you properly prepare:

1) Organize your speech in a logical sequence: opening, main points, summary.
2) Practice and rehearse a speech frequently prior to delivering it. Ask friends to be your audience, or practice in front of a mirror. Be sure to use a timer to help you pace your speech.
3) Become familiar with the stage or the setting where the speech will take place. Get a sense of the size of the stage, where any steps or obstacles might be, and where to enter and exit.
4) Choose comfortable clothes to wear, but always maintain a professional appearance.
5) Visual aids should fit a speech, whether they are funny, serious or technical. The main goal of visual aids is to help the audience understand what is being said, and reinforce the points of a speech in unique and interesting ways.

Source: https://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Public-Speaking-Tips/Preparing-a-Speech

Oscar Garcia

9/1/2016 09:13:11 am

I already knew that I would be very nervous when I spoke in front of the class since I am a shy person. For my future speeches I have to first get over the shy part because going into the real world you cant be shy or else youll never get things you want in life.The advice I would give to others going to give a speech is just not at your audience try and look off into the back of the room, and never speak quietly make sure your voice projects so everyone can hear you.

Journal 2.2 - First Speech

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