Jehu Plancher Blog Post #1

 As our first major assignment in Introduction to Public Speaking with Professor Sinkoff, every group was assigned a chapter from the textbook Engage and had to present it to the class. My group was Group 2, and our topic was about preparing for a successful presentation. In the beginning, I felt unsure about working in a group because I have had some bad group experiences before. I was worried about communication and how we would divide the work. But this time it actually went better than I expected. The assignment was not only about learning the basics of public speaking, but also about getting comfortable speaking and working with classmates. Even though we had only known each other for about two weeks, it was still a good way to start the class and get used to presenting in a more relaxed and less stressful environment.

For my part of the presentation, I explained Chapter 6.1–6.3 which focused on researching your speech. This section showed how strong research can help a speaker feel more confident, sound more credible, and keep the audience interested. Research is important because without it a speech can feel weak or unorganized. When a speaker has good research, it helps them explain their ideas clearly and answer questions from the audience.

I explained that research has three main stages which are preparing, gathering information, and evaluating information. First is preparing. This means starting with what you already know about the topic and how you learned it. Personal experience can help, but it should not be your only source. Speakers should also look at different perspectives to make their speech stronger and more balanced. This helps you understand your topic better and prepares you for different opinions from the audience.

Next is gathering information. I explained that speakers should use different sources like the internet, library, and interviews. The internet can help find quick information, but not everything online is reliable. Libraries are helpful because they provide books, journals, newspapers, and government sources that are more credible. Interviews with experts are also useful because they add real world insight and make the speech more trustworthy. I explained that when using sources, it is better to use primary sources and always use clear keywords when searching. Wikipedia can help for background but should not be used as a main source.

Last is evaluating information. This means checking if sources are accurate, reliable, and current. Speakers should make sure the information connects to their topic and comes from trustworthy places. I also explained the importance of avoiding plagiarism by giving credit to all sources used. Overall, my section showed that strong research is a big part of making a good speech and helps the speaker sound more prepared and confident.

Gilluana’s part of the presentation focused on research interviews and why they are important when preparing a speech. She explained that interviews allow a speaker to get information directly from someone who has knowledge or experience about the topic. This can make a speech stronger and more credible because the information is coming from a real person or expert instead of just from websites or books. Interviews also help make a speech feel more real and interesting for the audience.

She also talked about the interview guide, which is a list of prepared questions that helps keep the interview organized. Having an interview guide makes sure the speaker asks clear and useful questions and does not forget anything important. It also helps the interview stay focused on the topic. She explained that planning before the interview is important so the information collected is accurate and helpful for the speech.

Overall, her section showed that research interviews are a strong source of information. They add credibility, real world insight, and detail to a speech. By preparing questions ahead of time and carefully listening during the interview, a speaker can gather useful information that makes their speech more effective and trustworthy.

When it was my time to present, I felt nervous at first. Even though the presentation was online, it still felt stressful because it was public speaking. Speaking in front of people you don’t really know can be uncomfortable. However, I tried my best to stay calm and focused. I made sure to speak clearly and not too fast. I also kept my slides simple and colorful so the audience would not feel overwhelmed. I wanted them to listen to me instead of reading too much on the slides. After finishing, I noticed that I stumbled over a few words. This happens to me sometimes when I get nervous. Even though it was not perfect, I still think I explained my points clearly. It also helped me realize what I need to improve for future presentations.

Watching other groups present was also part of the assignment. Group One went first and did a very strong job. Their presentation was organized and each speaker seemed confident and prepared. Their slides looked clean and simple, and they explained everything clearly. Going first can be very nerve racking, but they set a good example for the rest of the class.

Group Three also did a great job. Their presentation was easy to follow and very informative. Each member spoke calmly and contributed well. Even though one member had some speech difficulties, she still did an excellent job presenting. Another speaker in the group stood out because her presentation was very strong and clear.

Group Four had good information and nice slides, but their presentation felt a little unorganized at times. This made it harder to follow. However, it also showed how group members can support each other when something goes wrong. This is good practice because unexpected things can happen during presentations.

In conclusion, this assignment was a great way to start the class. It helped me understand how important preparation is in public speaking. It also helped me get more comfortable working with others and presenting in front of classmates. Working with my group made the experience less stressful and more enjoyable. Watching other groups also gave me ideas on how to improve my own speaking skills. Overall, it was a good learning experience and I look forward to improving my public speaking more during the semester