Thank you.

For my final  blog post, I just wanted to take the time to thank all of you for making this experience so special. I don’t know what it is, but we have a special group of people. Every single one of you made this class nothing but awesome. I think we all went into this class full of nerves and uncertainty and came out with new friends and a boost in confidence. The thing I have enjoyed so much about my time at Southern State is the hospitality. This school is made up of great people who better each other. So much different from the cut throat attitude at my previous school. It has really changed my outlook on people as a whole heading to this next phase in my life.

Special thanks to Candee. I am so thankful to have met you. Thanks for letting my tag along on the field trip and for taking time to know me. Even though I am your student, I consider you to be my friend. I wish you nothing but the best as you enter the next phase of your life. I hope you can find happiness outside of the classroom

 

Andy

Preparing for the persuasive…

As I prepared for the persuasive speech I kept asking myself the same question: “Who am I to persuade anyone of anything?” While I still feel this way, I look forward to giving it my best shot. My speeches have consisted of someone who inspired me, my passion, and one of my many loves. This one will be no different. I have always had plenty to say, but getting it out in an easy to follow way can be a challenge. So I sit here preparing my key points that I want to talk about in hopes that my peers will appreciate and enjoy what I have to say. I certainly enjoy listening to everyone talk, and always looks forward to their thoughts and opinions. I personally believe there is no such thing as a bad opinion, as long as you have one and can back it up. As much as I anticipate the final speech, it is also saddening that this class is over so quickly. I have enjoyed it far more then any other class I have taken…ever.

Andy

The fun of demonstrations…

I absolutely loved doing the demonstration speech. I felt right at home talking about grilling because it is something I do constantly. I claim to be no expert in the field, but demonstrating what works for me was a lot of fun. As much as I enjoyed sharing what I know, I enjoyed watching others demonstrate their skills as well. I love to talk, but listening was the best part. I not only get to learn more about my peers, but I learned some cool stuff along the way. The flowers that Alicia did were really cool. And who could forget all the food?!? Popcorn, and cookies, and pies, and on and on.

I did my piece on grilling because it is something I love that always brings my family together. After sharing with all of you it makes me feel part of another family. It is a special feeling.

 

Andy

Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture

Well the first reading is out of the way. I feel that now we can get into the really good stuff, speeches. I felt pretty confident in my reading and thought I did ok. I caught myself leaning on the podium half way through and need to watch my posture in the future. The feedback I received was great. It was not all positive, and that is something I enjoy. I want criticism. It is not something I take personally. This is a class about improving and growing as speakers. I embrace the challenge.

I really hope everyone enjoyed my reading of Randy Pausch. Rarely am I inspired by words, but he really moved me. To see a guy with nothing left to prove, nothing left to worry about other than his end, stand and talk with such class and poise was a true honor. He left this world giving till the end. I wanted to make my first reading something that would grab people. I think it can help set the tone for the rest of the course. I found quite a few classmates who really got my attention with their readings. It makes me look forward to their informative speech that much more.

Andy

Skills For Life

As my time here at Southern State is winding down, I find public speaking to be one of the most important skills you can have. I am sure algebra has its place in the educational system. But I feel the skills that we achieve in this course will stay with us for the rest of our lives. It isn’t just about standing in front of the class and talking. It is about forming thoughts and opinions. Gathering facts. Letting your audience inside of your head for a brief period of time. This class is about taking our thoughts and conveying them in a way that people can understand them just as clearly as the speaker. It is also about getting a better understanding of those who speak before you as well.

Listening in my opinion is far more important than speaking. The things I have taken in from others help shape who I am today. Speakers give me the content I need to help form my own beliefs and opinions. I have felt passionately about things only to have someone make me take a second look and possibly change my way of thinking. This class to me is far more important than most due to the fact that this is a life skill. This is up there with reading, spelling, driving. Skills that you will take with you wherever you go, and whatever you do. I have given my share of speeches. Some in front of a few, and a few in front of a hundred or more. I consider myself lucky because the nerves are gone. Once you achieve this, you can take the next step and focus solely on your structure and content. That is my goal for this course.

Andy