surprise- its over

It is almost unbelievable that it is over. I am including my classmates I hope they share in my awe the quarter is thru. We all began afraid of the judgement of others. Afraid to open our mouths and speak about any subject. Surprisingly enough, we all sat in class together today listening, encouraging, learning and completely shocked it was our final class.

Thanks to Candee, our inspirational instructor, and the kindness and support of the entire class; I was able to put aside my fears and speak. Topics I thought I knew well, I found more information on and learned new things every class. I will never forget my time in this class or the characters I have met. It has been a great quarter and an eye opening experience. Thank you everyone. Have a wonderful summer! -Jamie

All is right with speech

Wow! I cannot believe how easy it was after I got started. I still cannot remember everything I said. And it was over pretty quickly. Unbelievable! My topic was something I truly love. My cats are wonderful and quite different from other cats. After I got started I could of probably spoken all day. I’ve had the joy of my Egyptian Maus for years. And they continue to surprise me.

There were so many wonderful speeches in class. It was so obvious that my classmates enjoyed their subjects, much like me. From Gideon’s speech about Star Wars to the two speeches about hunting. It was educational. Patty’s speech and Mark’s speech stand out in my mind the most. Patty’s speech on the origin of Mother’s Day was well timed and informative. Mother’s Day has always been special to me. I don’t believe Moms get enough credit. When she announced the white carnations were for me in remembrance of my mother I could not help but shed a few tears. Mark’s speech was very well delivered and I could tell he truly believed in his topic. He chose to help a long tradition of assisting wayward youths. He was inspiring. I would have never guessed housewives began it. Amazing!

Mostly, I was amazed at all the survivors in our class. How much so many have been through. The grasp of understanding and the horrible experience so many of them have endured seems unthinkable since they are all so young.

Overall, all the speeches were well delivered and very informative. They were a great learning experience. The techniques I learned in the beginning have become invaluable to me. Especially the squeezing of my hands to release pent up energy. I believe I am ready for my next speech. Yay!

Speech giving has become an enjoyment. Thanks Candee you’re a terrific teacher. Thank you for making it easy for me to learn and thank you classmates for listening and making me comfortable.

Jamie

Undo Panic in my first speech

I can not believe the first speech is over and done. I was three, and then two. The minute I realized it, my heartbeat increased and began drumming in my ears. I could feel the panic building inside me. And when it became my turn, my brain began scrambling for ideas…anything to grasp onto to use as a life preserver. And then I had an epiphany….

I’ve done this all before (granted it’s been a long time). I reexamined my notes to be sure I knew everything I wanted to say and tried some of the helpful tips suggested in the book. That really helped contol my anxiety. Two teachers whose words, had a major impact on my public speaking, came flooding into my head. My speech coach, “Don’t forget who you are. And “you know what you are doing, we don’t. So show us!”

And my cheerleading coach always said to the squad, “Speak up, or shut up!” They were wonderful teachers.

So, I began by reintroducing myself and crossing off why and what I was doing in front of everyone. I think it went pretty well. If I could remember to breathe it would of been better. I believe it will get easier and I won’t be so scattered brained when my turn comes.

Jamie

My mother always said, “Anything worth doing, is worth doing well.

I can not believe we are already at the end of the second week. The group presentations are going well for me. The second presentation was a little easier, I didn’t hear my heartbeat in my ears. I find it hard to believe that just a few suggestions outlined in the first few chapters have helped as much as they have.

I am looking forward to reciting my favorite poem for the class. I hope it will be long enough. Edgar Allan Poe is my all time favorite poet. And given all the younger students, I’m not really sure they teach his wonderful writings anymore. I want to share his style and words with everyone.

I have learned a few new techniques to control my anxiety. Putting the extra adrenalin to good use was a suggestion in the book. I attribute that simple instruction to my more relaxed demeanour during the last speech. I felt an accomplishment and an odd relief when I finished. I kept waiting to hear my heartbeat. I was afraid my mind was going to go blank; but, everything just came together.

My goal is to be able to present an effective well prepared speech by the time I finish this course. I hope to provide inspiration and information. I want to be an asset to my class. I want to learn new things. My mother always said anything worth doing, is worth doing well. Being able to deliver a well thought out, effective speech is a skill all people need. It is worth doing so I will accomplish it and I will exceed my own expectations.