I am touched by your kindness.

Thank you.   To my classmates and Candee,  thank you, for being there for me.  It means more than I can ever put into words.  When all of you came forward to form a circle, I thought I was going to cry.  Each of you have amazed me beyond belief.  During this past quarter you have welcomed me into your number and continually gave me support and encouragement.  I am overwhelmed and deeply touched by your kindness and the love extended and will remember each of you with fondness.  I feel that I have received a double portion of blessings in that I had the best possible  instructor AND the best people to go thru Speech class with.

I do not know if our paths will cross again.  If they do, we will make sure to say hello and chat awhile; but if they do not, please know that you have left a print upon my heart.

I love you all and may each of you receive many blessings for your kindness.

Take care and best of wishes as you travel along life’s pathway.

Pamela B.

I Need Your Help…Please

If you take the Tuesday and Thursday evening Speech class with Candee at the South Campus, I need your help.

I volunteered to give my persuasive speech this coming Tuesday, May 31 and am asking ALL of you to please help me when it is my turn.  I will be talking about my dad’s last message before he died and need to have all of you encircled around me to do it the way I think he would want me to.  Before I begin, I will ask all of you to please bring your chair to the front of the class and form a large circle.  I feel that I have been so very blessed to be a part of such a wonderful “team” as Eric stated so well last night and want to deliver my last speech with this same attitude and feeling of unity.

I will not ask anyone to do anything embarrassing, but will ask for those who are willing, to add comments in the spirit of kindness and love.  I hope we will all find it worthwhile and memorable.

In sincere appreciation,

Pamela Burton

Maiden Voyage of the USS Contemplation

This is a photo of my visual reflection.  It’s name is the USS Contemplation (I forgot to leave enough room to paint it the name on the side of the ship).  It is proudly flying the flag with the label F.E.S (Fundamentals of Effective Speech).  Each mast contains a genre and the sails equate the outline of what I have learned during this quarter.

The theme represents our journey as a class into the unfamiliar and sometimes fearful waters of Speech.  The speaker is giving his/her speech on the bow of the ship.  As the speech is being given,  fellow classmates are being active, supportive listeners while Professor Candee is at the stern (the end with the rudder) to confidently steer us in the right direction.

The mirrors placed throughout the ship represent  ”reflections” of what we have learned.  A couple of the mirrors are placed so that individuals can see themselves.  This is to show that we have not only learned about giving speeches but have also learned things about ourselves.  Candee has encouraged us to be authentic and to choose topics that we care about.  In order to do this, we had to reflect and think about who we really are.

I am so thankful to have taken this journey with each of my classmates.  They have all shown by example that seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished when people work together to reach a common goal.  I find myself  thinking and contemplating  that if the attitude of support, encouragement and kindness were displayed by the majority of people in our communities, in spite of our differences, just how much could be accomplished.  People finding common ground and working together, building each other up, helping each other, growing together for the good and betterment of everyone’s future.

Pamela B.

Angel Food Dessert

Below is the recipe for this easy-to-make dessert as requested:

ANGEL FOOD DESSERT

Ingredients:

1           Angel food cake

2          8 oz pks of cream cheese softened

1           8 oz container of Cool Whip

2cups   Powdered Sugar

1 pint   Strawberries, sliced (can add more if you like)

1 pkg   Strawberry glaze (found near the strawberries in the grocery store)

Directions:

1.  Break angel food cake into pieces and place in 9 x 13 inch dish

2.  Mix together cream cheese (ok to use electric mixer), Cool Whip, and powdered sugar and spread on top of angel food cake pieces

3.  Mix together strawberry slices and strawberry glaze and spread on top of Cool Whip mixture.

4.  Chill (best if chilled overnight)

5.  ENJOY!!!!

Pamela B.

“Coming together, sharing together, working together, succeeding together” (author unknown)

As I reflect upon my experience in Speech class, this quote sums up how I feel.

We have formed a very supportive unit during this quarter.    As we went through the introduction process, we all had varied explanations as to why we were taking Speech.  Some were excited about the class while others were apprehensive.

As the weeks went by and we began to deliver our individual speeches, we learned that listening was just as important as delivering the speeches.  From what I read in the posts of others, it seems the majority agrees that the atmosphere is one that is safe and accepting.  Some expressed concerns as to how their speeches would be received and afterwards discovered thru the evaluations that what they had to say was embraced (ability to listen without pre-judgment and be open-minded).  All seemed to agree that their classmates were supportive.

I have learned thru researching one of my own speeches that when we give a genuine smile to others, it sends a non-verbal message to the recipient that they are accepted, and they fit in.   I found this to be true for me when I was on the receiving end of my classmates’ smiles.  I think this is part of what Candee was trying to get across when she was talking about our responsibilities as listeners.

In the classroom before class begins you might hear us supporting and encouraging each other.  Sometimes we try to help each other come up with an idea for a speech.  Sometimes we share experiences, thoughts and reservations about upcoming assignments.  Sometimes we just socialize.  No matter what the conversations are, they are friendly and engaging.  To me, this is speech at its best:  relating to each other, communicating, sharing.  The bonus is that it is all in a safe and positive atmosphere.

As this class draws nearer the end.  We are all delivering speeches and we are all “succeeding together”.

“Coming together, sharing together, working together, succeeding together.”

Pamela B.

The Act of Listening

Last night I completed my second speech (the informative speech).  The topic of my choice was what my father taught me through the unusual vessel of Alzheimer’s disease.

The main points discussed were creativity, unconditional love and patience.

It was less stressful than the first speech.  Everyone was so kind.  There were still errors in my delivery, I could not find my card with the closing statement (it was right in front of me), and I caught myself leaning on the podium at one point; nonetheless, I was able to complete my speech and things seemed to go fairly well.

I just can’t get the faces of the audience (my classmates) out of my mind.  It felt as though they were opening their hearts and minds to hear what I had to say, and it was a very humbling experience.  As I was delivering my speech, their eyes were so expressive and the body language changed for several of them.

I am still processing and struggling to find the words to describe my experience.   One thing I know for sure is that if my speech was to be considered successful, it was not because of me.  It was because of my supporting classmates, there are none better.

Pamela B

Thank you

I just got home from speech class and found myself wanting to say, “thank you,” to my classmates.  I was sitting in my chair at the beginning of class drilling myself on everyone’s names.  When I finished, I just sat there and observed everyone talking.  It was so cool, to see all of you conversing.  The tone was friendly and caring and there is a unity forming among all of you not seen in many classes.

I began to think about how each of you have such wonderful talents and gifts and that in a short time I will be one of the lucky ones fortunate enough to  listen to what each of you have to say.   Your talents and insights are so wonderful and I just wanted to say, “Thank you”, for your willingness to put the “real you” behind the podium and share.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part by listening to what you have to say.

Pam

A journey of a thousand miles…

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

– By Confucius

Whenever I think about Speech class, I keep finding myself returning to this quote.  Then I think about my walking stick.  Okay, maybe that doesn’t quite make sense.  Let me back up a little to explain.

I have a plain, simple wooden walking stick that my sister, Sharon, made for me two years ago to represent the journeys taken in my life and the future ones I will take.  She had cut down a young sapling and used a pocketknife to etch a few references to bible verses on it.  As she presented it to me, she encouraged me to continue etching encouraging words on it.  I have.

To me, it is beautiful and holds great value.  It has many scars from the etchings, but they are scars created as a result of love and a desire to encourage.  When I hold it in my hands and fix my gaze upon it, my fingers always seem to tenderly caress its surface.  Each etching reminds me that my life has purpose and that there is a reason for my existence. I am reminded that often the things in life most worthwhile are accompanied by difficult times.   I am also reminded that if I trust the Master’s plan and trust in the process that “all things work together for good”(Romans 8:28)—not necessarily in the timeframe I want, but in the timeframe that He knows will allow the most growth.

When I registered for Speech Class, a new journey had begun in my life:  A journey that reveals my scars through the nervousness and self-doubt, a journey in which discomfort is felt.  I am gradually learning this, too, is a process and that, if  I thru trust,  place myself in the hands of the Master who has graced my life with a capable instructor, by the name of Candee, that all things can and will work for the good.  I am learning that, as I see the beauty in my walking stick, there is beauty to be discovered in me—scars included; however, any journey must begin with but a single step, then another and another, until one day (no matter how small the steps may seem) you can look back and see just how far you have come.

I have only taken just a few steps on this journey called Speech, but I know, like all other journeys traveled thus far, it will lead somewhere.

Pam

Breaking News…

Breaking news…Geologists have confirmed rumors that a major fault line runs directly under the speech podium at Southern State Community College.

A reporter was sent to the southern branch of SSCC today to interview people who may have heard about this phenomenon.  One woman by the name of Pamela Burton was reported to have said, “It doesn’t surprise me at all.  When I stood behind the podium today, I felt the tremors.  When I placed my hands on the podium, my entire body began to shake, and I feared for my life, afraid that the ground just might go ahead and swallow me up!”

This wasn’t really what happened and there was no breaking news today about a fault line, but to some extent it felt that way.

Tonight I actually came to class with two manuscripts.  One was an excerpt from the book entitled, Don’t Miss Your Life, by Charlene Baumbich.  The other was my own journal.  You see I had completely prepared and practiced the first one, made delivery cues, and had everything timed.  Something kept bothering me about it.  The book, Don’t Miss Your Life is about learning to accept and embrace the ‘real’ you.  The entire time I was practicing this reading,  Candee’s words kept echoing in my mind about being earnest, honest, and talking about something you are interested in—being authentic.  In fact, the handout for tonight mentioned, being authentic—it doesn’t get much clearer than that for me.

During the period prior to my speech, I was actually quite comfortable.  The other speakers made it easy for me to forget about my issues.  They were interesting and I loved listening to them.  That is my favorite part, listening.

Then came my turn.  Reality hit me hard.  I began to sweat, my mouth was dry, and I could not stop my hands from shaking.  As I approached the front of the class I had not one but two prepared speeches in my hand—be yourself—be earnest—be authentic.  My inner voice was having an argument trying to rationalize why I should not make my self so vulnerable as to let people see who I really am.  Then I looked at Mark, the one introducing me, and somehow felt reassured that it would be okay.  So, I set the first speech down on the front table and continued toward the podium with only my journal in hand.  He probably doesn’t know just how important it was for me to see a supportive face at that moment.  Thank you, Mark, for being you.

As I began to talk I could feel my voice quiver and my hands began to shake again.  Thanks to the text and Candee, I had written two very large delivery cues on the first page:  Breathe and Relax.  I also put red dots throughout my paper to remind me to keep breathing and to make eye contact, because for some odd reason, I cannot think straight or read simple sentences when I am in front of a group.  This helped me tremendously; I would see the cues and stop for a second to take a breath.  When I looked at my classmates, I was so thankful for the friendly faces and supportive atmosphere.  Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks to my classmates and a supportive teacher who has somehow found a way to make her words echo in my mind long after class, I made it through my first speech.  I was still very nervous during the speech, my hands still shook, and by the time I walked back to my chair my shirt was wet half way down from sweating so much.  But, nonetheless, I made it–with help from my new friends.

Pam

Speech is like golf

The following is an excerpt from my reflective paper written after reading chapter 12 the Art of Public Speaking by Stephen Lucas.   I thought maybe it would be good to share. As I read the chapter about good delivery I found myself overwhelmed.  It seems like a lot of things to work on within the short span of a college quarter.

As I read through the chapter’s main points, my mind flashed back to when my father was learning to play the game of golf.  He read books on the subject, sought the advise of seasoned golfers, practiced at home, and was finally ready to play his first game.  I watched as he stepped up to the golf tee, confidently placed his ball, and scoped where the flag was and which club he needed (the driver).  He then proceed to adjust his 5’7” frame and skillfully grip his golf club, being sure to execute all the advice and knowledge he gained.

When he swung his club, it was impressive, I was so proud of him.  I was looking up in the air because, with a swing like that, the ball surelytraveled at least 300 yards.  But I had to confess to him that I didn’t see where the ball landed.  He turned back and gave me a sheepish little grin saying “Look down.”  The ball was still nestled quietly on the tee.  He made the mistake of taking his eye off the ball.  That’s when the phrase “analysis paralysis” entered my vocabulary.  He was so concerned with all the details that he forgot to do what came naturally—keep his eye on the ball and swing.

It is my understanding that the art of speaking is a learning process—one where we will not be able to execute all points to perfection.  We could easily get so wrapped up in the specifics that we overlook the common sense part of delivering a speech.  I liked what the text had to say about gestures, “Gesturing tends to work itself out as you acquire experience and confidence.”

I will choose to be patient with myself when I can’t remember all of the advice read, try to find comfort in the fact that I have prepared and practiced to the best of my ability, and hopefully, with experience and new-found confidence, the rest will “work itself out.”

Pam

BREATHE

Fundamentals of Effective Speech:   I like the atmosphere of cooperative learning that has been created for this class.   During the first three classes we have divided into subgroups to discuss topics pertaining to the different aspects of speaking followed by brief impromptu presentations.  For me, this is laying the foundation of support and acceptance for when we will give our individual speeches.  Instead of standing before a room full of strangers, we will be standing before our acquaintances with whom we’ve become familiar and experienced support toward each other during previous sessions.

I am learning that we not only have the responsibility as speakers to be well prepared and offer our best to our audience but  that we also have the important responsibility to be active listeners while someone is delivering a speech.  I  am looking forward to hearing what my classmates have to share.

The mechanics of effective delivery discussed in chapter 12 of our text seem a little overwhelming to me and will be quite the challenge to execute well.  I think if I keep my focus on sharing and relating to the listeners as I speak, it will help me to have eye contact.  I hope the gestures, facial expressions, voice inflections, and  movement will come more easily with time.  The first hurdle for me will be to breathe throughout.  During the last quarter, I had to give a presentation in another class.  I prepared the Powerpoint, rehearsed the material, and prepared for a question-and-answer session.  I started my presentation and quickly realized I forgot to breathe.  I ran out of air and couldn’t finish my first sentence.  Something so simple, yet so important–breathing.

Maybe my first delivery cue should be “breathe” written in bold letters across the top of my notes.

 

Pam