SPEECH 115 IS IN THE BAG!!!!

I want to start off by saying congratulations to everyone in my class.  WE DID IT!!!  We overcame all our fears and made it through the class.  I really enjoyed this class and everyone in it.  I was amazed at all the speeches we done and not 2 were alike.  I could really tell by the end of the class that everyone had overcome their nervousness and felt pretty comfortable in front of the class.  Whether you did or not it wasn’t noticeable.  I would also like to thank Hannah Z. for letting me do my last speech with her.  It was a really good one!!!  I have nothing but wonderful memories of this class that I will keep with me forever.

I also want to thank Candee for making this class seem easier that I thought it would be.  I know I dreaded this class and put it off till very last but the minute I stepped in the door you made me feel less nervous.  With each speech I gave it became easier for me.  I know Southern State may not realize how much they are losing a wonderful instructor but you will be missed.  With all this said (without getting to mushy) I want to THANK everyone again in my class for making this a wonderful class.  And the best of luck to everyone including Candee, I have faith that you all will succeed.

Annie

Life’s lessons aren’t always easy

Going through one of the hardest times in my life and hitting rock bottom made me, and still is making me, stand stronger than ever before. I hope that I can be just that little bit of encouragement or motivation for someone else way out there that thinks there is no hope or that nothing is ever going to be any different to stand back up and dust off and realize that we get one chance at this thing we call “life.” And, the only person that can define you is ”you”.

Sometimes we get caught up in a routine that the days just pass us by, then one day things come to sudden stop. Could be tragedy or devastation or waking up in critical care or many, many, other situations. It’s then we do the “looking back at time that has passed” and wonder just where the time has gone and how did we get ourselves in such a fog.

We will never get that time back but we can sure make tomorrow worth while, there is hope for a better tomorrow whatever walk of life you are in. Don’t take anything for granted, never give up  and each day cherish a little more and love a little deeper.

kristin

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

The end is here.

I honestly never thought those words would escape me as I came into this quarter.

I came in terrified, thinking “How in the world am I ever going to pass this class?” and as some of you remember, I am graduating next Friday and put this class off for two very long years. I guess maybe I was hoping they’d take it off my list of requirements?

I can now say that I’m glad they didn’t. I have learned a lot this quarter. I have learned that public speaking is really not so bad. I have learned how to accept myself and to take what I have to say seriously. Sometimes you think people really don’t care what you have to say, but in all honesty, they do. And they listen. And sometimes what you say can help them and/or even teach them.

There have been so many wonderful speeches this quarter and I , personally, have learned a lot. I never knew what Anna’s Army was, I never knew Patty’s great tips for decorating, I never knew that Jamie howled at the moon, and I never knew that Hannah made such fantastic cupcakes. I also never knew that Clinton was absolutely hilarious, no matter what the speech topic was. I never even knew that I’d actually be interested in what these people had to say because all I was worried about was just making it til June.

Well June is here and I am so glad and grateful to have taken a class like this. I have met some great people and even made a friend or two along the way. I have learned more than I ever thought possible out of one class. I have even learned how to come out of my shell a little bit.

In the end, this class will be one I will never forget. Thank you Candee.

 

Jennifer

Connecting With the Audience Through Your Own Personal Story.

Hey,

This is my visual reflection.  In this class I learned the importance of  eye contact,proper hand gestures, incorporating pauses, and so many different things to help improve my delivery.  Another important thing I learned was to connect with the audience by using these delivery methods.  A big part of connecting to the audience is picking a speech that is important to you.  When the audience sees that the topic is so important to you, then they become interested in the topic as well.  If you are doing a speech that means nothing to you and if you express no emotion, then the audience will not be interested either.  A big part of getting the audience interesting is telling your own personal story.  Throughout the class it was very interesting to hear the personal side of each person’s speech.  It was great to learn all the facts about a certain topic, but knowing how that related to the person giving the speech is what made the speech even better.  When you make eye contact with the audience you also connect with them.  For my visual reflection, I cut out foam rectangles and tied them together with pipe cleaners. I drew an eye on one rectangle to represent connecting with the audience through eye contact.  I also put hands on my visual reflection to represent hand gestures.  Each rectangle is an individual, yet each of them are connected to each other.  On the back I had each person in the class sign a rectangle.  So my visual reflection also represents our class.  I feel like each of us were in this together and we created bonds with one another in the class.

This class has taught me a lot, but I will always remember some of the wonderful  memories from the bonds that were created by public speaking.

Mary Johnson

Our Voices…

As far as demonstration speeches go, they were all wonderful and very interesting. I believe we all done a terrific job.

This class as taught me so much about myself this quarter. This week has been rough for me. I missed class Tuesday and missed all the visual reflections of what everyone has felt they learned the most. I feel my voice and stepping up is what I have got from this class the most. My sister just delivered her baby 3 months early. Not only is she in an abusive relationship and the beating was part of the cause for the premature delivery but the use of drugs also had to do with it. This class has given me the courage to use what I have learned to step up outside of class and in this situation to speak out for my sister and that precious baby that is in the NICU at UK. She is strong and a fighter. At only 2 lbs 2ozs right now she is going to pull through and make it!

I am very grateful for this and for the opportunity to learn everything I have in this class. It is a shame that many more students will not have the opportunity to have Candee as a teacher to learn this same thing.

-Ashley

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.

“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.

Remembrance

Two down, two more to go! I made it through my informative speech! I was extremely nervous, going on the first day, but everyone was very supportive and helped me get through it.  It helps if you just breathe!

My speech was about my great grandma who had dementia, and how it effected her and my family. It was not only difficult on her, but on my family and me as well. One of her favorite things to do was sew, and she made all of the grandkids baby blankets. I brought mine into the class to show. Eventually she forgot how to sew, but I take pride in the fact that I still have something in remembrance of her, along with something she loved to do.

I had no intention of crying, but somehow I ended up doing just that. Everyone was still very supportive, however, and now I’m not as nervous anymore about giving speeches. I’m starting to like this class more and more everyday! Everyone’s speeches were very interesting and everyone did a great job! I am really looking forward to hearing everyone’s demonstration speeches!

-Haley

Courageous Reflections

We are in the midst of our informative speeches.  I’m amazed  to see my fellow students getting up in front of everyone and sharing their stories.   From Randa, to Brittany, to the girl who had thyroid cancer, to the mom whose son has a blood disease, to a granddaughter’s sweet memory of her grandmother, and everyone else, the list goes on.  Each one of you got up with such composure and true conviction in your voice.  It took real courage to relive a part of your life that was very hard.  You reminded us  that there are those suffering for which we are not aware.  It  has encouraged  me to keep my eyes and  heart open to  hopefully see the child who may need help, or the mother who needs an extra prayer for herself or her son.  You are all overcomers, because you don’t let the past take away from your present or your future.  You did not blame anyone; you just shared your story in hopes that it will help others.  It took courage and determination to live what you did, and it took courage and determination to tell your story.  Thank you, I thought your speeches were inspiring and wonderful!

I cannot leave out the other speeches.  They were all very informative.  More importantly, they were all very enjoyable!  Clinton, you did a great job with a very different and interesting topic.  Ryan, you have a great attitude in life that will take you far.  The deer hunting speech informed us about things we really need to know and Seth’s soccer speech was great, with a well organized breakdown of the game and rules.  Brandon,  I learned things about paintball I never knew.  Jamie, your speech was very interesting and we all know what an Egyptian Maus is now.  Your cats (babies) are adorable.  Excellent speech.

I enjoyed all speeches; everyone did a great job.  It is so much more than just hearing someone’s words.  We are communicating and connecting with one another.

Patty

A Sigh of Relief!

So, Tuesday I gave my first speech! After I left class the previous Thursday I couldn’t believe I signed up to go on the first day… because I’m usually the procrastinator that will try to stay hidden until I absolutely HAVE to go! But I thought, what the heck, I’ll just get it out of the way!

I woke up Tuesday morning nervous, and it continued to stay with me through the day. When speech class began I felt more at ease,  of course until I was next to go. Once I got up in front of everyone and began to speak, my knotted stomach and anxious nerves died down. I felt like I was talking forever though! But all in all, I’m very glad I went on the first day, and glad I got the first speech out of the way.

Bring on the next!

-Shayla Black

My Personal Freedom

“Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.”

I have this passion for words… for writing and reading them. It is hard to explain- you just read something unbelievably amazing and it wows you. It opens up your mind and it really changes you. It makes time stop- your world slows to a halt for a brief moment. That’s why I love words (even though from time to time I tend to forget this).

When we were told to read something that ‘fit’ us, I thought about my writing, but put the idea aside. I thought about it wondering if it was a good or just terrible idea. I decided the day before to read my poetry. Maybe if I didn’t tell my audience until the end that it was mine I could ‘endure the reading’ and not worry about eyes staring at me.

I was nervous… and it was more than a normal kind of nervous. I was afraid of rejection. Writing is freedom for me, those were my words, and they are personal. I was scared of looking into the crowd and seeing their reaction. I was afraid of the thoughts from my classmates that I might not be ‘normal’- because the truth be told my writing doesn’t have happy endings. Maybe because the writers who have moved me influence my work and for the most part their writing is not about rainbows and sunshine. I’m influenced by what music I listen to and I also have this thought that unhappy endings have a shock value that just sticks with you longer than a ‘fairytale’ ending (I’m talking about ‘Disney- like’ endings). No matter, I get this rejection most of the time- these looks that read ‘sub-human’ when I share any of my writing and I was shaking inside. After my first poem, everyone knew it was my writing because I was asked that question, and I answered it honestly.

At the end of my second poem I looked up, realized people were listening, and I wasn’t getting odd looks from classmates. I realized that my classmates were open-minded and cared about what I had written… what I had read. I was relieved. I thank them so much for being so unprejudiced. It meant the world to me and it will make my future speeches easier knowing I’m not being criticized so harshly.

So all I can say is thank you.

-Sabrina

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

It is Okay to Hurt, Cry, Fear and Laugh. Laugh as often as You Can. Laughter is Magical.

As I was sitting listening to everyone give their readings in class it was an experience that I enjoyed.   There were so many different readings.  A funny one I enjoyed was a “Boy Named Sue”.  Yes being a boy named Sue really would make you tough.  So many of the readings were about encouragement.  Get up and try again.  You inspired me.  I am so glad to have been part of it and I can’t wait to hear the rest.

How did my reading go?

Well, the audience was sitting on the edge of their seats hanging to every detail as I poured my heart out, giving encouragement as I went along.  Afraid to tell my story because I am so ashamed.   I don’t know how I was able to read it.  I remember standing there shaking, trembling, then praying, Dear GOD let me get thru this.  I took a breath, tried to look thru the tears and was able to continue. As I looked out into your eyes, I felt such compassion and caring,  I couldn’t help but be thankful I was able to tell you my story.   Continuing thru it, I was able to see hope again.

I learned after the reading that it is okay to hurt, cry, fear, and laugh, laugh as often as you can.  Laughter is magical!  I pray that I will be able to continue to laugh and to give my girls laughter day after day.   I hope thru my story you may be able to take a piece of it and hold on.  There is so much strength inside each one of you, that you have no idea that it is there.  Reach deep down when things get tough and remember you will get thru it no matter what.

If I am able to do the things that I can, each one of you can do so much more.

Believe.  Love.  Laugh.

Tina

What public speaking is to me, and the discovery of myself

I have always known that speech is basically a portal into someone’s soul, unfortunately I have had issues with speaking in front  of people.  When I started this class I did not know what to think because I have always been a follower instead of the one that gets up and takes the bull by the horns.  The first time I took a speech class I understood what it meant to be overwhelmed. Speaking to people comes natural to me, but speaking in front of people is a challenge.  Along the lines of my first attempt at speech class, I hurried the speech never thinking how badly I sounded, even though I had all of the material, to me I thought that I sounded like a fool, and the teacher graded me accordingly. This was on top of me being left to do an English project all by myself, one that included doing the interviews and preparing the paper. The other person got a better grade than I did even though I had done all of the work.

I am looking forward to this class because the last several nights that we have had to stand up in front of the class and explain what we chose to write about. This has helped me realize that there is nothing to worry about.  This class has been one of the more interesting classes I think I’ve had yet. I’m going to go on to a four-year institution in hopes of finally getting my bachelors degree, and with that I am sure that I am going to see more speaking in front of the class.

With my career choice I am certain that I will be utilizing these skills of speaking in public more often than not, because one day I hope to be running a juvenile facility or at least working as a parole/probation officer.  My life’s dream is to help kids, and if I can reach just one, I guess that’s a start.

 

Danielle

What We Can Learn from Polar Bears

I snapped the photo of a polar bear at the Columbus, Ohio zoo last summer. As I was thinking of what I wanted to talk about in my blog the picture came to mind.  In the picture the bear came out of the water and was on his stage in front of many people. He had their complete attention. Although  the bear was not speaking,  the crowd was listening and taking in every move he made which is what we want when we are giving our own speech.  When the bear jumped up on his stage he began to shake the water off of his thick coat.  The water was uncomfortable for the bear, it weighed him down and kept him from moving as freely as he would have liked.

How does this relate to us?   I think that we should try to behave in the same manner. Speaking in public makes us uncomfortable. We may feel weighed down and anxious. Maybe we should try the bears mannerism and shake off what makes us uncomfortable so that we may be able to move and speak more freely and also listen to our class mates as attentively. That being said I only pray that I will be able to pull off these actions.  I know most people are apprehensive about speaking in front of crowds. Therefore, we are not alone.  I hope to gain confidence from this class, confidence that I may take with me through out the rest of my life and into my career.

Randa

Farewell

Our speech class ended yesterday. I truly feel like I learned a lot. Each and every speech each of you did, brought out a little more of you guys as each speech was spoken. I never realized how much speaking can bring out someone. I know each speech I did, you all learned a little more about me. Every one of your guys’ speeches brought something new, different, or something enhanced from yourselves.

This was an adventure. You didn’t know what to expect each day. Some days it was :Cupcakes, EDIBLE clay, rainbow cupcakes, horses, etc.

I never knew a college class could be so creative. I’m just used to normal lectures and finals. There was no final or mid-term, but our speeches were about US and not just what we learned. I definitely feel like I’ve improved on my speaking and preparing speeches. It seemed like the quarter went by so fast.I enjoyed all of it. Nichole’s horse, the food, & everything else. I bet everyone else learned new things from other speeches too.

Colleges need more classes like this. Because, you can be yourself and you will actually look forward to coming to class! It’s not like me to miss any classes, but I missed two. I missed out on a few speeches that had to have been excellent! But, I know a lot of you are graduating with Ashley and I want to let each and every one of you guys know that I wish you good luck. I thought this class was going to difficult, but I was wrong. I didn’t realize at the beginning that there were no limits to what you could speak about. Even if it was controversal, negative, or positive. I enjoyed telling you guys a little more about me since I don’t talk very much. I am shy as all of you know. Thanks for all of the support. Farewell and good luck again – even to the ones who aren’t graduating.

Dylan

Speech Class- Coming to an End :(

Wow, so we have just two more days of this class! When I scheduled speech for this quarter I remember myself repeatedly saying, “I don’t want to take a speech class, I’m going to hate it.” I felt this way because the thought of giving speeches in front of a class frightened me. Well, turns out this has been my favorite class by far! I don’t think I have ever had a class that was this much fun, honestly. Throughout this course I met new people, learned a lot about people I didn’t know before, and even people I already knew. From the fun activities we did at the beginning of this course to the awesome speeches we now hear during each class- this class was great and it has taught me so much.

I have given three speeches so far, and with only the persuasive speech left I think it is safe to say that my favorite speech that I have given is my informative speech on Valentine’s Day. I just really had a great time with this speech. It was one that I had a lot of fun with. I got to give it on Valentine’s Day and I even made treat bags for everyone. This was the speech that I felt most comfortable with, and I think it was because it was a topic that I could have a lot of fun with and the smiles on everyones faces after handing out treat bags also helped!

Last week we all brought in visual reflections of what we have learned or how we feel about the class, and it was so interesting seeing what everyone brought in. There were some really creative ideas! I brought in my penguin pillow pet.

At the beginning of this course I was so nervous about giving speeches, and after learning all that I have and receiving all the positive comments from my great fellow students and our great teacher, I am so relaxed and calm when giving speeches! That is what I feel has been the biggest change in me throughout this class. When I want to relax or get comfortable I grab my pillow pet, therefore my pillow pet represents the change in me- now being calm and relaxed when giving speeches.

I can’t wait to give my persuasive speech, even though it’s sad that it’s my last one. This class has been awesome and I am so thankful I took it. To my teacher and classmates- Thank you!!! Thank you for being so accepting, positive, and kind! You all are great. I’m definitely going to miss this class!

Visual Reflection

All the visuals were so good, and I enjoyed viewing everyone’s visual and seeing what everyone learned or gained from the speech class. I just wish I was more creative it would have made the task more easier, for some reason I could not find anything else to do other than a poster. I am also now getting nervous about the next and final speech I am ready for it to be over not the class just the speech. The last two speeches have been the hardest for me and I don’t know why?

Carly

Public Speaking is an Art

We are supposed to write an Informative speech for the following week. After reviewing some past speeches I am wondering what to write. Should I come up with something shocking, boring, funny? I haven’t decided yet.

As for reviewing the class, I think it is a great class. I definitely needed this class to improve on public speaking. This is a talent, or should I say art, that I want to improve and master, as it will be integral to a professional career.

I am sick and tired of the cold weather. I now know that I truly belong back in southern California where it is always warm.

 

Thomas