Some Unexpected Friends

Another thing that really surprises me about this class is the way that it connects all the students in the class room together.  Most classes you can spend the entire quarter setting next to one person and never say a word to them.  Speech class is entirely different and you don’t have to be sitting next to someone to talk to them either.  We do so many things as a group that it’s almost impossible not to talk to everyone in the classroom at least once.  I think this is another reason why the speeches have become easier to give, because I’m no longer doing them in front of a group of strangers but instead a group of people that I consider my friends.

When I first started the class and noticed the way that Candee wanted all of us to work together I didn’t like it one bit.  Now I know that simple things like communicating in small groups go a long way in strengthening a persons public speaking skills.  I mean if you can’t talk to a few people in a small group how in the heck are you going to talk in front of a large audience.

Mark S

understanding communication between people

I have been around many people in my life, some people who were very educated and some not so much. Communication plays a big role in human society it is the foundation of our way of life. Some people have certain difficulty communicating with people, but in the situation that communication is needed, understanding how to communicate in a perfect manner is necessary on a regular basis. I work for a huge retail company that requires perfect communication and interaction with people on a regular basis. The reason I’m writing about this subject is to give my experiences to other people. I have a manager who’s communication skills are so poor that I don’t think she even understands her own words. When communicating with someone you need to show understanding, show respect, and for a manager, give your orders in an understanding and educated form. This manager I work for seems respectful enough but when she tries to explain something she pretends that you know exactly what she is talking about. Then when you mess something up or do something wrong, she speaks to you like you’re dumb. She tried giving a speech at work about harassment in the workplace and she totally did it the wrong way. I thought she should be in the speech class I’m in. But she doesn’t understand how to communicate with someone to the extent that when she’s finished, he or she doesn’t stand a chance of comprehending what she said. That’s why when we communicate with some one on any given issue we need to help the person understand and be direct but not too direct. For this manager’s situation she should ask if you understand or ask if you can do the job that she gives and be informal. I find that sometimes we may not communicate in the right way. That’s why I try to practice how I will talk to people on certain things  and show understanding.

Cody

Thank you everyone in this speech class

When I delivered my speech I was unsure how people would feel about me afterwards.  I have been hiding behind the fact that I have had people throw a lot of things in my face about my religion.  I was really pleased to see that I found support from the most understanding  groups of people. This too had me teary eyed because, for once I took the time with this class to get to know everyone, and seeing how diverse we  really are but seeking out the goal of an education.

Thank you everyone,

 

Danielle

Everything is coming together!!

With graduation right around the corner, you can tell everyone is getting excited.  We have one speech left and then we have nailed this class.  Some probably never thought they would make it this far but to their surprise this class was easier than they thought. 

demonstration speeches were wonderful!  Everyone has demonstrated something different, no two demos were the same.  I demonstrated how to take blood pressure and the importance of keeping your blood pressure normal. 

The visuals were pretty amazing also!  All we have left is the persuasive speeches. 

Thanks to everyone for making this a great class!!!

Annie

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.

“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.

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

How to cope

The last thing I wanted for my second speech was for it to be as sad and as hard on me as my first speech was. So I tried to make it one of hope.  That though cancer is a scary diagnose you can pull through it and any other stress placed on you. When I was finished I wasn’t sure if it came out right so I didn’t even look at my feedback papers till I got home….all I can say is thank you. Again my fellow classmates were supportive and caring.

I’ve learned that I can give a speech even though I hate to be the center of attention. Speech class has most definitely taught me that we ourselves are our own harshest critics.

Christina

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

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

Insights and Learning: Public Speaking

By reading the text, I have gained helpful tips about public speaking, including: using index cards instead of reading off material, connecting with the audience, understanding the audience as individuals rather than a blur of people who don’t care what you have to say and so on.  I already know more about public speaking then I did a week ago just by listening during class and looking through the text.  It is interesting to me that several celebrities have the same hardships with public speaking as I do.

I consider myself a decent listener and I try my best to think critically about what a speaker is presenting.  Communicating with my classmates and asking questions has informed me more about public speaking then I ever thought it would.  I believe that watching others perform their speeches will teach me the most.  Like most people, I consider speech inevitable when it comes to the real world and what most jobs call for.  You have to be able to speak clearly to others in order to get your point across.  People will never understand other people if they don’t practice giving speeches.  That is why I am excited for this semester and my speech class.

The only ‘experienced’ insight I have on public speaking is the fact that I have been assigned many presentations and projects in previous courses I have taken at Southern State, and at my high school.  In doing so, I have stuttered, talked too fast, spoke too quietly, rushed through things and almost passed out from complete nervousness.  Even though I advise most students not to do those things, they taught me a lot about how to present myself to an audience the right way.  I’m also not afraid to talk in front of people anymore.  I have never been terrified of public speaking, but having experience really does help.

Erin

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

Speech Class and Small Groups

Hi there! my name is Gideon Meyer and this is my first blog post.

Wow. I never thought I would be enjoying speech class, because I am in no way a public speaker. I’ve had to do it for my church a few times and I was part of a North Adams musical. I get nervous just thinking about standing up in front of people and telling them my ideas. Speech class with Mrs. Basford is different though. I feel at ease when I’m there listing and when I’m with my small group members. When we divide into small groups and told to make a poster with material  covered, we all just sit there. Slowly we start talking and before you know it all of us have our ideas on the poster. The posters may turn out a little girly, but its nothing new after growing up with 7 sisters.  Besides, the look of the poster doesn’t matter. It’s about talking and sharing with each other, and then sharing your ideas with the rest of the class. Standing with other people makes it easier to speak in front of people and knowing my group is nervous(probably not as much as me;) makes me feel comfortable, because, as said in class several times, nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes and this class is about how you learn from your mistakes. And how to sharpen your skills after each speech.

 

Gideon

We’re All In This Together

I’ve always had mixed emotions about taking a speech class because I tend to get nervous when speaking in front of a class/crowd. However, I have also had the urge to take a speech class because I want to try to get rid of my nervousness and learn how to speak more effectively in front of others. On the first day of class most of us students all agreed that nervousness is our main fear coming into this class. It was comforting for me to hear that not just me, but almost every single student in the class feared speaking in front of others.

We have given two group speeches now and I thought I would be nervous doing that even though I’d have other people up there with me, but I came to find out that it wasn’t as bad as I expected it to be. Unfortunately, when I have to give my own speech I don’t think I’ll be as relaxed as I have been when giving group speeches, but I believe I might not be quite as nervous as I have anticipated. After all, it’s basically the same thing just minus two or three other people being up there with me! It can’t be that bad right?

I believe that with the encouragement of Candee and my fellow classmates, I will be able to get through this class without completely stressing myself out. I already feel comfortable speaking in front of these particular classmates and I hope they feel comfortable speaking in front of me as well. All in all, I have positive thoughts and expectations about this class. I think this class will be a good experience for me and I know that it will help me throughout the rest of my life because whether I like it or not, I will probably have to speak in front of the public again at some point in my life. Many people make public speaking seem worse than it really is, but even after just being in this class for a little over a week, I have came to the realization that it’s not all that bad. There are many things in life worth stressing about, but giving a speech should not be one of them.  

Julie Shafer

My Thoughts on Public Speaking.

I came into this class thinking I was going to be taught how to speak clearer, like I have a little accent and thought I would get rid of it.  Instead, the first day of class I learned it was on Public Speaking.  I do not like to speak in front of people or crowds.  When I am called on to read aloud or answer a question, my face and neck turns red, my palms sweat and my mind goes blank.  I almost go into a panic attack just thinking I am going to have to stand up and actually speak.

There have been many life changing events that have happened to me over the past year and half, so I am going into this knowing I will be getting a lot out of it.  See I am going to be an Intervention Specialist (a Special Ed Teacher) and I am going to be speaking in front of people.

I am not a very confident person but that is something I am working on.  I know since taking this class people are interested in what I have to say.  There are so many good tips and lessons that I have already learned in just this past week and I can’t wait to learn more.  Learning to show an audience that I am not nervous is my favorite so far.  I’m learning not to panic when my name is called.  Telling myself everyone is nervous before a speech helps too, take a breath, it will be ok.  Be positive and be excited about giving a speech.  Don’t expect to be perfect. No one is.

There is a lot to listening.  When I ask the kids are you listening to me? I get the usual yea mom what did you say again?  I am going to share some listening tips with them.  Sit up straight and don’t take your eyes off the person talking is what I remember from school about listening.  Well you can do that and not think, at least not think about what the speaker is talking about.  When I listen to people now I will be using my new-found listening techniques.

Thanks and have a good day.

Tina

Ethics and Public Speaking

In speech class Monday we split into three groups. Each group made a poster to represent chapters 1, 2, and 3. My group had chapter 2. Chapter 2 discussed Ethics of a speech.  Our poster was decorated with a donkey and an elephant, they represented our government because when being a leader of a nation you do not want to offend anyone. We also had a clock to represent that you have to ethical all the time not just when it is convenient for you.

Our poster also had a hand waving and a thumbs up. These hand gestures were representing that in different cultures these hand gestures mean different things. So when you give a speech make sure you know your audience, so that way you will not offend anyone. Also on our poster we drew an open book to show that plagiarizing a speech is a bad thing to do. Chapter 2 taught me a lot on being ethical.

I learned that you need to be prepared when you give a speech. Being prepared means knowing your audience and making sure that its your ideas and thought and no one elses. Chapter 2 also says not to name call. Speech making is different that free speech because you really don’t want to points fingers at anyone because that makes you seem unethical. Also be honest in what you say. You don’t wanna tell lies because people won’t belive what you’re saying.

 

Casie

Early Assessment

During the fall quarter of this school year, I was informed that I needed a speech class in order for me to receive my associate’s degree. I scheduled this class for that reason only, thinking it was going to be one of those classes where you don’t really learn much. Man was I really in for a surprise. I’ve learned more in the first three days of class than I thought I would throughout the entire quarter. The best thing about what I’ve learned is that it’s not useless information that I’ll never use, like calculus, it’s information that will help improve one of the most important skills in life, being able to speak effectively in public. The things that I have found so far that will help me out the most is turning negative nervousness into positive nervousness and knowing that my speeches will not be perfect.

The biggest thing that almost everyone has to deal with while speaking to an audience is obviously nervousness. When I am nervous before a speech, I think of negative thoughts like, “I’m such a horrible speaker.” These types of thoughts cause me to lose confidence in myself and my speaking ability, usually resulting in a less than impressive speech. I’ve learned that it will help calm you down if you turn those negative thoughts and that negative nervousness into positive nervousness and into positive thoughts. Even thinking of your stage fright as stage excitement will help you get focused and energized for your speech. Turning my negative nervousness into positive nervousness will help me gain confidence in my speeches, hopefully improving them.

Throughout my life, I have been a perfectionist. I’ve always had to do everything exactly right, no matter what it was. I’ve learned that expecting your speeches to be perfect makes them seem more like a performance rather than a communication with your audience. I’m not perfect in conversations with friends, so I shouldn’t expect my speeches to be. I believe this will also give me confidence and it will help me calm down before and during my speeches.

Through only three classes, I’ve already became a better speaker. The crazy thing is, I haven’t even given a speech yet, I just know that the things I have learned up to this point will undoubtedly help me with my speaking ability.

Drew

Everyone is Different

Anyone in this world knows that not everyone are not the same, nor are we perfect. I know that speaking comfortably in front of others is not something I have perfected.

I graduated in 2010 and always kept to myself. I tend to be a little quiet and shy at times, but like I said, everyone is different. Speaking in front of others is not difficult for me but, I know it could be improved. This is why I look forward to Speech class. I know that this class will improve my speaking skills.

My major is Business Management and I know this class will help me in the future also. The text-book gives you great hints and tips for when you’re giving a speech. It also helps you prepare prior to your speech. I’m sure there are others out there absolutely petrified to give a speech and others who think they’re actually crazy for being afraid to give a speech. But, we can not judge a person by their fears and strengths. The text-book also helps the readers understand why “pre-judging” is not a good thing to do. If you “pre-judge” your current speaker, then you’re more likely not to listen to a word they say if it is a negative pre-judgment. It also can hurt you if it is a positive judgement. This is because if you’re all for the 1st speaker, then you’re likely to not listen to the 2nd speaker since you like the 1st speaker more. I also tend not to open up to a lot of people.I have noticed that our instructor is very open and wants her students to get to know one another instead of keeping near the individuals you’ve known prior to the class.

I know later in life there will be special occasions to where I’m going to have to make important speeches. And when that time comes, I will be ready.

-Dylan Mullen

If enough hard work, then you can achieve anything

I am currently in the “Art of Public Speaking” class. So far it has been wonderful. The first chapter informs you on speaking in public. I’m the type of person who will talk to you even if I do not know you. In Bill Horne’s Government class, the one I had to take for high school,  each student was required to do a power point presentation to the entire class on a subject to history. During mid-term week, Bill would call our names and have us write the date we wanted to present our knowledge gained. Each quarter when he would call my name, I would make sure I always chose the very first date possible to present. Of course, I had my days where I was a little nervous at first, but once I get up there, be myself, & just tell the class what I learned, then I was fine.

The text-book informs you that public speaking has been around for over 4,500 years. My major is in Business Management because my father and mother have a trucking, towing, wrecker, & snowplow company that I hope to run some day. Speech class allows you to make yourself comfortable whenever an individual will need to do a speech. Students do not realize that every time they communicate in a conversation that they are actually giving a speech, but with only a few individuals looking at you.

It is important for each of us not only in the speech class, but throughout the entire world to “listen” to everything someone says. Now, I’m sure there are other opinions out there, naturally, but every human-being deserves a chance. Not all people will have good points, opinions, etc, but we need to at least listen to see if they happen to have good thoughts. I think Speech class will not only help me through college, but also even if I manage to work hard enough to run my parents’ business.

By: Ashley Freeland