Week 2: Discussion Question 2

Watching the Speech Buddy videos was a refresher of what was covered in the book through chapter 2. Janine explained how to best prepare for a speech, which is good information. The steps she outlined were: visualization, relabeling and relaxation. I've always thought of visualization as the most effective in preparation for being upfront because you are imagining yourself in the location of where you will give your speech and are anticipating the reactions or questions of the audience. Maybe even going to the classroom where we meet would be a good idea (when it's empty, of course), so we could practice the location. It's an idea anyway for those who want to visualize in the exact spot.

Through this video I learned more about relabeling (even if it was only touched upon briefly). Assigning positive association with what tends to be a negative word (e.g. nervousness, stress, etc.) can be a motivator for improvement. The relaxation techniques were helpful too...I love deep breathing and breathing exercises. Who wouldn't want to reduce their heart rate level and stress? I'll definitely be applying the relaxation tips before I do my speeches.

Week 2: Discussion Question 1

Thankfully I have never been too apprehensive when it comes to public speaking. But that's not to say I don't get a little nervous before going out to speak or perform for a group of individuals; it's totally normal to get nervous, even beneficial in some circumstances. However, what tends to make me a little apprehensive before public speaking is doubting my abilities as a speaker and my speaking abilities. The first section in chapter two of our textbook, Public Speaking: The Evolving Art, depicts a table of "Uncertainties of Public Speaking." I found this useful because on the page following the table it gave information of how to avoid doubting in one's own abilities.

Uncertainties as a public speaker can stem from not knowing what to do when giving a speech. In high school, when I gave speeches on a regular basis, I often times did not know what to do with my body language. I know I didn't want to stand completely still, lifeless, so I would try to use my arms and hands. Sometimes it ended up with me looking rather silly, said my friends. I think imagining beforehand what one is going to do during the speech gives the opportunity to plan out movements, emphasis on certain parts of the speech, etc. That's why one should always prepare in advanced and not procrastinate until the few days before the speech is to be presented. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, "Don't put off till tomorrow what can be done today."

Introduction

Hello fellow classmates!

It was nice getting to know all of you the other night through the introductory speeches. Just so you know who I am on here, I'm Jose, however my alias name on here is JC. This is my last year here at Sierra College, then transferring to CSU Sacramento. So many of us plan to go to Sacramento State. I guess most of us just want to stay close to home?

The background I applied on this blog is my hometown, Napa. I lived there for the first fifteen years of my life. In the early mornings you can see several hot air balloons taking tourists on tours, by air obviously. Napa is only about an hour northeast of San Francisco. Definitely worth a visit if you're ever in the Bay Area.

Anyway, I like blogging. I have two other personal blogs, one on which I don't update often. Does anyone else blog too? I think our class will benefit from blogging on here. Anyway, I'm sure we'll all do great in this public speaking class. Lets remember to be supportive and tactful when critiquing. Cheers to a great semester!