Chapter Presentations Feedback by Kamryn Samuels

Introduction to Public Speaking has been a very interesting class so far. I would like to begin by saying that all three groups did an amazing job. Each group was able to get their point across. Group 1’s presentation was concise, organized, and straight to the point. Each group member was easy to understand and the presentation itself was very eye catching. I took many things away from their presentation. Group 1 had chapters 1-4, the chapter & topic that stood out to me the most was chapter 2 with “Foundations of Public Communication”. One of the group members explained how there are 5 parts of public communication (invention, organization, style, understanding/memory, and delivery) that can help an individual give a successful speech. They even went as far as to show a video of Jessica Biel delivering a speech that was in reference to the text, it shows how the 5 cannons can help one give a remarkable speech. The speech was given calmly with no over exaggerations. It was shown that the speaker in the video was organized. But not only that, the audience fully grasped and understood what was being said to them. It was very evident that they understood due to their reactions. I learned that it is important to make sure that the audience is receptive to what is being said. Group 1’s presentation was extremely detailed and informative.  

Group 2’s presentation was exceptional. Each group member, including myself, had a good amount of information to give. Group 2 had chapters 5-9, I will say that even though I am the one who completed the first part of Chapter 6, Chapters 7 and 9 really caught my attention. Two of my group members made great point how to effectively deliver a speech. I learned that it is essential that the speech is easy for the speaker and even the audience to understand, this is because it is important that there is no confusion. I also took away the 5 modes of delivering a phenomenal speech, these are known as memorized, extemporaneous, manuscript, and impromptu speeches. Chapter 9 was about how technology can be used to give a speech. Visual aids and different forms of imagery are great ways of delivering a speech that keeps the audiences’ attention, the audience is also more likely to remember the things that were said during the speech. One of my group members mentioned a 10-year-old girl named Adora Svitak. She was presenting for a TED talk, and I noticed she used different forms of sensory and visuals aids. This is what most likely helped her get her point across. Using very appealing forms of imagery will always help with delivering a great presentation, no matter the audience. I also learned that it is important to keep the audiences’ attention due to the fact that humans’ attention tends to be extremely short. This helps me to remember to always add different forms of sensory aids so that my audience stays engaged with what I am saying. I learned that having the audiences’ undivided attention leaves no room for confusion. Group 2’s presentation was wonderful. 

Although last but not least, Group 3’s presentation was outstanding. Each group member stayed on topic, while giving great examples and references for what they were speaking about. The entire presentation was great, but there are a couple of things I learned myself as a fellow presenter. For Chapter 10, one of the group members stated how it is important to build on what the audience already knows and to use humor so that they understand the message being delivered to them. I learned that if you build on what the audience already knows, they will be more likely to receive and accept the information that is given to them. Adding humor to the presentation will also assist in making the information given more interesting, this will also help the audience remember the key points given during the presentation. I realized that if the presentation is not understood or comprehended by the audience then there really is no point in presenting. Another group member talked about Chapter 11 and how one should think critically in order to improve the message. I learned that you need 3 things to improve your message you need clarity, structure, and counterarguments. Reasoning also helps keep your message organized. The audience will be able to follow along easier if there is a sense of clarity. This will help to enhance the message. Group 3’s presentation was phenomenal. 

All in all, each group did an extraordinary job on their chapter presentations. It was our first time presenting as a class, but I believe we did a great job. All the presentations were well put together, and everyone made sure they stayed on topic. I just wanted to talk about how I think I did as an individual. I think I did great in my delivery and the organization of my part of the presentation was amazing. One thing I will say is, I really have to improve the way I speak when presenting. I enunciate my words properly, but since this is a public speaking class I need to slow down when talking. If I am speaking too fast nobody would be able to understand me the right way, and it is very important that listeners understand what I am trying to say. I also think that the intonation of my voice is extremely important. If the intonation of my voice is off, then listeners may misinterpret what I am trying to say and how I am trying to say it.  Personally, I think that my eye contact should be better, since this is a Zoom class, I think looking directly into the camera would also help me present to my full potential. Keeping eye contact helps the listeners know that as the speaker I am truly confident in the message that I am bringing forth. As the weeks go by and we continue to present, I am confident that all of us as a class will improve our public speaking skills and become more confident within ourselves to speak greatly and freely.