1st blog assignment by Angelina Thomas

    When I look back at our group’s presentation, I feel like we did a really good job with Chapter 1. Our topics was about how public speaking is both a skill and an art, and each of our chapters connected to that idea in a different way.I started off with Chapter 1, “The Evolving Art of Public Speaking.” I wanted to set the foundation for everything else, so I covered the history and importance of public speaking. I explained how it began in ancient Greece and Rome, with Aristotle’s ideas of ethos, pathos, and logos, and the Five Arts of Public Speaking. I thought this was important to include because even though these ideas are thousands of years old, they still shape how we give speeches today. My favorite part was showing how public speaking has adapted through different eras. The Classical Age, the Middle Ages, the Industrial Age, and now the Digital Age. I think that part really grabbed people’s attention because we could all see how the way people communicate has changed over time, but also how public speaking is still a constant.

I also wanted to stress why public speaking matters to all of us, not just to politicians or famous people. In my slide on public speaking as a life skill, I explained how it helps us build confidence, do better in school and careers, and succeed in everyday interactions. Finally, I talked about the three big challenges speakers face today: ethics, diversity, and critical thinking. I think those points made the chapter feel very relevant, because they connect directly to the challenges we see in communication now.

After me, Brayleen presented Chapter 2, “Building Your Confidence.” I thought she did a great job because it felt relatable. Almost everyone in class has some form of speech anxiety, so when she listed symptoms like sweaty palms, a racing heartbeat, or forgetting what you were going to say, I know many people related to that. She broke down the causes too, like not being used to presenting or worrying about being wrong, and I liked that she was honest about how fear is normal. The best part of her section was the solutions such as visualizing success, preparing early, and reflecting afterward. It was encouraging to hear that nerves never completely go away but can actually be turned into energy that makes your speech stronger.

Next was Angeline with Chapter 3, “Ethical Speaking and Listening.” Her section made me think about how communication is more than just what you say. She emphasized that ethics in speaking means being truthful, fair, and responsible, but she also reminded us that listening is just as important. I liked how she explained ethical listening as keeping an open mind, respecting the speaker, and holding people accountable if needed. Her slides were simple but powerful, especially the reminders to avoid plagiarism and to cite sources. For me, her chapter connected really well to mine, because we had just talked about Aristotle’s appeals, and ethics is a huge part of credibility.

Finally, Albert and Courtney covered Chapter 5, “Adapting to Your Audience.” Their section tied everything together perfectly. They explained why knowing your audience is so important, because if you don’t know who you’re speaking to, you can’t really connect. Albert went over demographics and diversity, while Courtney explained situational analysis and engagement strategies. I liked the examples they gave, like asking questions, telling relatable stories, and using participation to keep the audience involved. Courtney also added a video and talked about how enthusiasm makes a difference, which kept things lively. 

Group 2 focused on research and evaluating information, and I appreciated their tips about using credible sources, avoiding plagiarism, and asking critical questions. I liked that they emphasized not just finding information, but actually checking its accuracy, relevance, and authority. That made me think about how often people just grab the first thing they see on Google without asking if it’s really reliable. Their reminder to take careful notes and paraphrase to avoid plagiarism felt useful too. I could see myself using their strategies in both speech writing and other college assignments. Group 2 also explained outlines, and I didn’t realize there were different kinds—working, complete-sentence, and speaking outlines. That was a practical takeaway for me. Seeing the difference between an outline that helps you brainstorm, one that maps out your whole speech in detail, and one that you actually use during delivery made me think differently about preparation. I realized that organization isn’t just about knowing what you want to say, but also about shaping it in a way that makes sense to the audience.The chapters on language and word choice stood out too. I thought it was interesting how they explained that language changes with culture and context, and that choosing words carefully shapes how your audience understands you. They also reminded us that language can include or exclude people depending on how it’s used, which made me reflect on times when a speaker unintentionally made people feel left out. I think that lesson applies not just to public speaking, but also to how we talk to people in everyday life.

Group 3 presented Chapter 9 which talked about grabbing attention, stating a thesis, and ending with impact, which I know is something I can personally work on. I tend to jump into my main points without really setting the stage, so it helped to see clear examples of how an introduction can draw people in and how a conclusion can leave them with something to remember. Chapter 10 reminded us to use vivid, inclusive, audience-centered language to make a speech more engaging. I liked that they also encouraged us to spark imagination and emotion, since that’s what makes a speech memorable. Chapters 11 and 12 gave some of the most helpful advice. I liked the reminder to keep visuals simple so they don’t distract from the speaker, and the tips about practicing with body language and timing were spot on. It made me notice how some classmates looked more comfortable because they clearly practiced, while others seemed more nervous. It showed me that preparation really does pay off, and it motivated me to practice more before my next speech/presentation.

Group 4 that presented informative and persuasive speeches also did a great job. I liked the five strategies they gave for making an informative speech effective like keeping it educational but also engaging. Their advice about connecting the topic in a meaningful way stood out because it showed that even an informative speech should feel personal to the audience. They also emphasized being ethical in persuasion, which I thought was a valuable point. Persuasion isn’t just about convincing people, it’s about respecting them and using honesty while still trying to influence their opinions.Lastly, chapter 17 showed how public speaking isn’t just about formal speeches. Sometimes it’s about teamwork, listening, and responding to questions respectfully. I thought it was a good reminder that communication happens in many formats, not just on a stage. Being able to handle questions, think on your feet, and stay respectful even in disagreement are skills that I know will help me outside of class too.

Overall, I really enjoyed both giving our presentation and listening to the others. Our group worked hard to make our slides understandable and our points clear. At the same time, the other groups gave me practical tools and insights that I’ll use in future speeches. I liked how each group had its own style and focus, but they all connected to the bigger idea of becoming better communicators. If I had to summarize what I took away from all the presentations, it’s that public speaking is about more than just standing in front of people it’s about confidence, preparation, ethics, adaptability, and connection.