When I think about this first presentation project in public speaking, I realize that these speeches were about much more than sitting in front of our computer and talking to the class completing an assignment. At first, I assumed the main goal would be learning how to deliver information in a clear way, but as I look back on the process as a whole, I see that it was also about building confidence, developing discipline, and learning to adapt in real time. These lessons go far beyond the classroom and into everyday life. Public speaking is a skill that will be useful in almost any situation, whether I need to give a professional presentation at work, pitch an idea to a group, explain a project to teammates, or even deliver a speech at a personal event like a wedding. Having multiple chances to practice in a safe classroom environment is going to allow everyone to make mistakes and grow from them. Each presentation gave me something new to think about and improve upon, and I see the entire project as a foundation for lifelong communication skills.One of the things I appreciated most about having multiple presentations is that it gave me repeated opportunities to listen to others take on how to present. Public speaking is not a skill you can master by just reading about it or watching others do it. You need to actually do it for your self to understand what it takes. You need to feel the nerves, hear your own voice, and work through the discomfort. When I presented, I noticed something new about myself sometimes positive, sometimes something I needed to fix. For example, I realized that I tended to speed up my pace when I get nervous. Therefore I need to work on slowing down my pace and being more aware of this and make a conscious effort to slow down. These kinds of realizations only come through practice, which is why I find the format of the class so helpful.At the same time, I believe there are things I could have done better. One of the biggest areas for improvement is preparation. I have a habit of procrastinating until a day or two before a speech. While I managed to pull my first group presentation together, I know that if I had started practicing earlier and more consistently, I would have felt much more polished and confident. Public speaking requires not only knowing your material, but also being comfortable with how you are saying it. That level of comfort only comes with repeated rehearsal. Moving forward, I plan to practice earlier and in shorter, more frequent sessions so that the material becomes second nature.Another strategy that I did not take advantage of this time, but which I know could help me a lot, is recording myself on video. In the past, I’ve used my phone to film practice runs of speeches, and then watched them back to look for improvements. Seeing yourself on camera is often uncomfortable, but it is one of the most effective tools for growth. When you watch yourself, you notice things you would never catch in the moment, your posture, your gestures, your facial expressions, or the way your tone changes without you realizing it.For example, when I have recorded myself before, I noticed that I tended to rock slightly back and forth when I was nervous. That wasn’t something I ever noticed during the actual speech, but on video it was obvious. Similarly, hearing my voice played back helped me become aware of where I sounded too monotone or where I was rushing. If I had done this for the first presentation project, I know I would have been able to adjust my body language and tone before stepping in front of the class. Next time, I plan to make video practice a regular part of my preparation.Another lesson I learned through this project is the importance of mindset. In the past, I often treated speeches like chores, something to “get through” rather than something to enjoy. But the more I participated in this class, the more I realized that public speaking is actually an opportunity to connect with people. If I go into a speech with the mindset of simply surviving it, the audience will sense that, and the speech will fall flat. But if I see it as a chance to share ideas, tell stories, and connect, the energy shifts completely.This mindset change is not always easy, especially when nerves get in the way. Still, I’ve learned that the more I lean into the process instead of fighting it, the more enjoyable it becomes. Enjoying the process also makes me less focused on being “perfect” and more focused on being authentic. I think this is a shift everyone in the class could benefit from, because when we all approach speeches with excitement instead of dread, the atmosphere in the room becomes more supportive and engaging.Another powerful tool during this project was feedback. Getting comments from the professor was very helpful, because it gave me a professional perspective on where I was doing well and where I needed to improve. Just as valuable, though, was the feedback from classmates. Hearing suggestions from peers gave me a different perspective. Sometimes classmates noticed things that I didn’t even think about, such as how my body language looked from the audience or how clear my transitions were between points. This kind of feedback gave me a more complete picture of my strengths and weaknesses.Watching my classmates also served as feedback in its own way. I noticed strategies that worked really well for others, such as pausing for emphasis or using personal stories to make the speech more relatable. These moments inspired me to adopt similar techniques in my own speeches. On the other hand, I also saw mistakes that reminded me of my own habits, like rushing through information or overusing filler words. Realizing that others struggled with the same challenges made me feel less alone and reminded me that we were all learning together.Overall, this first presentation project gave me a strong foundation for growth. I learned that preparation is key, that video practice is a powerful tool, that mindset makes a huge difference, and that feedback is essential. But perhaps the most important lesson I learned is that public speaking is not just about delivering information, it is about connecting with people.As I move forward in this class, my goal is to take every opportunity to practice and refine my skills. I want to start preparing earlier, record myself to catch small habits, and approach each presentation with a positive mindset. I also want to continue learning from both my professor and my classmates, because everyone has something valuable to offer.Most importantly, I want to shift from seeing speeches as a requirement to seeing them as opportunities. If I can do that, I know that each presentation will not only improve my skills, but also help me grow in confidence and self-expression. Public speaking may never feel completely easy, but with practice, feedback, and the right mindset, it can become something I look forward to instead of something I fear.
Great!! Very beautifully written reflection!
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