Course Reflection 2

Looking back at the beginning of the semester, I can say that my feelings about public speaking have changed significantly. Before taking this course, I wasn’t very comfortable speaking in front of an audience. I would often get nervous, lose my train of thought, or struggle to find the right words to say even stuttering sometimes. One of my biggest challenges was trying to speak without using filler words such as “um” or “uh”. However, throughout this course, I have become more comfortable expressing myself and presenting information in a clear and organized manner.

At the beginning of the semester, my three main goals were to become more confident when speaking, improve my ability to organize my thoughts, and communicate more effectively with my audience. I think I have made significant progress toward achieving these goals. Through my assignments such as my informative speech on how to change tires and my speech about sexual assault and harassment prevention, I learned how important preparation, research, and practice are when delivering a successful speech and presentation. I also learned how to create effective outlines, use visual aids, and maintain the audience’s attention throughout speech.

Although I have improved, I still heavily believe there are areas where I can continue growing. For example, I would like to become better at speaking without relying too heavily on notes. I also want to improve my ability to think quickly and respond confidently when speaking without preparation. These are skills that I think will benefit me both personally and professionally, especially during my military career, where communication and leadership are extremely important.

If I could give advice to a future student taking this course, I would tell them to take every assignment seriously and practice as much as possible. Public speaking can be intimidating, but preparation makes a big difference. I would also encourage students not to become discouraged by making mistakes because it’s all a part of learning at the end of the day. Recording yourself, reviewing your speech, and providing your own feedback can help you become a better speaker.

Overall, this course has taught me that effective public speaking isn’t simply about standing in front of people and talking. It requires confidence, preparation, organization and the ability to connect with an audience. I’m grateful for the skills I have developed, and I plan to continue improving them beyond this semester.