Jielianne Rodriguez - Elections Matter Review and Feedback

Julia Bojorquez

 Presentation Essay

I thoroughly enjoyed the four different presentations we covered, each diving into various aspects of public speaking and communication. They improved my understanding of the process and provided practical insights into developing my skills. From learning about the foundations of public speaking, to developing confidence, and mastering audience engagement, each presentation built on the previous one, and I found myself fully engaged in the material. The comprehensive exploration of these topics not only gave me the tools to improve my public speaking but also made me appreciate the complexity and art of effective communication.

The first presentation focused on the evolution and importance of public speaking. I found this introduction captivating, as it connected public speaking to its historical roots with philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It was fascinating to see how these ancient thinkers laid the groundwork for what is now considered a vital life skill. The idea that public speaking is not just a tool for presenting information but an art form that fosters social cooperation and influences audiences was eye-opening. I appreciated how the five arts of public speaking invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery were broken down. These components made me realize that a good speech doesn’t happen by accident. Each step, from brainstorming ideas to delivering the speech with confidence and clarity, is essential to crafting a compelling message.

I particularly enjoyed learning about the "style" element of public speaking, which involves using rhetorical techniques and tone to engage an audience. I’ve always struggled with finding the right balance between being formal and approachable, so understanding how to add personality and resonance to a message was incredibly helpful. Additionally, the emphasis on delivery how body language, voice, and eye contact impact audience perception was something I immediately wanted to practice. This presentation gave me a solid foundation for understanding the mechanics of public speaking, and I left it feeling both informed and inspired.

The second presentation, which focused on developing and researching a speech, was equally engaging but in a more practical sense. I’ve always found the idea of researching and structuring a speech overwhelming, but this presentation broke it down in a way that made it feel manageable. The concept of brainstorming stood out to me, particularly the suggestion to step out of my comfort zone to generate new ideas. I loved the creative tips, like listening to different types of music or visiting unfamiliar places, to spark inspiration. I realized that creativity in public speaking doesn’t come from rigid formulas but from allowing yourself to explore different perspectives and ideas.

Moreover, the emphasis on crafting a clear thesis statement and identifying a specific purpose for the speech was enlightening. I often find myself losing focus when preparing presentations but learning how to define a clear objective and develop a working outline has already improved my approach. The discussion on avoiding plagiarism and using credible sources was also valuable, reminding me of the ethical responsibilities involved in speechwriting. Overall, this presentation was packed with practical advice that I could immediately apply, and it made the entire process of developing a speech feel much more accessible.

The third presentation delved into beginning and ending a speech effectively, and this was perhaps the most useful for me. I’ve always known that the introduction and conclusion of a speech are crucial, but I didn’t fully understand why until this presentation. The concepts of the "primary" and "recency" effects how people remember the beginning and end of a speech more clearly than the middle really hit home for me. It made me realize that if I don’t grab the audience’s attention right away, I’ve lost a significant opportunity to make an impact.

Learning how to develop an introduction that establishes credibility and captures attention was one of my biggest takeaways. I appreciated the emphasis on creativity and considering the speech’s purpose when crafting an attention-grabber. Similarly, the importance of a strong conclusion was something I hadn’t given enough thought to before. The idea of reinforcing the key message with memorable closing words or inspiring action resonated with me deeply. I also enjoyed the sections on using language effectively particularly the differences between denotative and connotative meanings, and how language can evoke both logical and emotional responses from the audience. The intersection of language and culture, and how they shape public speaking, was also incredibly insightful, making me more conscious of the words I choose and the audience I’m addressing.

The fourth and final presentation explored the elements of argument and the power of communication technology, which brought everything full circle. Understanding how to build an argument using claims, evidence, and reasoning was incredibly helpful, especially since it’s a skill I can use beyond public speaking. The types of claims conclusion and premise helped me see how I can structure an argument more effectively. The emphasis on logos, or appeals to logic, reinforced the idea that a strong argument isn’t just about passion; it’s also about providing credible, factual evidence that the audience can trust.

I also found the discussion on distance speaking and media appearances relevant to the current digital age. The rapid growth of videoconferencing and digital media has changed how we communicate, and this presentation made me think about how I can adapt traditional public speaking skills to these new platforms. Whether it’s a Zoom meeting or a recorded presentation, the principles of good communication remain the same engaging your audience, resonating with their values, and delivering a clear, impactful message. This presentation left me excited about the possibilities of reaching wider audiences through technology, and it gave me the tools to improve my performance in these new digital spaces.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed all four presentations. Each one offered something unique, from the foundational theories of public speaking to practical strategies for research, organization, and delivery. I learned how to build my confidence, craft stronger speeches, and engage audiences more effectively, whether in person or through digital media. These presentations not only improved my public speaking skills but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the art and science of communication. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned in future speaking opportunities, knowing that I now have a solid foundation to build on.