Speech Buddy Chp 6

I felt that Matthew’s speech was really informative with a lot of trust worthy facts. The way he presented his information made him sound credible. When he made a mistake like pronouncing a word wrong, he just corrects himself. Throughout the whole speech he spoke at a good pace, not too fast or too slow. He also used transparences to show facts about his topic and nothing he didn’t have technophobia. Watching the videos showed me how fast I should be talking and I should go to the main points in my speeches. Following the outlines for the videos gave me a better idea of what to write on my note cards.

Interesting concept chapter 5

I read a passage about how people multitask a lot when they are doing things. Like how when someone is watching a small clip from the internet and at the same time they can be listening to music or texting on their phone. According to the book, people like rapid information but a speaker shouldn’t deliver their information the same way. The audience wants more than just bits of information and it’s up to the speaker to capture their attention. I recall back in high school during presentations and speeches, there were always people whispering to each other, texting, or even listening to their mp3s. It was rude of them but the speakers themselves were kind of boring and bland when they were presenting.

The importance of audience analysis and audience adaptation

The audience believes that the speaker is trustworthy when a speech is given. The speaker must show that they are trustworthy about their information and need the audience’s attention. The audiences will trust the speaker more if the speaker sounds like they know what they are talking about. It’s also a good to go to the speech place and check out the room to get an idea of where the speech is going to be held. I know that most of my audiences are my fellow classmates and that they all go to the same school attending the same class as me for the same reason. I can go on their blogs and read some of their posts to get a better idea of who they are. I also plan to go to the place where the speech will be held sometime next week before the speech is given.

Concept from chapter 6

I find it interesting how there are different ways to ask questions. Depending on how I ask a question can determine what kind of answer I receive. Chapter 6 mentioned neutral questions that are unbiased wanting direct answers and leading questions that are answers that I want. I’ve realized that we ask questions all the time but didn’t know that that there are different categories for them. The chapter also mentioned how questions should be neutral and opened ended. That reminded me of when I have to give an interview and my teacher said that we can’t have questions that are yes or no, and how the answer should be an explanation. I guess if it were to be a yes no thing it might as well be a survey.

Chapter 6 videos

A lot of the teachers always inform us how the library has a lot of useful resources. One of the videos also mentioned the same thing but they also mentioned about how librarians can be a great help and there are books on interviewing. I learned that I shouldn’t just use a few resources and should look for more and to make sure they are reliable. In the past I just used the internet for gathering information and didn’t even bother to check if the information came from a reliable source or not. Now I know that I need to do research on my research to make sure it’s fake.

Experiences with conducting research interviews

I remember that I had interviewed my boss’s son about his career for a homework assignment. He was a tax preparer who majored in economics. My purpose for interviewing him was to see what it was like to have a career in business because that’s what I wanted to major in. The interview went well, I got a lot of information but I think it could have gone better. I asked general questions like how and why he went into a business major, what are some benefits and any tips. I probably should have practiced the interview before doing it. When I asked him for the interview I was kind of nervous. An advice would be to write down all questions you might have for the interviewee, so when you are interviewing you won’t have to worry about forgetting a question or anything.

Speech Buddy Videos

In video 2.2 it mentioned about choosing a topic that you like, that would make it easier to talk about since it’s something you like. I think it makes sense that a speaker should be interested in the topic they’re going to give a speech about. I recall back in high school where everyone was forced with topic they didn’t care about and had to present it. On the day of presentation everyone just presented with no enthusiasm and it was just something everyone wanted to do it and get it over with. Jessica from the video looked really happy when she was giving the speech. Like the other videos mentioned using positive thinking and rejecting negative thoughts can help a person feel better about giving their speech. From the videos I learned that choosing topics you like will make it easier to talk about and using positive thinking.

One concept I found interesting in chapter 2

There are three methods to help ease nervousness when giving a speech. There are relaxation techniques to reduce symptoms of stress by breathing. Before giving speeches I’ve always took deep breaths but it only calms me down until I have to give the speech. I guess it takes more than breathing exercises to calm down nervousness. Relabeling is another way, where the speaker uses positive words instead of negative words to help them feel better about giving the speech. The third method is where visualization is used, imagining the speech going well will help the speaker see that the speech will go well and not bad. I think these methods will work if the speaker thinks that it will work with a positive look on it.

What makes you apprehensive about public speaking?

In chapter 2 it talked about illusion of transparency and how people believe that others are watching them closely even though they aren’t. I have the illusion of transparency and I get scared and nervous when I’m on the spot light about to give a speech. I’m also generally one of those quiet and shy people, sometimes I get nervous just talking to strangers. The book said practicing a lot will help the speaker gain more confidence. In the past I’ve never practice a lot for my speeches or presentations, the most was like 3 times afterward I just felt like I’m ready. Then on the day of presentation I start doubting myself and I lose confidence.