Thoughts on dry-run (9-25-2019)
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In class, we were to write an essay on happiness based on what we have learn from different authors and our perspective on the matter. Personally, English has never been my best subject, which also indicates that I’m not a very strong writer. My essay had a lot information from the authors, but there was not enough on my opinion. I am not quite sure as to why I did not have any of my thoughts in my essay, but it will sure be added in the final draft. Although, my first draft was “okay”, I think the revisions that I have made were good. This is because of the help of my classmates input on what should be revised throughout my essay. By the time the final draft is due, I am confident that my essay will be much better than the first.
Monday (September 16th) my public speaking class was assigned to prepare a speech on a skill that we have. I had thought about my skill and prepared an outline. Walking into class I was generally on track for my speech about skill. I had finished a draft of my outline and I thought I knew what I wanted to do for my prop, therefore all that needed to be done was practice. I thought that I was on track to present by the due date, but I was mistakenly wrong. As we were working in class, I realized that the prop was not something that could be done within the classroom. With the help of my classmates I was able to figure it out. My classmates had recommended that I make a video, which will eliminate any possible safety concerns to my presentation. I believe that now I am ready for my presentation. My next steps would be preparing for a video for the class, that way I do not burn down the classroom. Then, what I can do is bring the final product or the equipment needed for the skill. By the time I present I should have my outline, props, and video figured out. That way when the time comes, my presentation will flow smoothly, without any hiccups. I hope that my presentation will go as successful as I hope.
Throughout my high school years, I had many presentations to accomplish in order to allow me to graduate. Each of the presentations, were my worst nightmare. The experiences that I have with practice always seems to be going well, up until my turn to present in class. I would practice how I would present my information to the class alone in my room. As I repeatedly practice, the information I was presenting would also become memorized in my head. At home I found that my confidence level is pretty high; I would go into school feeling confident in my presentation. However, when I got into class and sat in my seat is when I begin to panic. My breathing is no longer even and the confidence I had walking into school diminishes. The teacher calls my name and I am forced to walk up in front of the class and present my information. My pulse races and I start to deliver my information in a fast manner. Throughout the presentation, I forget to take my time when delivering my information to the class and I just start speaking very quickly. The experience that I have with practice go very smoothly, until I stand in front of the class.
The first chapter of this book gives the reader a background and tips on public speaking Public speaking is one form of communication. Public speaking is used when a speaker delivers a message to an audience, and this skill is one of the most important skills to master for a job. This skill originates from the city of Athens, where they spoke out about policies and their beliefs. Throughout the chapter, what I found significant is the process of delivering and preparing a speech. This is due to my lack of knowledge on doing so. However, I found it interesting when I learned that the language used in a speech is more rhythmic and uses a simpler language. The act of purposely putting in rhythm did not cross my mind. This section of this book has allowed me to see public speaking in a different perspective.
During my time in high school, active reading was one of my weaknesses. The school tells you to not write in the books and to answer comprehension questions about the text. However, for the first weeks of class I feel like I have evolved more as an active reader. One of the first assignments that was given to me was to annotate the text Emerging. My feelings towards highlighting in the book? HORRIFIC! It felt like I had commited a sin. Although I struggled to be comfortable with annotating, I feel like I have improved. Currently, I am now able to highlight and write in the margins. Throughout the year, I hope to be able to ask questions/challenge the text about anything that seems skeptical to me and ask some rhetorical questions as well. Regardless of how bad I am with active reading, I believe that I will be able to improve active reading and make it one of my strengths.
