Speech #2 Self Evaluation

I believe my second speech was better than my first speech in some aspects. I am glad that I got to use Powerpoint because the content of my speech was emphasized through pictures rather than just words. I moved around less in my second speech, which is an improvement from my first speech because I was less nervous. I did not forget my visual aid this time. :)

My last speech was different from my first speech because of the content. I believe my last speech was easier for me to present because it was on a topic that I understood fairly well. However, my second speech was on something that I had just learned this semester, so it was a little more difficult for me to present because I wanted to gain my audience’s trust in my knowledge of this topic. I noticed that in my second speech I had very good eye contact during the introduction, but that faded because I was tempted to look at my Powerpoint. I believe I moved around less in my second speech, but I moved from different sides of the projection screen, which was distracting for my audience.

For my next speech, I would like to improve my content by using the Monroe’s pattern of organization to its fullest potential. It is very organized, so I am sure that if I gather the right facts and information, my content will be more understandable for the audience. I would also like to improve the delivery of my next speech by practicing more with Powerpoint. I want to improve on my eye contact by not only staring at my flash cards less, but also staring at my Powerpoint less as well. I would rate my eye contact at about a seven level. I would also like to improve my delivery by not doing anything distracting such as too much movement or hand gestures. I do not think that this has completely improved from my last speech, but hopefully it will improve by our third speech.

I achieved the purpose of my speech well because I presented it in the introduction and conclusion. I also used plenty of evidence to support my purpose such as clear explanations and pictures. I also included four citations in my speech, which made my evidence more trustworthy.

While doing my speech, I was less nervous than my first speech because I felt more prepared. Unlike my last speech in which I wore flats, I was much more comfortable in my sneakers. This made it easier to be stationary, even though I still moved around. I felt like Carol was a little upset because of the number of students that came to class this time, so that made me a bit nervous as well. Over all, my confidence was at an above average level because I practiced many times to understand the content of my speech.

If I got to do this speech all over again, I would definitely work better on time management. The program that I needed to use for my histograms (SPSS) was only available in Dudley Moorhead Hall, which is all the way across campus and only open on certain times and days. I needed more time to use SPSS so I could get more practice in. I would also practice more with Powerpoint to ensure that I would not stare at the screen and focus more on my audience. On a scale from A to F, I would give myself a solid B because I improved from my last speech. In my second speech, I did not forget my visual aid and I actually included four citations this time. I also moved around less, but not enough to make it seem less distracting. Much of my feedback from my peers stated that I spoke a little too quickly, which still did not compensate for my extended time of six minutes and twenty seconds. I am content with whatever grade I get, but I know that I did better than my first speech (enough to get in the A or B range). :)