Dayanara Quesada - Reflection #1

 The Fear of Public Speaking

Why our nerves take the mic before we do, and how to take it back

Our first group presentation in the Intro to Public Speaking course was a strong success. Each of the four presentations demonstrated our growing ability to craft and deliver a speech, while also challenging us to improve our communication and listening skills. The dedication and effort from everyone involved were clearly evident. For a first presentation, the results were impressive, everyone did an excellent job fulfilling their roles.

Group 1: Chapters 1,2,3, & 5 — The Important Tricks for A Great Presentation

The opening (first)  group set a strong example for the rest of the groups, diving into the core principles of public speaking in a clear and engaging way. They introduced essential techniques like capturing the audience’s attention, structuring ideas logically, and delivering with confidence. They also emphasized the importance of knowing your audience, having a clear purpose, and managing nerves, something we could all relate to. Their practical advice, like rehearsing in advance and using breathing to stay calm, felt realistic and easy to apply, making the fundamentals feel approachable rather than intimidating.

Group 2: Chapters 4, 6, 7, & 8 — Getting Ready for A Successful Presentation

The second group built naturally on what we’d already learned, shifting the focus to how a speech is actually delivered. They broke down the main categories, informative, persuasive, and special occasion, and showed how the purpose behind a speech shapes everything from tone to structure. That really clicked, because without a clear goal, it’s easy to get lost before you even start writing. They also tackled a common struggle: picking the right topic. We’ve all faced that flood of ideas with no clear direction. Their tips on narrowing broad concepts into focused subjects made the process feel a lot more manageable. On top of that, they highlighted the value of solid research and using trustworthy sources, which felt especially relevant in a world full of misinformation. Their step-by-step guidance on organizing that research gave us a practical toolkit we could actually use.

Group 3: Chapters 9, 10, 11, & 12 — Getting Closer to That Great Presentation

The third group brought a more performance-driven approach to the table, focusing on how speech comes to life through word choice, visuals, and physical presence. They stressed the importance of keeping language clear and accessible, choosing words that fit the audience rather than complicating things for the sake of sounding impressive. It was a good reminder that clarity often beats complexity. They also dug into how visual aids, like slides, should enhance rather than overshadow the message. Their point about not simply reading off the screen hit home, it’s something we’ve all seen, and it quickly kills engagement. What stood out most was their attention to delivery: gestures, vocal tone, and pacing. They made it clear that even the best-written speech can fall flat if it’s delivered without energy or confidence. Their demonstration made that lesson stick.

Group 4: Chapters 13, 14, 15, 16, & 17 — The Different Types of Wonderful Presentations

The last and final group wrapped things up by exploring different forms of speeches and how to shape them for the people you’re addressing. They covered a wide range, from persuasive and informational to digital and ceremonial, and highlighted what sets each one apart. What really stood out was how they circled back to a key idea: understanding your audience. They opened and closed with this point, showing that even the most well-crafted message can fall flat if it doesn’t connect with who’s listening. Their message was clear, content means little without thoughtful delivery tailored to the crowd.

Overall Reflection:

From the initial planning phase to the final delivery, it was clear that everyone in their group played a key role in ensuring the overall success of the presentation. The collaboration, dedication, and mutual support proved by every team member were truly commendable. While public speaking can often be intimidating, this experience showed that with proper preparation and teamwork, even a nerve-wracking task can turn into a rewarding and successful endeavor. Everyone dedicated time to thoroughly research the assigned material, ensuring a solid grasp of the concepts and themes we needed to present. I was genuinely impressed by how knowledgeable and well-prepared everyone was. This dedication to understanding the material made the delivery more effective and engaging. Instead of merely reading off slides or reciting memorized lines, each speaker explained their points in a way that was clear, thoughtful, and tailored to our audience. Through this presentation, I was able to understand more of what public speaking really is. Why is it important, how to listen and understand what the speaker is trying to convey, the different type of public speaking that there are, how to prepare a speech, how to write a speech, how to communicate your ideas clearly, how to build confidence, influence others, and so much more. In conclusion, the first group presentation in our Introduction to Public Speaking Course was a meaningful and successful experience. Through it, I have gained a stronger understanding of the importance of preparation, collaboration, adaptability, and communication. I am proud of what each group achieved and inspired by the efforts of my classmates. This experience set a positive tone for the rest of the course and has made me more confident in my ability to contribute.