Eng315 week5

Discussion: Week 5 Discussion: Week 5 Speech Experts – From the e-Activity, describe two tips for effective speaking (not already described by another student) that you found on the Toastmasters International Website. Explain whether you find these tips to be useful or not for you.
=> One tip for effective speaking that I learned from the Toastmasters International (2011) website is “ Stimulate action.” It says that in presenting proposals, the presenter is doing more than just informing. The presenter here is trying to persuade. I find this tip useful because I was able to really apply it in the presentation I did. I was able to insert some argument points that not only inform my audience, but also influence them to believe that what I am presenting is the best proposal there is. Another tip from Toastmasters International (2011) for effective speaking is “ Organizing your proposal,” which again, I find very useful. Sometimes, we get to wrapped up in details that we fail to see where the presentation is really going. A good organization of ideas will lead the audience better towards the position the presenter wants them to be.
2. Delivery – Of the different types of speech delivery, identify which type or types you would feel most comfortable with and explain why. Identify and explain which type of speech delivery with which you would feel most uncomfortable. Describe what you could to do overcome this.
=> I would feel most comfortable in extemporaneous speeches, because it will give me more leeway to add more ideas according to the current situation or audience, and at the same time will give me the structure of the best organization of ideas to present. I would feel most uncomfortable with impromptu speeches because of the lack of available time to prepare (McKerrow, 2006, p. 35-6). I believe that I can overcome this by reminding myself that for impromptu speeches, though I will strive to give the best speech possible, I should not scold myself if it comes out less than perfect. If I keep thinking this way, and keep on allowing myself to be exposed to impromptu speeches, I believe the exposure and practice will develop me more into delivering better and better speeches, impromptu or not.
3. Creative Process – Discuss your process of creating the final presentations. How did you determine what to include and what to revise? How do you feel about the finished product?
=> I made several drafts of the presentation. After each draft, I put myself in the place of my audience. “ What would I want to know? What questions would I want answered? If I am against the proposal, what will convince me to at least give it consideration?” (Guilmartin, 2010, p. 211) All these questions prompted me to revise and keep on revising until I, as an audience, am satisfied with the information and arguments provided in the presentation. I feel proud of the finished product because it looks well-researched, and makes the presenter appear to really know what he or she is talking about.
4. Reflection – Identify two key skills that you learned during the course that you think will add to your communication effectiveness.
=> One skills I learned that will definitely add to my communication effectiveness is to “ Listen generously” (Landrum, 2011). Communication is always a two-way process and it is a bit often forgotten. Even in speeches or presentations, it is still possible to “ listen” to your audience. Find out who they are, look for signs or gestures of something they wish to communicate to you (i. e. boredom, doubt, etc.) that you want to address directly. Another skill I learned is to “ Speak for the benefit of others” (Landrum, 2011). I learned that this is something that will hold the listeners interest, because the speech here will not appear self-serving. Since we speak to be understood, it is best to be a step ahead of the listeners and imagine how they will respond to what you say, and be ready to soothe negative reactions with sincere words and gestures.
References
Guilmartin, N. (2010). The power of pause: How to be more effective in a demanding, 24/7 world. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Landrum, M. (2011). The 10 Commandments of Communication [Web]. Toastmasters International. Retrieved from
http://www. toastmasters. org/MainMenuCategories/FreeResources/QuestionsaboutLeadership/ConflictResolution/10CommandmentsofCommunication. aspx
McKerrow, R. E. (2006). Principles and types of public speaking. Boston, Mass: Allyn and Bacon.
Toastmasters International. (2011). Proposals and Pitches [Web]. Retrieved from
http://www. toastmasters. org/MainMenuCategories/FreeResources/NeedHelpGivingaSpeech/BusinessPresentations/ProposalsandPitches. aspx