Intro Speech-Speech Class

Author’s Note:

I think C. and D. in my introduction and A. in the beginning of my first body paragraph say some of the same information, should I shorten the introduction? I have a feeling my conclusion might come across as too sudden of an end because of how short it is. I only verbally reference once, so should I add more hard proven statistics to add more references? Do I distinguish my introduction, main points, and conclusion well enough with the transitions I chose? Does this speech sound specific enough to me or does it read too generic as if anyone could present this information? Finally thanks for reading my speech and giving feedback if you choose to, do you feel like you got to know me enough for the worthwhile of reading/going to be listening to my introduction speech?

I. Introduction

A. A long time ago I was asked to say the pledge of allegiance on stage at an awards night. My young naive self said “Yes of course I’ll do it!”. As I went to the microphone I got so nervous and shaky, I totally blanked and forgot how the pledge of allegiance started and someone from the audience started it, as they watched me awkwardly standing there in silence.

B. Hello, I’m (student name).

C. As a senior at Adams Central I’m still swirling around ideas for various career paths, similar to Zoology, or a wildlife vet. But I know I’ll want to pursue education at the University of Nebraska Omaha because I love their campus atmosphere filled with intramural sports and other awesome activities that allow you to connect with the students, along with the fact that I have 3 older brothers, 2 sister in laws living near there all of which attended UNO.

D. I plan to apply and interview to become a resident assistant at UNO so I can work on campus. I’m hoping this speech class will help me gain the skills to be more confident when speaking in situations like an interview, and better my quick responses instead of always filling the time of thinking for answers with “umm” and “hmm”.

Transition: Which leads me to explain why I am taking this speech course.

II. Body Paragraph #1 (Main Point I) - Why am I taking this Speech course?

A. Being a resident assistant at UNO would mean that I’d be the guy to answer any questions my residents would have, and write up reports when need be.

B. Those tasks that are a part of the jobs I may or may not do would be a lot easier and more comfortable for me by taking this course. I personally believe this class can help everyone no matter their career or no career. In general it’s more polite

and comfortable for others when someone can keep a natural and personal conversation.

C. The little experience I have with public speaking comes from my earlier years in 4-H with all of my older brothers when we would show chickens, sheep, and other animals. We would present an animal to a judge and audience, and speak by ourselves with our own speech, most of the time containing backstory to the specific breed's history, information about the anatomy of the animal and a little personal story about raising that specific pet.

D. One strength I think I have developed with public speaking is I have a loud enough voice to always be heard. Regarding communication skills, I have patience when needed with frustrating situations.

E. Three main goals for taking this course are being able to maintain eye contact, stop stuttering and stop repeating myself. I want to be able to go over my topic quickly and clearly. However there are many other issues I have when speaking to a group.

III. Body Paragraph #2 (Main Point II) - How I overcome public speaking nerves.

A. I become very fidgety with my legs and hands when I get nervous. I’ll also give negative self talk, and I end up repeating my words and stuttering.

B. Holding note cards or even a tennis ball help me stop my fidgeting from making my mind go off track, and plan my movements when I come to a transitional part of my speech helps me from passing around frantically and allows me to slow down to prevent stuttering.

C. Those are some personal experiences I’ve had, But statistics from BLANK suggest that for each minute of your speech, you should practice for one hour and those people who do, reduce stage fright by 75%! Everyone in my opinion can benefit from recording themself to watch back and self evaluate. And one of the most important tips, be yourself! It makes you and your audience more comfortable.

IV. Conclusion

Thus, I will continue to time myself to keep on pace, practicing, practicing and practicing to reduce that stage fright we all get. And I might just set up stuffed animals to work on keeping eye contact, and I will always make sure to get enough sleep for all of my assignments in and outside of this course and hopefully that all allows me to say the pledge of allegiance without blanking out.

References

Sarah, G. (2019, September 17). To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking, Stop Thinking About Yourself. Retrieved from

Harvard Business Review

Peter, M. (2010). Peak Performance & Reducing Stage Fright. Retrieved from

Research Group Lifelong Learning in Music & The Arts

Grdic, N. (2016, January 11). 8 Things You Should Do Before Making a Public Speech.

Retrieved from

Lifehack

Mathilde, H. (2019, August 22). How I conquered my fear of public speaking and learned to give effective presentations. Retrieved from

AAAS

Matt, A. (2014, July 25). A Good Question Can Be The Key To A Good Presentation.

Retrieved from

Stanford Business