sp 7 r
2 years ago
10
refreencespeach.docx
week7r.docx
refreencespeach.docx
A memorable example of a special occasion speech is Barack Obama's acceptance speech in 2008 after he became the 44th President of the United States. This was a significant event, as Obama was elected as the first-ever African-American president of the United States. The event was an outdoor rally in Grant Park that registered over 100,000 screaming fans who had gathered to watch the historical moment unfold.
Obama was able to maintain an emotional connection with their audience, which he did by constantly evoking their feelings. He spoke in a broader voice, combining the components of appreciation, enthusiasm and firmness. His voice became more serious and respectful by pointing out the earlier generations' sacrifices and the responsibilities shouldered by the present generations to follow them.
Obama's delivery was, all in all, compelling. He had a clear voice and a non-hesitant attitude while looking directly at the audience. He used his hand gestures and stage expressions very openly and engagingly. In critical moments, he explained the principal arguments with a measured tempo, volume, word emphasis, and modulation to make the message even more powerful. Just one small area of improvement might have been a tendency to speak too fast at some moments, though this might have been related to the general excitement of the day. If I were giving a piece of advice to Obama, it would be to relish the occasion more - to pause and let the audience experience the gravity of the moment before getting into the rest of the speech. However, in general, it was a highly professional speech.
For any speaker experiencing anxiety before a big speech, I would recommend that they thoroughly practice the content to build up confidence, breathe deeply to suppress nerves, envision the successful delivery to augment mental preparation and concentrate on making genuine contact with the audience to drive nervous energy into an exciting performance.
Reference
CNN. (Nov 7, 2012). Raw Video: Barack Obama's 2008 acceptance speech [Video]. You tube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEo7lzfpdCU
week7r.docx
Please post 2 or more peer responses
Respond meaningfully to at least one of your peers. In the response post, include the following:
· How was your peer's special occasion speech different than yours?
· Consider their recommendations on how to improve the speech. Know that you have read your peer's advice, is there anything you would change in the suggestions you provided in the initial post?
· Consider the advice on how to handle anxiety. How can you use this to manage your own anxiety?
If sources are used, be sure to include citations and references in APA format.
· Who gave the speech? It was my best friend's father-in-law who gave the speech.
· What was the special occasion? What was the setting? The special occasion was my best friend’s wedding. The setting was formal and outside under tents at a lovely mansion.
· How did the speaker use emotion to connect with the audience? The speaker used pathos by letting the bride know that he was grateful that she was his daughter and that she was the best thing that had happened to his son. He was crying tears of joy; it was very genuine and heartfelt. Then he went on to thank his son for being his son and becoming the man he intended for him to be. Then everyone in the room begins to cry tears of joy or have some of the most beautiful smiles. It was one of the most heartfelt speeches I have witnessed.
· Evaluate the delivery. What did you notice that was effective about the delivery? Could anything have been improved? The most effective thing about the delivery was the emotions. It got everyone’s attention. It was a great attention-getter. I feel there was no improvement needed for the delivery method. It was contagious, filled with emotion, heartfelt, genuine, and passionate.
· Is there anything you would recommend the speaker do better the next time? Yes, being that it was a special occasion, the speaker didn't have a good introduction to the toast, and at the end of the toast, there was no closing. This may sound cliche, but the speaker should have introduced himself, had everyone stand and raise their glasses, and at the end of the speech he should have said to the bride & groom or closed with their names.
· What advice do you have for any speaker who is experiencing anxiety before delivering their speech? The advice I would have for any speaker experiencing anxiety before delivering their speech is to practice your speech. Practice at least 8-10 times, practice in the mirror, practice when you are riding in the car, and practice in different rooms to get comfortable with any setting. Also, to practice breathing techniques and don’t overthink anything.
Hello everyone!
· Who gave the speech?
I am the speaker in the speech I will be discussing.
· What was the special occasion? What was the setting?
The special occasion was my childhood best friend's wedding to her high school sweetheart. The setting was at their reception dinner.
· How did the speaker use emotion to connect with the audience?
I utilized emotion is a few different ways. I told some stories from our childhood to make the audience laugh. I also spoke about how much her new husband loves and supported her while they were dating.
· Evaluate the delivery. What did you notice that was effective about the delivery? Could anything have been improved?
I didn't really have time to prepare this speech, it was sprung on me at the last minute. I felt it did what it was intended to do as far as congratulating the newlyweds and showcasing their love for one another. It could have been a lot better if I had time to really think about what I wanted to say and rehearse it a bit.
· Is there anything you would recommend the speaker do better the next time?
For me being the speaker, it would have been nice to have some notice I was speaking at the reception dinner to better prepare myself. At least I didn't have time to let my nervousness set in too much!
· What advice do you have for any speaker who is experiencing anxiety before delivering their speech?
As a person who does not like public speaking or seeing myself on camera being recorded, I suggest practice. Practice in front of a mirror, in front of a camera with the view covered first then rewatch and repeat until you are somewhat comfortable. Practice your speech in front of a person who helps you feel comfortable to practice in front of when you mess up. Taking a few deep breaths and calming the mind helps a lot with anxiety as well! You can repeat self-affirmations before as well, such as, "I am good at giving speeches, and I am confident".
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