Video 2.1 described three techniques for managing speech anxiety and helping to deliver an effective speech. These techniques were visualization, relabeling, and relaxation. Visualization involves going somewhere quiet, standing as you would if you were giving your speech, and visualizing the speech going well and having a positive outcome. Relabeling is manipulating negative feelings or responses in such a way that they become positive. In simpler terms, change negative words to positive ones to help control your stress and physical tension. Relaxation uses three breathing techniques as a means to relax your body and mind. The first is diaphragmatic, which is essentially deep breathing from your diaphragm. The second is meditation breathing which is breathing that begins in the diaphragm yet focuses on every aspect of the breathing. The final breathing technique is tension-release breathing. This breathing blends diaphragmatic breathing with the release of tension in specific parts of the body.
Video 2.2 discusses the analysis of primary fears, and gives tips on how to overcome them. Visiting the location in which the speech will take place, employing visualization and relaxation techniques, and practicing the speech intro and conclusion are all helpful and logical steps to overcoming your fear of public speaking and/or helping you to feel comfortable in the speech setting. It's also important to choose a speech topic which interests you and to fully research that topic so that the content of your speech will be appropriate and effective.
Jessica's intro was interesting, well thought out, and effectively delivered. I like that she projected, made eye contact, and used hand gestures in her speech. When she projected her voice it made her speech easy to hear and follow. The eye contact made her come across as confident and well-organized. I enjoyed the hand gestures because it made the speech more lively and expressive. Another thing I liked is that she smiled and took her time in her speech, not rushing through or sounding like a robot.
I have already read and discussed in great detail visualization, relabeling, and relaxation, so I didn't necessarily learn much from the first video (although I find these techniques to be quite helpful). I actually learned the most from the second video. I thought it was both an interesting and logical tip to visit the location in which you will be presenting your speech. Although the thought had never occurred to me before, it makes perfect sense. If you familiarize yourself with the setting, you will be more comfortable during your speech since you aren't in foreign territory. I feel that this is a simple, yet beneficial tip for helping to manage speech anxiety. Also, I agree that it helps to choose a topic in which you are interested in. After viewing video 2.2 I realized that I need to be selective in choosing my topics, and I must also be resourceful. Having all the facts not only beefs up the content of your speech, but makes it seem more valid and well-informed.
I have to agree with you about the first video not having much affect because it has been a repetitive topic, but a helpful one at that. The second video was not that helpful for me, but it is good that it was for you. I think it is a good idea, but someone could ask me to stand up in my own home and give a speech and I would be shaking. Jessica's intro was very well done and helpful. It shows confidence and I thought it was presented very well now I just have to try to copy her. It is great that you were able to get a lot from the videos and you watched them closely because your evaluations are very well written.
ReplyDeleteHi Elise,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if were supposed to comment on Jessica's speech? There was nothing mentioned specifically, just to watch it and what we learned from the videos. Speaking of Jessica's speech, I think she did a good job too. She spoke clearly and used proper hand gestures. I thought her eye contact was good too.
Going to the location where you will give your speech will definitely increase your calmness and better prepare you. I think visualization is the most empowering tip from the videos. I too need to be selective with the topics I choose. There are so many topics I would like to speak on, but it's better to choose the ones that one is inclined to enjoy and know more info on, you know? I guess that's where research comes into play though. Like you said, having the facts will support the speech by leaps and bounds.
Hi Elise,
ReplyDeleteI agree about the first video not being different from the reading, but it was good to watch because through repetition comes memorization. I completely agree that being interested in your topic can help your speech. I know that when I am talking about something that I am interested in I can go on for days, and when a person asks me a question I am a lot more confident when answering it. Know the topic well can definitely help with a persons confidence and from the reading that is an important part of being a good speaker. I would also think that just knowing about your topic would be helpful in the research aspect. If a person is familiar with their topic then they would be able to know where to go to find the information and it would be easier to depict whether the information they are getting is correct. I know for me half the anxiety comes from trying to find the right information on the internet. I really enjoyed reading your blog and found it very informative.