Informative Speech Self Critique

Informative Speech Self Critique Self-Critique Categories Audience Analysis & Topic Choice (e.g., interesting, appropriate, and creative topic) ● Positive Element: My topic brought an interesting but also age appropriate choice to the table that brought interest from my audience that kept them involved throughout my speech. ● Needs Improvement: In my opinion, I could have done a better job of adding in some real world examples that would grab my audience’s attention even more by giving them an idea to relate to. Introduction & Conclusion (e.g., memorable; established ethos; creative; built strong organizational structure) ● Positive Element: My introduction and conclusion were very strong. The conclusion tied back to the introduction and my thought provoking question had my audience thinking about themselves and their life experiences in relation to my topic. ● Needs Improvement: I could have added in my personal experience story in my introduction to add length to my speech and also to personalize my speech to draw in my audience. Speech Content & Organization (e.g., audience-centered content; clear organizational pattern, clear transitions) ● Positive Element: My organizational pattern helped my audience to follow along as it clearly went in a deeper understanding flow. My transitions not only helped to review what I just talked about, but also what I’m going to talk about next. ● Needs Improvement: I believe that if I could have presented in front of a powerpoint, it would have improved my speech very much. I spoke on multiple statistics which if put in writing in front of an audience, it would have been much easier to follow for them. Language & Delivery (e.g., ethical, verbally & nonverbally expressive; clear) ● Positive Element: My verbal skills were very good. I had good volume and projection which kept my audience listening to my speech actively. I spoke at a good rate which helped to get my information across. ● Needs Improvement: My non-verbal skills needed some improvement during my speech. I was very nervous when giving my speech which did not help my non-verbal skills. I could have made it more natural with my flash cards, adding a bit more eye-contact, and also to speak more conversational then scripted. To achieve this, I should have practiced my speech more with a smaller audience. Unique Citations (i.e., each citation includes name, date, place) ● How many unique citations hear? Make a note each time you hear a citation.- I heard 3 different citations during my speech. ● Did each citation you heard include name, date, and place? I struggled with my citations in my speech. I could have done a better job of making them flow easier and more naturally. The citations included, place and date each time, but the name could have been added. Reflection Essay Overall, I believe my speech went very well. I was much more comfortable than I have been in the past. The two areas that I am going to work on moving forward for my next speech, are non-verbal skills while delivering, and citations. After working on these two things, my speech will be much easier understood by my audience. The two areas that I see that I am doing well in are verbal delivery skills, and also content and organization. I spoke the right volume and speed which helped my speech to be understood. I see myself as a good speech writer and also am good at expressing to my audience what I am trying to say and personalizing my message to be easily interpreted in their own way. There is one huge preparation change that I am going to make for my next speech, and that is going to be practice. Although I practiced my informative speech many times as to where I believed I felt comfortable giving it, I did not fully achieve this. For my next speech, I need to practice many times in front of an audience. Starting out with just myself in a mirror, and slowly progressing up to 1 and then up to 5 audience members. I believe this preparation will decrease my speech apprehension and help me to not be so nervous during my presentation. Since I do have high speech apprehension, practice is essential to my success in this class and making sure I have all the tools to succeed and am helping myself as best as I possibly can is key. Lastly, for my next speech, I am going to memorize my speech. For my informative speech, when I get nervous I defaulted to my note cards which resulted in not as good eye contact. Having my speech memorized will help me to not default to reading word for word.