Commemorative Speech Self-Evaluation Form Instructions: Download a copy of this form from Blackboard. Watch the video recording of your speech. Afterward, type your answers to the following questions. Save your work as a .doc or .pdf file and upload it on Blackboard. For each question, your response should include at least a full paragraph (4-6 sentences) and the time stamp of a specific portion of the speech video to which you are referring. 1. What are two things that you did well and two things that you could have done better in the delivery of this speech? The two things I did well was articulating throughout most of my speech and speaking confidently. However, I could have used less of a monotone voice (0:35) and have a more vocal, passionate voice (1:12) In the end, however, I spoke from a final manuscript that came from my heart. I was inspired by the life of Martin Luther King Jr. to communicate to the audience how his life impacted this nation and how we still play a critical role in that today. 2. Did you set an appropriate emotional tone, adhere with the expectations for this type of speech, and focus on the honoree? What was done well? What could have been done to improve the content of this speech? Again, I could have done a better job in conveying my points in a more passionate way (1:10-1:23) I retraced the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life (0:54-1:04) and how he has made an impact in today’s culture. Personally, it would have been better if I had used less eye contact and just spoke from my heart. I think I would have engaged the audience more in this manner. 3. Did the language structures and devices that you planned to include come across clearly when you delivered your speech? What impact did this have on the tone of your speech and your credibility as a speaker? Yes. Professor Bogino mentioned that when I said that Martin Luther King Jr. was a timid, yet bold orator (1:12), he liked the way I emphasized the word “bold”. This is an example of an oxymoron and it came across very clearly. By this, the audience was somewhat engaged by what I had to say. If it was not for the language devices, I do not think I would have had my audience’s attention. 4. What have you learned from the process of developing and giving this speech? How can you build on this experience and improve before your next speech? I learned that delivering a commemorative speech is not supposed to cause stress. It is a way for the individual to toast to the audience what they believe they should celebrate. For my next speech, I can work on having a more fluid and passionate tone of voice. If I can do that, as well as making more eye contact toward the audience, I will perform well. Each speech that I perform is setting me up to do a better job for the next speech.