Kayling Mendez's Reflection

When I registered for this class, I thought it would be in person. I didn’t realize it was on Zoom until the day before—but I was actually grateful for that, since presenting online is much easier than presenting in person. I’m thankful for the technology that makes this all possible. This assignment was really cool because, as each person presented, we got to learn the basics of public speaking. I learned a lot from my group’s topics as we dove deep into the research. I also had the opportunity to connect with my group and take on a leadership role, which helped me step out of my comfort zone.

Group One did a fantastic job with their presentations. They kept their speeches short and concise—straight to the point. I especially appreciated the great tips they shared on public speaking. Christopher mentioned that public speaking isn’t just for professional settings—it applies to everyday life, which makes everyone—even a small child—a public speaker. The breathing techniques and confidence boosters that Christina and Donavan shared will definitely be useful in the future—whether I’m anxious about giving a speech or just in general. It’s always important to be knowledgeable about your topic and to connect with your audience.

I especially want to talk about Group Two. As the leader of the group, I’m so proud of how everyone presented. Everyone worked so well together. Although I was disappointed that one teammate didn’t show up, we still did an amazing job adjusting—props to everyone! Gayelle explained how to figure out the purpose of your speech, brainstorm ideas, and decide which points and resources to keep. That’s important, because as Jephte pointed out, you have to choose specific points to focus on rather than diving into every small detail. Jephte also created a clear method for outlining, which serves as a map to guide you through the writing process. Kaylie and I discussed how to research your topic, whether by using your own knowledge or exploring different forms of research, while keeping copyright and plagiarism in mind. Kaylie made sure everyone submitted their slides on time and did a great job organizing and polishing them. Lastly, Justeth explained how to create a more detailed outline and use transitions effectively. When you know how to outline, you know what to research—and once you’ve researched, you learn how to write effectively and efficiently. I have to admit—she made an introduction slide so good that I ended up using it for all the other chapter introductions. It was truly beautiful and a fantastic idea.

Chapters 9, 10, 11, and 12 were assigned to Group Three. Although their presentations were long, they did a fantastic job thoroughly explaining each topic. I loved how Melissa pointed out different ways to show credibility—even something as simple as dressing up. Mykell showed me how to use words beyond their concrete meanings. This is something I struggle with—allowing myself the creative freedom to use words in new and expressive ways. I appreciated the guidelines Melinda and Lys gave for media usage; they emphasized using media as a “tool and not a crutch.” Nel outlined the four different ways to deliver a speech and discussed the pros and cons of each. He also covered the factors that influence your speech. I know Carolina touched on this too, and it’s wild how gender can affect your speech. I tend to fall into the trap of using filler words, even when I’m not nervous. It’s good to take a moment to gather your thoughts and speak clearly—how you present yourself is crucial.

  

 I especially appreciated how Nel and Ricardo both included accommodations. As someone who has learned a lot about different communities—especially the deaf community—I’ve heard a lot about accessibility and sign language interpreters, so hearing him mention accommodations made me smile. It was interesting when Ricardo pointed out that over-practicing can lead to overthinking, while under-preparing can leave you unsure of how to deliver your speech. I definitely fall into the trap of over-practicing because I want it to be perfect. Balance is key. All in all, Group Three did an amazing job describing all the ways to get the audience’s attention, and I loved each presentation.

Lastly, Group Four did an amazing job explaining how to effectively speak on presentation day. I loved how Sury emphasized using personal information to relate to the audience. I always appreciate when speakers give practical examples we can apply to our daily lives—it makes the content easier to understand and follow without getting bored, because you know it’s something you can actually use. Trinity taught the foundations of an argument: claims, evidence, and reasoning. Her diagrams and slides were really helpful in understanding what she was talking about. Fallacies were a good reminder of my middle school classes—something I had forgotten but is still so important when presenting, especially when trying to persuade or inform. Victor brought up a great point about not letting your surroundings be distracting. This could also apply to how you dress or even your slides. Having too much on your slides or anything distracting takes the focus off what you’re saying—which is the most important part. I found it interesting when Savannah talked about making your presentation conversational. “Make sure you're not talking at them but to them”—that really stuck with me and is something I’ll definitely work on. Valera talked about adjusting your tone based on your audience and occasion. Group Four did a phenomenal job thoroughly explaining their topics. 

And we can’t forget about our wonderful class leaders: Brianna and Carolina. I don’t know about the other groups, but they did a fantastic job helping to lead mine. They gave great advice and feedback, and created beautiful slides to introduce and conclude each group presentation. They spoke so well when summarizing the presentations. All in all, they were wonderful class leaders, and I can’t wait to see everything else they do this semester.