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Analyzing and Learning about Speeches 

Communication is an essential part of being human, and being able to express the message we want to convey is of the utmost importance. We do not think much about it daily, but fears invade us when we have to give a presentation or even go to a job interview. For this reason, this speech class is vital for our professional future and life in general since our way of expressing ourselves is one of our first cover letters. Over the past few weeks, our class performed presentations on how to improve speeches. We divided into three groups of more than ten people in each group, and each of us had to talk about a specific topic individually, but at the same time, we had to consider that we belonged to a group. Precisely in this blog, I will analyze all the information absorbed in these presentations, with specifics advices based on my perspective to improve the quality of the speech. With that said, let's get to work, and I hope that each of these tips helps you as much as they have helped me.

First, by observing the presentations of my colleagues and myself, I realized the importance of using PowerPoints and visual tools in general, as a support during speeches. PowerPoints can be refreshing and make a presentation more enjoyable, but they can also work against the presenter. The use of many sentences, almost paragraphs, stops contributing positively and becomes tedious for the audience, while PowerPoint presentations with keywords and images are very favorable and attractive. At the same time, it also helps the presenter as a guide in case he needs to remember something. It is a good support for the presenter and a fantastic tool that, if appropriately used, takes the presentation to another level.

The organization of the speech is also another key piece, especially when presented as a team. Here there is little room for improvisation; by this, I mean that for something dynamic and fluid to be seen, it is more than necessary for each person to know the order of their presentation. This will prevent unnecessary waiting that damages the professionalism of a speech. So, my advice here would be that once the individual speech is prepared, you have to meet with the whole team to practice the order of the presentation. Also, a clear structure, such as an introduction, a body, and a conclusion, facilitates logical flow and consistency. The speaker must captivate the audience from the start, whether through a thought-provoking question, an interesting anecdote, or a powerful quote. The body of the speech should logically present key ideas supported by evidence, examples, or stories. Transitional phrases can guide the audience between the different sections seamlessly.

Preparation is another important thing to keep in mind. Preparation is key for anything a person does, but it is absolutely necessary for a speech. It entails crucial actions that support speaker effectiveness, consistency, and confidence. Additionally, it lessens any anxiety that can undermine the speaker's credibility. Understanding the audience is also crucial; considering their interests and expertise, the speaker can modify the speech's language and content to effectively convey a message. It's also essential to do considerable research on the subject. Building a solid and well-informed argument or story requires gathering trustworthy and pertinent facts. We all did an excellent job in this aspect since we gave accurate information but with our own words to give it a more spontaneous and natural touch.

Another point to analyze based on our presentations is the duration. The right speech length is essential to effectively engage and fascinate an audience. While there is no set formula for the perfect duration of a speech, it is typically advised to keep it focused and brief to respect your audience's time and attention. A well-written speech must balance being thorough enough to cover the key points and straightforward enough to maintain the audience's interest. This enables the speaker to convey a strong point without tiring out or diverting the audience's attention. However, it is also important to consider audience preferences, context, and purpose. Longer speeches, such as keynote addresses or presentations that include in-depth analysis or complex subjects may occasionally be necessary. However, speeches like our class presentations demand more brevity and need a concise and memorable delivery to efficiently convey the essence of the message.

Finally, another important point is the acceptance of our uniqueness and being true to ourselves. We all have unique qualities that will give us authenticity and a different seal from others if we know how to take advantage of them. Being yourself in a speech allows us to show passion and enthusiasm for the topic. It also allows us to confidently express our ideas and beliefs, making our words more persuasive and attractive. Staying true to oneself builds trust and credibility with the audience, creating an environment of authenticity and mutual understanding. And precisely that was achieved in our speeches. Each one gave it a unique personal touch, some fresher, others more serious and direct, and that diversity made each one shine with its own light. 

In summary, we have a lot of things to improve and work on, but we all did an excellent job. In my specific case, since Spanish is my first language, this was a moment to prove to myself that it is possible. I also want to take advantage of this blog and thank our professor since she generates an atmosphere of calm and understanding, which helps everyone get out of their comfort zone more comfortably. Giving speeches effectively is a journey of growth, learning, and self-expression. Developing our speaking skills requires patience, practice, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zone. As an amateur, embracing this phase as an opportunity to explore our unique style, refine our delivery techniques, and gain confidence in our ability to communicate effectively is essential. And always remember that perfection is not the end goal. Embrace the journey and celebrate each step forward, knowing that you can become a confident and skilled speaker with dedication and perseverance.