Irene Benedetti_Blogg

 During our first day of working together as a group, we were all very shy and barely spoke. The only reason we even knew each other’s names was because of our Zoom usernames. It felt strange being placed into a group with people I had never spoken to before and being expected to immediately start collaborating. Everyone seemed unsure of who should talk first. It was very intimidating being the one to break the ice. I did not know if, after speaking, I would even get a reply, or if my comment would be met with awkward silence. But I did it anyway because someone had to start the conversation.

Thankfully, after I spoke, I did receive a reply. It was from Ginan, and then soon after, everyone else began to join in. Once that first barrier was broken, the tension in the group slowly faded. We were finally able to communicate and start working toward our project instead of sitting quietly and staring at our screens. We began coordinating who would complete each chapter and how we would divide the workload. I was assigned to complete Chapter 10 with Roger, so later that afternoon I reached out to him to decide how we would approach the chapter and split up the responsibilities. After that, I started working on my individual slides while the other students worked on theirs. That small moment of speaking up first showed me how powerful communication can be, even in simple situations.

This project allowed me to explore public speaking in a more academic way rather than just seeing it as something I had to do for a grade. Through the chapter I presented and the ones I was able to experience through my classmates’ presentations, I learned that public speaking is more than just putting your words out there. It is also about connecting with the audience and forming a sense of trust. A speaker is not just talking at people, but instead trying to communicate ideas in a way that feels meaningful and engaging. Watching so many different people present helped me realize that everyone has their own style of speaking, and no two presentations look exactly the same. Even so, there are certain qualities that make speakers more effective than others.

To begin with, a speaker should look presentable. This does not mean wearing expensive clothing or dressing in a way that feels uncomfortable, but rather putting in effort and showing that you take the presentation seriously. Wearing well fitted clothes instead of pajamas shows respect for both yourself and your audience. When a speaker looks put together, it sends a message that they are prepared and that their topic matters. I noticed during our class presentations that speakers who looked presentable often appeared more confident, even if they were nervous on the inside. Their appearance made them seem more organized and professional.

Posture is another thing that greatly affects how you look while presenting. Standing straight instead of slouching can instantly change the way a speaker is perceived. When someone hunches over, swings their body, or tilts their head toward the floor, they may come across as unsure or unprepared. On the other hand, standing tall with relaxed shoulders makes a speaker look more confident and approachable. Making eye contact with the audience is also extremely important. Eye contact helps create a connection and makes the audience feel included in the conversation. It shows that the speaker is not just reading from slides but is actually talking to the people in front of them.

Allowing your hands to move naturally as you speak can also improve your presentation. Gestures help emphasize important points and make your speech feel more dynamic. However, keeping your hands in your pockets or forcing them to move too much can be distracting. I noticed that the best speakers in our class used their hands in a natural way that matched what they were saying. This not only made their presentations more interesting to watch, but also helped them seem more comfortable. All of these small details, from clothing to posture to gestures, allow the audience to find credibility in a speaker. They also increase the speaker’s own confidence by helping them feel ready and put together.

Secondly, language is another important aspect of public speaking. The words a speaker chooses can either strengthen or weaken their message. Using underdeveloped and limited language such as “stuff,” “things,” and “nice” makes ideas sound vague and less meaningful. Instead of relying on these simple words, a speaker should explain exactly what they mean. Being specific helps the audience better understand the message and shows that the speaker has a strong grasp of their topic. For example, instead of saying something is “nice,” a speaker could describe why it is helpful, inspiring, or effective.

It is also important to be mindful of how language can affect the audience. Insulting the audience, using stereotypes, or making offensive jokes can quickly cause people to lose interest or feel uncomfortable. Even if the speaker does not intend to be harmful, certain words can come across the wrong way. I learned from watching my classmates that respectful and thoughtful language creates a more positive environment. When a speaker uses appropriate language, the audience is more likely to listen and take the message seriously. Avoiding cussing and overly casual speech can also make a presentation feel more professional.

Another important factor in public speaking is studying your audience. Before presenting a speech, a speaker should know who they are talking to. Are they students, professionals, or seniors? Different audiences have different expectations and backgrounds, so the tone and style of a speech should be adjusted accordingly. For example, jokes or references that might work well with college students may not make sense to an older audience. Understanding your audience allows you to communicate in a way that feels relevant and relatable.

Paying attention to the audience’s reactions during a presentation is just as important as preparing beforehand. If people seem confused, bored, or uncomfortable, it may be a sign that something is not working. A good speaker knows how to adjust in the moment. If the audience reacts negatively to a topic, the speaker can move away from it or explain their point more clearly. If the audience reacts positively, such as by nodding, smiling, or clapping, the speaker can expand on that idea. This back and forth between speaker and audience makes public speaking feel more like a conversation rather than a one sided lecture.

Throughout this project, I also noticed changes in myself as a speaker. At the beginning, I was very nervous to even speak with my group mates. Over time, I started to care more about how my message was being received. I realized that it is okay to be nervous, and that most people in the room are probably feeling the same way. Watching my classmates face their fears and present despite being nervous motivated me to push myself as well.

One of the most meaningful parts of this class has been seeing how everyone grew together. At the start, many of us were shy and hesitant to speak. A few weeks later, we were standing in front of each other sharing our ideas and experiences. That transformation shows how powerful practice and support can be. Public speaking is not something people are simply born good at. It is a skill that can be developed over time.

Overall, it is important to be ready and to feel ready when it comes to public speaking. Preparation, presentability, thoughtful language, and audience awareness all play a role in creating an effective presentation. Going back to our first group meeting and comparing it to our final presentations, I think it is beautiful how much we have grown. We went from barely speaking to each other to confidently presenting our work in front of the class. This experience has changed the way I view public speaking. Instead of seeing it as something to fear, I now see it as an opportunity to share my voice and connect with others.