Personal Narrative: Speech Self Critique

Personal Narrative: Speech Self Critique

During my demonstration speech, I was affected by my speech anxiety. Some of the viewable symptoms were the shaking of my hands and also the stuttering of speech. I was able to control myself and relax after I started getting into my information. I did use some of the suggested relaxation techniques to relieve my anxiety. Before I got up to speak I thought confident of myself to help give me courage and confidence.

While watching my video I did notice that I was able to understand and clearly know what the main point was. I spoke in a clear and a tone loud enough for everyone to hear. The speech was organized very well, so one idea or thought flowed to the next. I don’t think I need to change anything in regards to my central idea being clear. I was satisfied with that part of the speech.

I happened to notice that I did use verbal pauses during transitions. When I would go from one topic to the next I would use the word “um.” This was very apparent when I was viewing the video of myself. I would like to be able to complete a speech without having to use any verbal pauses. I typically would use these pauses after I got done completing with a particular topic. I would say that this is one of my major problems with giving a speech. Now that I can see exactly how much I use them, I can change that in the future.

I did use some hand gestures in my speech. For the first few minutes I did not use them, but as I moved through my material and got into the actual demonstration some hand gestures were used. I also noticed in the video that I was not always watching the audience. I use to think that I made good eye contact, but after watching the film I really only glanced at the audience. I believe that I could make significant improvement in this part of my speeches. While I was up in front of the class I thought that I was looking out at the audience more then what I actually did.

I was very satisfied with the volume of my speech.