Speech Evaluation

           Public speaking is a worldwide every day occurrence. When I entered the world of you-tube I was shocked to see how many demonstration speeches, similar to the speech I gave to my life and science communications class, were accessible from the web. The speeches I found and watched seemed to all have identical criteria as my demonstration speech given just a few weeks ago.  I took some time to critique a particular speech I found.

            I watched a male’s speech that was just over six minutes long demonstrating how to play a guitar.  The speech had many positives that kept me interested in the speech. First of all, the speaker began by playing an ear catching tune. He then told the story of how he got into playing the guitar. The body of his speech was the “how to” part. He was very descriptive and enthusiastic about his topic, which in turn made me very enthusiastic about listening. He used creative ways to remember particular cords on the guitar such as funny phrases. Those phrases made the speech both humorous and memorable. He then closed his speech by relating the topic to his audience. He suggested to the audience to listen for the guitar in favorite songs and then maybe go learn how to play those guitar pieces. All of these aspects of the speech made the speech very strong, however, there were some downfalls.

            The speech had particular drawbacks. The speaker did not have consistent or strong eye contact. He did not relate the speech to the audience until the end of it; therefore I did not understand the relevance to me for the majority of the speech. Also, there was no strong thesis statement.  These all took away from the content of his speech.

            Although there were drawbacks, the speech was overall successful and influencing from an observer’s standpoint.

Peer Response

          According to the blog, Adam Says, a controversial topic in the United States has been abortion since the Roe vs. Wade case in 1973. Adam Says takes the pro-life stance to the argument at hand. The blog tells the reader that pro-life supporters want to maintain equal rights for the embryo while pro-choice supporters want to keep the woman’s rights in health as the main priority. The blog argues that when a sperm fertilizes an egg, new life is formed. This new life should have protection and rights; therefore abortion should not be in the question. The blog also argues that if a woman puts herself in the position to become pregnant, she is accepting the responsibility of caring for a potential embryo.

            I can see how these arguments are very influential to some, but however, I do not agree. I am pro-choice on the topic of abortion. In my point of view, I feel that men are more likely to be pro-life because they do not have the responsibility of caring a baby for nine months. There is somewhat of a double standard between men and women. Men may participate in intercourse without the risk of becoming pregnant. Men don’t have to worry about the baby until it is born and even then there is adoption. Some women just can’t handle carrying a baby for nine months physically or mentally. Carrying a baby can inhibit many important activities in a woman’s life.  Also, if the woman is unstable for a baby, then abortion may be in her and the community’s best interest. Although there is adoption, adoption can be a massive strain on the emotions of a woman for the rest of her life. I feel that women should have the right to decide what is best for her, for the baby, and for the situation.

             

"How-To" Speech Evaluation

           Public speaking is definitely my weak spot in academics. I have a very hard time remembering what I am trying to say when I make eye contact with my audience. I felt like that was very apparent in the tape of my  “how-to” speech. Although I practiced my speech and knew it very well, I tended to look down at my note card to stray away from the audience and for extra reassurance that I knew what came next. I feel that my true ability and hard work did not shine through in my speech as I had spent much time preparing. I needed to maintain my eye contact with my audience better and appear more confident. Although I feel more negative than positive, there are some successful things about my speech.

            My how-to speech was very thought out and well planned. I felt that the speech flowed well from step to step. The introduction had a hook to catch the audience and introduced the steps of pole-vaulting in advance.  The conclusion reiterated the steps and the connection between the audience and pole-vaulting that was also mentioned in the introduction. Also I was very pleased with my voice. It was very loud, clear, and had life in it to keep the audience engaged.

            If I were to grade myself on this speech I would give myself an AB. It was very thought out and practiced. It also has room for improvement. Eye contact and confidence must be improved for my next speech. However I believe it was a successful and informative speech.

Click here to view my speech