Speech evaluation ONE

Overall, I thought I did a fine job in presenting the information about my topic on “some tips and tricks to have a good time at parties” especially since this was the first time in a long while that I have had to present a speech in front of a formal audience. I had practiced practically twenty times that week and at the same time I tried to turn a ten minute speech into a five minute manifestation. I will admit that no matter how many times I had practiced, there were still shaky nerves all around.

Once I entered the building, I knew in my mind I wanted to go first. I felt that going early in the period that we had actually got me more excited to do it. I felt I had something to prove to my audience. I wanted to show you guys that indeed I had worked hard on this speech. I felt that gaining my composures right before I started helped me out a lot. I took the time to prepare all that I needed. I did a little breathing and stretching exercise to help me get pumped. Then, I decided to just dive in and start.

Yes, I really did feel nervous, however I decided to not let my outer shell exhibit that part of me. My attention grabber was excellent as I turned around with my jester hat and my stunner shades. My introduction and main points sounded not as concise as I wanted them to be mostly due to my emotional state. I really dislike the first two minutes of speeches. Fortunately, as I started hitting the main body of my presentation, I began to settle in. As I expected, talking became easier. The audience participation was a key part and I think that I did an exceptional job at talking and at the same time presenting my example.

Throughout the five minutes, I used three of my sources as visual aids, pointing out various books that would be available if someone wanted to find out more information. I believe I had one more source, but I failed to mention it at all in the speech. That wasn’t all too bad because if I did mention it, then I would’ve broken the five minute time limit. As I finished my speech, I began to get nervous again because I wanted to finish on a great note. My hands got a little shaky and I think I stuttered on one or two words. However, I focused on getting my last point across and as I finished, I saw the five minute marker.

My speech started out as having three topics that actually could be covered each on its own in a five minute speech. As a result of having to cram the three, I rushed my words and some people did not get what I was trying to say at certain points. If I had to do it again, I would've liked to focus on one of the points that I covered such as body language, or relaxation techniques, or specific tricks to have fun at parties. The video and many of my classmates showed me that I was moving around a lot and my gestures could have been a little less frequent. For the next speech, I want to be a little more calm and I want to slow down my talking. My eye contact was excellent. I would rate it as 9/10. That was one of the demonstrations that I had to show so it had to be good. I tried to focus attention to one person's eyes every few seconds.

I think that my speech would merit a “B”. I felt that I did get my message across with sufficient evidence. However, the way that I presented my introduction, main points, and conclusion could have been better delivered and my body movements could be improved so that I do not look like a malfunctioning robot. =)