Alexis Burke- Assignment Blog Post 1

Mastering Virtual Presentations: Reflecting on My Speech Experience

When done well, public speaking can be one of the most rewarding feelings, but is also frequently seen as one of the most intimidating. Recently, I had the opportunity to give a group presentation as part of my public speaking class. The main goal of this speech was to inform our audience- Professor Sinkoff and my classmates. I was in group 4 and we were responsible for chapters 13 through 17, which focused on the different types of presentations crucial to mastering public speaking. Each of these chapters offered insightful advice on creating and presenting powerful presentations. We intended to make sure our peers had a solid understanding of the different presenting techniques and knew how to use them in various speaking situations.

Our preparation process as a group was a key factor in the success of our presentation. We began by meeting together, exchanging phone numbers, and creating a group chat to stay connected. This allowed us to coordinate easily and share our progress as we worked on our respective chapters. We divided the reading responsibilities among the group, and I was given chapter 16. My area of focus was distance speaking and communication technologies, specifically how phones and video conferencing have changed the way individuals interact and work together across distances. I thoroughly read my assigned chapter, took comprehensive notes, and condensed the main points into three slides, keeping the content minimal but impactful (example shown below). My group presented on the second day so we had the chance to see other groups in addition to our own work. On Monday we watched groups 1 and 2 which was very beneficial to see how they approached their presentations and we were able to identify places where our presentation needed to be improved.

The purpose of our project was to help our audience understand the concepts of public speaking. I began my speech by talking about communication technologies and how important it is to break barriers like distance and culture. I described how, regardless of location, presenters may reach a variety of audiences with the use of devices like phones and video conferencing apps. This topic felt particularly relevant in today's world, where distance presentations and virtual meetings are prevalent because of the global pandemic and technological innovations. In my presentation, technology was a key component that I used to both explain the subject and give the speech. I emphasized how the availability of camera-equipped devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, has transformed communication and made it easier for individuals and groups to work together remotely. I also touched on how phone conferencing may be a useful tool for team communication. Cell phone meetings offer a convenient way of keeping everyone updated and ensuring all participants are aligned about a project. My presentation further included an explanation of successful preparation techniques for remote speaking. Creating clear and engaging material, practicing smooth delivery, and maintaining a professional appearance are essential components of a strong virtual presentation. Additionally, I talked about how important it is to establish a rapport with your audience by delivering your material with enthusiasm, communicating clearly, and presenting your ideas in a structured way. For example slides and other visual aids should be utilized sparingly but effectively to reinforce your points without losing your audience.

Collaboration was the foundation for our group's overall success. Communicating with my group members was an essential part of the process. We structured the presentation to ensure it flowed effortlessly from one topic to the next. My team and I were experienced when it came to using Canva for our presentation so our familiarity with the software allowed us to organize the information easily. Our abilities using Zoom also played a part in the performance of our presentation. Since we had used Zoom in the past for other classes my teammates and I knew how to navigate it. In particular, screen sharing functioned successfully for us, and there were no technical issues during the presentation. Every group member spoke about the chapter that was assigned to them. I dedicated time to practicing my slides and rehearsing what I was going to say ahead of time. I ensured I had an understanding of communication technology and its impact on public speaking. Being well-prepared not only gave me confidence but also ensured that I could deliver my speech smoothly and engage my audience effectively. The confidence I felt throughout this presentation was mostly due to the experience I had from a high school public speaking class. I gradually started to feel more comfortable speaking in front of people with consistent practice, helpful criticism, and obtaining specialized anxiety management tools. Being able to have these skills allowed me to prevent any possible nervousness. 

One thing I noticed during my presentation was the lack of visible audience engagement. Because we were screen sharing to display the slides, the majority of the screen was taken up by the presentation itself. Furthermore, I was unable to observe my classmates' reactions or determine their degree of interest because everyone had turned off their cameras while they weren't presenting. Due to the lack of visual cues, such as nods of agreement or confused stares, it was challenging to know if I needed to modify my speech. I was able to evaluate my performance when Professor Sinkoff posted the Zoom recording on Canvas. I located areas for improvement by watching how I delivered the material. However, I feel that part of the pressure was relieved because I was able to concentrate on giving my speech without having to worry about specific reactions; allowing me to concentrate solely on the content and not the audience's response. The feedback I got was from Professor Sinkoff when she sent a few chat messages throughout the presentation. This was useful and appreciated, but it wasn't the same as getting immediate audience nonverbal input. 

As I reflect on my presentation, I feel happy with my presentation. In addition to giving a well-rehearsed and smooth speech, I also learned a lot about public speaking, particularly in the setting of distance communication. I want to keep strengthening my public speaking abilities moving forward, and I am sure this class will help me do so. This experience served as a reminder of how important it is to communicate clearly, engage the audience, and prepare adequately. I am eager to use these concepts in the future.