Coletha Mack
CST 100-040W
3/5/12
Self-Analysis #2

My overall feeling about my persuasive speech is not a great one. I felt like I could have been more prepared and organized. While I was delivering the speech, it seemed as if I wasn’t holding the audience attention. I must say out of all of the speeches I was more afraid to perform. It could have been because it wasn’t a topic I was really comfortable with.
During the speech I keep it upbeat. I brought in positive energy, while keeping everyone laughing. I projected my voice rather nicely. I used my hands to show emphasis on the subject. If I had to do the speech all over again, I would use notes cards. Doing it at the minute would not have been an option, regardless of what was going on with my personal life. Next time, I will stick with one subject and build from there. In comparison to my other speeches I think this one was the worst. I set goals for myself and I think I only deliver on keeping the energy up.
For this speech I decided to use a cause and effect. To me cause and effect speeches are easier to write because it shows how something you do can cause you something bad to happen or good. You really don’t have to try to persuade too much because the truth is in the pudding so to speak as long as you have creditable sources. I wanted to come across nonchalant but seriously about the subject. The reason I said nonchalant because people would be more receptacle of what I have to say, the subject of cosmetic surgery can be a touchy subject.
Moving forward I plan to work on my ordering structure so that my speech will flow nicely. Researching is another big part that I will take advantage of. Perhaps I will engage in brainstorming, so I would forget anything and it would give me some type of direction to go with. During this class, I think hearing everyone talk gave me pointers on how to deliver and of course what not to do. It also leads me to start thinking outside of the box and not limit myself.
I’m happy I took this class because in my career field I am consistently talking with people, rather it be customers or staff members. This class has given me knowledge on how to prepare my weekly meetings, by showing me how to do an outline and how to transition from one subject to the next. I would say there is always room for improvement. I will have to challenge myself to be more organized and consistence with research, the delivery of my speech and slowing down when I present.
In conclusion, this class has definenaly opened up my eyes to a world that I didn’t know existed. Everything I have learned will be used in my day to day life. When have a speech to deliver I can always refer back to my text book “Civility in Public Discourse” chapter five through eight, have highlighted some key objectives. I now know that even though it may be hard to give a speech, but with the proper technique and ample information you can succeed.

Work Cited
Bourhis, John S. "3 Building Confidence as a Public Speaker." Civility in Public Discourse. Third ed. Plymouth, MI: Hayden-Mcneil, 2011. 19-22. Print