Brainstorm

I’ve never really grasped the concept of brainstorming, but after reading through Chapter 4, I feel like I got a better idea of how to really benefit from it. It’s always overwhelming when trying to consider what I should write about. Usually, I just choose subjects that are fresh in my head or something that relates to the class. My past English teachers never explained it as clearly as it was in the book. Being able to conjure up a topic out of thin air doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and consideration whenever deciding a specific topic. You should never write about something you find boring, or unrelated to the class, unless you think it’s important. The best way to brainstorm is to do things that are interesting to you, and to try new things you’ve never experienced. It’s always good to try and get outside your own box. Even interviewing some friends can spark a view on a subject you never considered. 

Speech Buddy Help

Watching the Speech Buddy videos, there were a few interesting things I found useful. In 2.1 the girl talks about three types of strategies for reducing anxiety. The visualization technique is useful for prepping yourself for a speech. The idea is focusing on what will go right instead of thinking about negative outcomes. With this in mind, I’ll use it as a way to set the mood of my speech. Also Relabeling was another good tip. Whenever people usually go on to speak, they have that gut anxiety. This is a great way to help lower worrisome thoughts about failing a speech. Redirecting any negative thoughts when you speak, and creating those into a more positive outlook. Finally, I enjoyed the physical mediation aspect of this video. The diaphragmatic breathing is a great relief for me. I usually have the tendency to hold my breath before answering questions, and I felt this will definitely help with my speech preparations. 

Apprehensive of Public Speaking

When it comes to public speaking, I find myself getting the typical anxiety that comes with it. There’s always that shaking in the knees, the sweat on your palms, and that rush of adrenaline right before you go out on center stage. There’s really no avoiding it. I've come to learn this after years of forcing myself to do karaoke. Nevertheless, with practice things do get better. There’s a sense of confidence you can build up. Once you realize what your weaknesses are, you can focus on how to calm those nerves. For me, I tend to forget to breathe, so I focus on that instead of the crowd. The most important thing I try to remember is how awesome I am. Yeah, I know it sounds narcissistic, but the truth is if you have a positive attitude towards yourself, you’re likely to do a better job. What I found most useful from Chapter 2 in Public Speaking the Evolving Art was the Relaxation Techniques, specifically the tension-release breathing (30). I’ve always been a tense guy because I overachieve. When it comes to being onstage, body language is extremely important to me. I want the audience to have fun with me, and if they know I am feeling loose, they’ll feel more comfortable as well.

Introductory Post

How's it going folks? I have been a student at Sierra College for a number years. I am on my last few semesters of school here, and I hope to transfer to a university where I'll learn more about sociology. I am thinking of becoming a councilor or mentor of some kind, probably for the schooling system. Of course, sociology was never my first major; originally, I was an artist with transfer studies. Sierra has surely changed quite a bit, and I’ve made some great friends from the students, who are constantly coming and going.

I've taken a number of communications classes, but this will be my first Public Speaking class! I'm excited to see how well I do in this course because I am a outspoken person. I do karaoke every so often in Sacramento, in a little place called Hamburger Patties. It helps me loosen up in the public's eye. I enjoy being obscene and honest with people because I feel it brings them out of their shell or comfort zone. Sometimes it can help those, who could use a change of view or someone unlike themselves to shed light. I currently work at Safeway in Lincoln, so if you're ever in the area, maybe you'll catch me dancing or bagging groceries... usually both. I enjoy playing a verity of video games, and reading books, mostly among fantasy and science-fiction. I enjoy books that bring out the psyche of their characters along with symbolic meanings.

I hope we all become good classmates, so I look forward to making some memories with you chums. Cheers to a new semester.