Kylie+O.

 A CALL TO ARMS SPEECH: TEEN PREGNANCY In this self- assessment I will be evaluating myself on my " A Call To Arms Speech that I performed on Wednesday. I informed the class about Teen Pregnancy and it's growing problem. I plan to mention and critique my errors and areas of improvement, in addition to stating what I improved in.  I think that the delivery of my performance was fine in some parts, but bad in others. I think this was because it was kind of awkward with the presentation behind me, so I wasn't sure where to stand and when to move so that the class could see it. I think that my poise was not my best in this speech because I kept moving around and shifting my weight. Lastly, I think that I could have used my hands and expression alot more to get to the audience and keep their attention.  However, I think that my eye contact was good because I looked often at the audience and at different people. I also was satisfied by the volume and clarity of my voice and I think it was very understandable. Lastly, I was satisfied with the rate of my voice because I didn't really speed up or slow down dramatically at points like other people who were trying to make the time.  I chose to talk about Teen Pregnancy because it was a topic that I was interested in learning more about, and I would hate to see one of my classmates facing this problem. I think that it was a very good choice for me to talk about because I was interested in the topic for a long time as I would always watch the TV shows on MTV and ABC about Teen Pregnancy. I was happy that I got to inform my class about this problem and that I was the only one in the class who chose to talk about it.  The selection of my speech topic impacted me as it helped me to learn more about Teen Pregnancy and it's consequences. This is important to me because I know that I will never have to face this problem, and hope that neither do any of my friends. As a performer, I think that my performance of this speech made me realize that I need to plan out mostly everything that I am going to talk about because I lost track of time, and got lost at some points even though I practiced. This speech was significant to me because it was my favorite topic of all of my speeches so far so it was rather easy to talk about.  I think that overall, this was one of my average speeches, and deserve a B.

__BOOK TALK SPEECH__ After watching my Book Speech that I performed yesterday, I noticed that I had improved in some areas from my last speech, but still have some to work on. Overall, I was pretty satisfied with how I did, but knew that I could’ve done better. I think that my delivery of the speech was better than the last time. I noticed that I pronunciated better and talked a little slower, so it was easier to understand. I think that my rate was even, and my voice was loud enough. Although I caught myself swaying and shifting my weight occasionally, I think that I improved by doing it less. However, there are still some areas in my delivery that I feel still needs improvement. Mainly, I think that I need to learn how to use much more verbal and non-verbal expressions to make my speeches more unique and interesting. Also, I think that I was a little unsure on some lines, and should’ve practiced more so I knew exactly how I was going to say each point. I chose to read this book //90 Minutes in Heaven// By Don Piper because I knew that we were going to have to do a speech about it, and thought that this was a good opportunity to read this book since I had been wanting to, but never really had the time. I think that it was a very good choice because I really enjoyed reading it, so it was easy to talk about it and honestly recommend it to my classmates. As a performer, the selection I made helped me to relax more as it was a subject that I knew well, and was comfortable to talk about. This performance was significant to me because it was actually the first one that I hadn’t really been nervous about before. I think that this was partially because I wasn’t just talking about a subject that I had no interest in, but one that I actually cared about. Overall, I think that from this performance, I have learned that sometimes just before a speech, you have to relax, and think about how comfortable you should be with the audience already. I just thought in my head that these were just my friends I was talking to, and it seemed to make me feel more relaxed and calm. For the next speech, I really want to focus on adding more expression. I think that I deserve a B+ on this speech because I was prepared, fulfilled the criteria of the speech, and delivered it well. __IMPROMPTU SPEECH__ Yesterday, I performed my first impromptu speech ever. I kind of forgot that we had it today, until I came to class. When class started, I became very nervous because I had no way to prepare for it until I got my subject to talk about, which was only about two and a half minutes before I had to go. I was really scared that I would get a super hard subject that I didn’t really know much about, or have never really thought about. I was assigned to talk about “ If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be? Why?” I guess that I never actually thought about this question, but luckily could think of something in time. Although not as satisfied as I would be with a planned and practiced speech, I think that I did better than I thought I would’ve.

Since I was so nervous, I think that my stance and posture wasn’t that good, as I didn’t really pay attention to it because I was trying to think of what to say. In addition, I think that my expression, both verbal and non-verbal could’ve been a lot better, as I didn’t really change my tone of use my hands or motions. There were also some areas that I was pretty satisfied with. For example, I thought that my eye contact was adequate as I had nothing else to look at, and my volume of my voice was loud and clear. I think that although I didn’t particularly enjoy participating in this activity, I think that it was a really good experience for me. It made me think on my feet, and sound confident. It also made me feel more comfortable infront of an audience, as I felt more like I was just having a conversation with them rather than giving a speech. I learned that relaxing and remaining calm during speeches are important because it helps you think better, and makes you look more confident. For the next time, I plan to improve on my expression, both verbal and non-verbal. To do this, I will try to use my hands and motions more, and change my tone from time to time. I think that I am close to overcoming my fear of speaking in front of a group of people after all the speeches that we have had to do so far. However, I know these people relatively well, so speaking in front of a new group will probably be more challenging. After watching my speech, I think that I deserve a B, because it was adequate for the little time preparation we were given. __CULTURE SPEECH__ This past Friday, I performed my Culture Speech about my Japanese culture. I explained how my ethnicity and it’s culture influences and affects my life. Overall, I think that this wasn’t my best speech, but also wasn’t my worst, so it was pretty average for my satisfaction. There were a handful of tasks that I fulfilled well. For example, I think that I made sure that my voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. In addition, I think that my posture was pretty good, as I made sure that I didn’t fidget my feet a lot and shift my weight. Also, I think that my eye contact was good as I didn’t read straight off of my note card, and tried to look up as often as possible. Although I am satisfied in some areas, there are also many that I was not very happy with. Mainly, I was disappointed with the flow of my voice and expression. Although I didn’t notice it at first, after I watched my performance, I realized how choppy and unsure my voice sounded, which also made the presentation sound uneven. In addition, I am still unconfident with my expression, both verbal and non-verbal. I notice how much more entertaining the presentations of people who use expression are compared to mines, where I usually don’t show too much emotion. For example, I think that I could’ve changed the tone of my voice and used hand motions to describe the different aspects to make it more interesting. Lastly, I think that I was so nervous that I didn’t realize that I was playing with my note card throughout the whole presentation because I didn’t know what to do with my hands. While I was talking about the third aspect, sushi, I said that “I enjoy eating sushi because its fun to try all the different kinds, and it tastes good”. I think that I did a good job sounding happy while saying this line, but could’ve been a little more enthusiastic. I also think that I could’ve used my hands to describe this line. Choosing this topic for my speech made me really think about my culture, and realize how important it is to me. It also made it a little easier to talk about because it was something that I knew well. From every speech that I do, I become more and more comfortable with public speaking, and know what to focus on from the last speech. For my next speech, I plan to decide what expressions I am going to express ahead of time so I know that I wil actually vary my tone and motions. Also, I am going to make sure that I avoid fidgeting my hands. From the last time, I think that I overcame shifting my weight too much, and slouching. As a performer, I gained more confidence and experience of speaking infront of a group of people. For this speech, I think that I deserve a B because it was a pretty average speech, as it had many flaws, but also made it clear that I prepared for it with a clear power point and organized note card.

INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH #1 In this assessment, I will critique the delivery and selection of my inspirational speech. To my surprise, I was the least nervous before this speech than any other so far. Although I think this speech was the most challenging as we had little notes to help us, I think that I prepared a lot better, so was confident that I knew exactly what I was talking about. After watching my speech, I thought that I did pretty well on my delivery. I didn’t really fidget at all, and stood still without slouching. I thought that besides the slight echo that the microphone gave off, it was pretty easy to understand what I was saying, as my rate was even and my volume was loud. For my nonverbal expression, I did use some motions with my hands, such as pointing or holding my arms together to represent holding your loved one. For my vocal expression, I tried to make my tone match my subject, which was sad and depressing. Although I looked at my notes sometimes to see the next subject I would talk about, I think that my eye contact was really good, as I looked up often at the audience. However, I did notice some areas that could use improvement for the next time. Mainly, I think that I could have varied my tone and rate at times so the audience wouldn’t lose interest. In addition, I think that I could have used a little more motions to make it more interesting. As soon as we were assigned this speech, I knew exactly which experience I was going to chose. I know that this was one of hardest times that my family has had to go through, and knew that I would be able to talk about it comfortably. I think that although I was physically not there when it happened, I am still affected by the result of my grandma’s death. Performing this selection was relatively easy for me as I knew it well, and it was something that I was comfortable talking about. However, it was also difficult because it was a sad and emotional time for my family, so it was hard talking about it. This performance was significant to me because I think it was the first speech that I was completely ready for, and could speak with ease in. I think that this speech was a turning point in my speaking assignments as I think it was my best speech so far. From this performance, I learned that practice pays off in the end. Although I did practice a little and prepare for the other speeches, I really tried to prepare a lot more for this past speech because I didn’t want to mess up with such a personal and touchy subject. For the next time, I hope to improve on my nonverbal as well as verbal expression to better explain my subject. I will try to improve in these areas by planning out beforehand what I will do with my hands and my voice. I did face many obstacles in preparing for this speech and giving it. When practicing for it, I kept missing main ideas or words that I wanted to use. I also became discouraged at times when I got stressed out and frustrated with myself. However, I had to suck it up and keep practicing to make sure that I was prepared. From this performance, I gained confidence and relief as I think that I was prepared well, and am finally comfortable with speaking, well at least in front of my English class. I think that I deserve a B+ or A- for this performance because I was well prepared, and I honestly think that I improved in many areas from previous speeches.

HANDS ONLY:1 ASSESSMENT This past Wednesday, we completed out first “Hands Only” speech. This was very different from all of the other speeches that we done so far because we were allowed no manuscript, no notes, no whiteboard use, and no visuals of any kind. The purpose of this assignment was to choose a simple task that we know well to teach to the class, in a conversational mood. After much thought and consideration, I decided to teach the class how to paint their nails. Overall, I think that I did an adequate job, considering that this was my first time with this kind of assignment. After watching my speech a couple of times, I was surprised by a couple of delivery skills that I did well. Mainly, I was glad when I noticed that I delivered my introduction with little errors, and that I seemed to memorize the whole thing, without making it sound like it. Also, I noticed that I used a lot of hand motions to show the different steps. Lastly, I think that my eye contact and volume were both pretty good, but still could have been better. On the other hand, there were many places of improvement that I noticed. For example, I think that my posture was poor, as I kept fidgeting my feet, and played with my hands without noticing it. Lastly, I realized that I didn’t express very well, using my voice or my body, I think because I was so nervous. More specifically, I think that I could have made my motions bigger and easier to see. In my introduction, I said that “ It is always fun to get a manicure or pedicure at a salon because you can choose practically every color and design that you desire, showing off your personality and mood.” When I said this line, I tried to make my voice sound upbeat and happy because I wanted the mood of my presentation to convey this mood. I think that I sounded a little happy, but could have exaggerated it a little more. I think that this performance made me face my fears of talking in front of a crowd, with no notes as a security blanket. I was extremely nervous beforehand, and wasn’t sure if I would choke and forget everything. I think that it was important because it forced me to overcome my fear. From this performance, I learned that preparation is key for this kind of presentation. I also learned that it is very important to remain calm and relaxed because it makes it easier for you as the performer, and more enjoyable for the audience. For the next time, I will try to improve on my posture, expression, and motions. I overcame the obstacle of speaking about a subject, with no notes, and nothing to save me if I forgot everything. I think that as a performer, I gained the confidence to speak in front of a crowd that I am still not very comfortable with. For my next performance, I will try to show my improvement by making the changes that I will make very emphasized. After viewing my performance, I think that I deserve a B for this presentation because I fulfilled the requirements of the assignment, and tried my best to use expression by making attempts by using my hands and voice.

OI #4 ASSESSMENT After completing our last OI for the quarter, I feel both relieved and unsatisfied. I feel relieved that I have performed 4 OIs, but unsatisfied because I feel that there were many places where I wish that I had improved. I think that I had many areas in which I could have improved. For example, I noticed that I didn’t move very much during my performance, and didn’t make many motions to more fully express my passage. Also, I think that I could have changed my voice and the tone of my voice more to make it easier to understand who was talking. However, I did notice some ways that I improved from my last OI. For example, I thought that my volume and rate were pretty good, and made it easy to hear and understand what I was saying. I also noticed that I didn’t fidget as much, and stood more still. I was also pleased with how I memorized my introduction, because I didn’t think I was going to be able to since it was so long. Lastly I am glad at how I was able to look up from my manuscript often, making good eye contact with the audience. I chose the epilogue of __Eclipse__ to perform for my OI #4. I chose it because I thought that it was interesting because it was told from Jacob’s point of view, with him as the narrarator. Also, I thought that it was a good part to share because not everyone reads the epilogue of this book, and didn’t know what they were missing. I think that it was a good choice for me to share because it contains action and suspense, and was fairly easy to present. I think that the selection and performance of this passage helped me to more understand this series, and it’s characters. If I wasn’t looking for a passage to perform for my OI, I honestly don’t think that I would’ve read the epilogue. However, I am glad that I did because it helped me to more understand the different “sides” of the many characters and the new conflicts that evolved between them. After completing four OIs this quarter, I learned a lot both from the passages as well as from just speaking in front of the class. Before this year, I was very shy, and hated speaking in front of the whole class. I was afraid of forgetting everything and having people laugh at me. I think that the biggest obstacles that I still have to overcome is improving my volume and expression. In the future, I plan to practice more in front of a live audience so that I am already comfortable with performing the real thing in front of my class. Although I stil have to overcome these obstacles, there were also some smaller ones that I was more successful at overcoming. For example, I was able to make the flow of my speaking a little better, rather than speeding through it, like I had during my first OI. I think that I deserve a B for my fourth OI because I think that I did improve from the last time, making this the best OI that I had performed this whole quarter.

This past week, we completed out third oral interpretation this year. However, this assignment was a little different than the previous two OI’s that we did because we actually had to write our own poem that we chose to share. The poem that I wrote was titled, __Miss Popular.__ In it, I described the point of view of these kind of people from a fellow student’s point of view. This difference had it’s positives as well as negatives. It was more difficult in preparing for this OI because I have a hard time writing poetry because I don’t really enjoy it. I had written a couple other poems prior to the presentation, but wasn’t at all satisfied with any of them, so had to create a whole new one. However, the presentation of this piece was easier than the other two because I didn’t have a hard time trying to figure out what the author or poet meant in some confusing parts. After viewing my OI, I noticed that I had improved in some places that I hoped to since the last time, but also was disappointed in the couple of places that I failed to improve in. First, I noticed that I kept stuttering and missed a couple of words in my presentation. I think that this happened because I hadn’t practiced quite enough, and wasn’t really familiar with the flow of my poem. Also, I was disappointed at the fact that I didn’t show much expression at all, didn’t really change the tone of my voice and rarely used the hand motions that I had planned on using. Although I didn’t read directly off of the manuscript, I think that I should have made a little more eye contact with the audience. Even though I found a lot of places of improvement in my presentation, I also noticed some small ways I improved since the last time. For example, I noticed that my posture was a little better, as I didn’t fidget as much, distracting the audience from the poem that I was reading. Also, I think that the volume of my reading was a little better, but still could be louder the next time. I was really nervous about memorizing my introduction, because when I practiced it, I kept forgetting some parts. However, I think that I did pretty well, and didn’t really make it obvious in the couple times that I actually did forget some parts. Overall, I think that I did an adequate job in the OI. I think that I deserve a B because I do think that I improved and made an effort to improve from the last times.
 * OI #3 ASSESSMENT**

After watching and reviewing my second oral interpretation of //Snow Day//, by Billy Collins, I noticed many of the same as well as new points of achievement in addition to parts that didn’t satisfy me. I think that overall, I did a little better than my first oral interpretation. Not only was this narrative easier to express and explain through both vocal and emotional expressions, but it also made me feel more at ease because I knew what to expect, and wasn’t as nervous. I thought that the delivery of my performance was adequate, but had room for improvement. I thought that my volume and enunciation of the words were clear and precise. I also was proud that I had memorized my introduction again, especially because the one that I wrote this time was longer, and harder to memorize. I also noticed that I used a few hand motions to describe some of the parts of the poem. However, I thought that my stance and eye contact could’ve been better. I was moving around too much because I was nervous, and should’ve stood straighter so that I wouldn’t be distracting to the audience. Although I knew my poem pretty well, I think that I could’ve been a bit more familiar with it, so I could make more eye contact with the audience rather than having to read some parts off my manuscript. Although there were many poems that I came upon the caught my eye, I think that this poem was a very good choice for me. I always love playing in the snow, and the excitement and happiness that comes with it. I thought that since we live in Hawaii, with no snow, that I would be fun to read this poem to my class since it described an experience that we all never had. The selection of this poem made it easy for me to tell the class how fun a snow day is, and how the experiences in the mainland are so different than how they are here in Hawaii. This performance was significant to me because it made me more comfortable to talk in font of my peers because it forced me to build the courage to do so. From this performance I learned how important it is to practice. Although I practiced a few times, I think that I should have more because there were some parts that I wasn’t familiar with, and it showed when I stuttered or didn’t know how to pronounce a word. I think that I worked hard preparing for this performance, and deserve a B+ because I could’ve practiced more and described it with more expression.
 * OI #2 ASSESSMENT**