Trey

Speech Assessment #10 In our most recent speech, themed "A Call to Arms," we were to take on a social, economic, or political problem or conflict affecting teens around the nation, and persuade the audience that it is indeed affecting our lives. This theme helped us to recognize various conflicts in our country. The presenting style was similar to our partner speech, except now it was a solo piece. We had to make a PowerPoint presentation to accompany our speech, and we had to talk for a full 5-6 minutes. The topic I chose was the Recession, and how it is affecting teens everywhere nationwide, and even on a global aspect. I chose this topic because I have some direct relation to the conflict, and it affects many more, so there was a higher audience connection. Like the previous partner speech, we had to make an annotated bibliography, and had a maximum of 50 words on our note cards for aid. The goal for this speech was to portray to the audience subtopics from conflict that we chose, persuading that the topic remains a problem, and the courses of action we need to take to fix it. Because I went 4th, I felt I was very ill- prepared for this speech. I didn't memorize much, and unfortunately it showed in my presentation of my topic. I felt that I worked hard at my stance and poise for this speech. It was obvious that in one instance it failed (my hands), and in the other it succeeded. I managed to stand relatively in one spot, which is very rare for me. I feel that I always have to move. When I am nervous, this makes me antsier and magnifies this urge. For the speech, I tried to stand in one spot when I practiced, and I really didn't have to think too much to actually do it in the speech. I thought I did this well. Also, when my slide show failed to do one of the effects I had wanted it to do, I moved on with little interruption. The slide show was supposed to magnify a couple of pictures to accompany and support my statement that high paid executives are being laid off to make way for younger business men. By moving on, it didn't throw the audience off. My enunciation, and volume still need work. While watching the speech, I was struggling to understand the words I was saying. It is hard to enunciate me considering the braces and that I like to talk fast. But, I think that this persistent problem can be fixed with more practice. Are there any suggestions to fixing my enunciation? Moreover, I did not like how I was playing with my cards most of the time I wasn't looking at them. Little details lie these bring my grade down, but more importantly, they break the audiences attention. This is a big problem because it takes attention away from my speaking. I'm sure that with more practice, I can fix these problems. I felt that this performance gave me inspiration to do good because it had personal ties with me. Although it was one of my first times going toward the beginning of the class, I had to overcome a lot of stress to make this speech. First, I had to prepare a decent outline. Moreover, I had to make a nice visual for the audience. Lastly, memorizing and making my flashcard was the hardest aspect I had to overcome. One day after I finished my outline and presentation, I was going to present! Overcoming these adversities were the toughest. I didn't do as good as I wanted to. I feel disappointed at my lack of improvement, and seen that I have made little for a while. I think that I should start earlier to avoid the stress of doing things on the last day. Moreover, it gives me more time to practice my weak spots. Considering my lack of improvement, I feel I earned a B- of a B on this speech. Partner Speech Assessment #9 For our last speech, the theme was “Then and Now,” in appreciation of our newly finished play //Romeo and Juliet//, written by William Shakespeare. The theme represented various troubles, emotions, and teen predicaments which have affected us then, and now. The presenting style was very unlike any other we’ve done thus far in English 9. For this speech, we had a partner to present with, as well as a visual PowerPoint aid. The topic my partner (Kristyn) and I chose was teen suicide. We chose this topic because it related directly with the book. Moreover, it still remains a huge global conflict today. This speech was a great learning piece, as it is rare where one will ever only present a topic alone. There always comes a time where people must dually present and collaborate prior to make it the best as possible. The goal for this speech was to portray to the audience 3 subtopics from the theme or topic that we chose, evenly dividing up speaking time, all the while staying organized, and remembering the objectives learned throughout the year. The speech’s introduction and conclusion had to be memorized, while we could use an index card during the body. I was quite disappointed at my individual presentation, and found some new things that I could work on. As a group, our ability to continue after a few major foul- ups was the best in the speech. Despite practicing and weeks of working hard to make the speech organized, we missed each other’s cues and went when we weren’t. However, we didn’t stop, or make it obvious that there was a mistake. The only thing that gave anything away to the audience was the fact that the slide show wasn’t in order. We did well by continuing where the other left off, even though we had not practiced it and was not scripted. Going back and forth and transitioning from topic to topic was perfect except for one time, which was as a result of the prior mistake. My poise, enunciation, and volume were horrible this speech. Not being used to partner speaking, it was obvious that when Kristyn was speaking, I was thinking about what I was going to say next. While she was speaking, I was thinking about how I was going to get us out of the mess we made by shuffling up the order. During the speech, it was obvious that I was playing with the mouse and my index card, in deep thought about how I was going to transition. This kept me on a horrible collision course. I had remembered Kristyn’s quote as the last thing on the outline, so I prepared and thought ahead by going back a slide. However, she continued, and nothing she said matched the slide! Moreover, even when I wasn’t speaking, I was leaning like I had no support under my legs! I thought I was going to tip over. Playing with my card, the mouse, and shifting were horrible “off- camera” actions. I feel that I took a step backwards poise wise. Furthermore, I couldn’t understand what I was saying because my rate, enunciation, and volume were horrible this speech. I was going a bit too fast because we were short on time. Moreover, that ended up killing my enunciation. Finally, my volume was too soft that I am almost certain people in the back couldn’t hear me. Hopefully, I can gain back the things that I did poorly this speech. I didn’t feel that any quote satisfied my expectations. Everything was soft, fast, and hard to understand. I didn’t connect with the piece as I usually do. I hope that next time I can work to improve on my skills so that I can receive a better grade. Once again, I feel that this was a speech of both improvement and regression. Both enunciation and pose, continued to bring me down. Moreover, my volume suffered as a result. Despite this, I was happy that my partner and I were able to fix our mistakes by not making it obvious. I am really happy how we worked together. The work was done evenly, and I think we satisfied each other’s needs well in terms of preparation and practice. Hopefully, by next time, my enunciation will be better, and I will be able to fine- tune my speaking skill. Considering my feats and regressions, I feel that I earned a B- to a B on this performance individually, and for preparation and as a group, I feel we earned a B+ or even an A- at the most.

Speech Assessment #8

For our most recent speech, the style of communication was different. Instead of our usual speeches, where we are given a topic beforehand- and have a week or two to think it over, this speech’s topic was given a mere 2 minutes before we were to speak. We were all given random topics, from “happy puppies” to “Would you want to be a millionaire?” This speech was a great learning tool, as it proved to test us in our abilities to speak what is off your mind. The goal for this speech was to portray to the audience 3 subtopics from a theme or topic which was given to us. This speech was different than any others we did. Consequently, it tested our skills of being able to organize an entire speech as fast as we could deliver it. Obviously, we had to memorize it, and we could bring a flashcard up, but I decided not to use it; hence the quality of speech. My topic was: “Tell a story that could be true but isn’t.” It was a different topic because I couldn’t actually convey three sub points. I’m not sure if this was a lucky break or a curse. Despite this, all of the progress I had made had regressed once again, and I was disappointed, though proud that I could think on the spot creatively. I think that my ability to make up a story on the spot went well. Despite the weird context and the awkward characters, I think that the story was well made up, and may be considered clever by some. As I got my topic, I was expecting to have to come up with 3 subtopics, and I spent quite a while trying to think of one. It was then when I heard the applause of the person before me, and that I was up. I had prepared nothing, and I needed a story quickly. As I walked into the room, with nothing but a black flashcard, I had to consider what I could tell that was a fake story, but could be true. I didn’t want to tell a story that was boring, but something that could happen, though very much not likely. I heard a history class talking about Obama, and the most recent number I could think of was 8. I also remembered, for some reason, a burning house, and how portraying people as a hero sounded like a good story. Hence, the weird story of how the president and I saved a woman and her 8 children from a burning building. It was stupid, yes. But given the time we had to prepare, I think it was a silly, but clever story. My poise and enunciation suffered a lot this speech. Because I was trying to think of a story on the spot, I saw that I was playing a lot with my card and my stance was shifting again. My volume and voice changes were good, but with that, it was harder to understand me at times. I wasn’t monotone, though I wasn’t too shaky either. Nonetheless, it was still difficult to understand me at times. My poise was poor. I was playing with my card and was shifting from side to side. Hopefully, by next time, I will prepare better, and poise and enunciation will be a habit, and this won’t be a problem. “Oh my God! The building’s burning!” I felt great emotion in this part. I tried to imagine what it would be like if I were with the president and we saw a burning building. It matches the topic of realistic but not real. I tried to show this in my voice, hence the emotion and the bulging eyes. I feel that this was a speech of both improvement and regression. Both enunciation and pose, two of my biggest problems, had once again reappeared. Despite this, I was happy that my emotions and my able story telling covered this up. Hopefully, by next time, poise and enunciation won’t be a problem, so I can concentrate on my dialogue rather than my stance. With a mixture of good and bad, I feel that I earned a B on this performance.

Speech Assessment #7 For our most recent speech, the theme was “what makes me, me”. This speech was a great idea, as we got to learn a lot about each other and how culture plays an important role in our lives. The goal for this speech was to portray to the audience a theme and 3 subtopics from this theme that we thought played an important role in our life. This speech went beyond interpretation or personal experience. Rather, we had to research a topic and use some of that information in our speech. Moreover, another challenge we faced was an interview. Once again, we had to memorize this speech. This speech tested one’s knowledge of memorizing a speech, or “speaking from the heart” more so, it also tested out research skills and our manuscript writing. I chose to talk about sumo because it is a topic I enjoy and it provides lifelong memories for me because it is what brought me and my grandmother closer. It is also what helped me to enjoy my Japanese culture. I felt that right after the performance, many mess ups had made my speech into a disaster. However, as I watched my speech, I was surprised that a lot had improved from last time. Finally! My pose has improved! For once, I can put pose in this part of the assessment. I felt that my pose had improved the most. I wasn’t moving around too much, I kept my feet stable and at a reasonable position, I kept posture, and I wasn’t swaying. I made a diligent effort to keep my feet planted. After all the practice, it finally paid off. I was glad that I fixed this problem, as it was one of the bigger problems I faced. Moreover, I feel that my enunciation is slowly improving as well. For once, I could watch the entire speech without closing my eyes or having to fast forward because of how junk I was. I think that this speech had great improvement. I hope to use it as a stepping stone for future improvement. I think that the things that I could improve on for next time was eye contact. This all starts with better preparation. If I had prepared better, I wouldn’t have had to look down so often. For next time, I’ll try to prepare more so that I can memorize the speech better. I also might need to use this so that I don’t look down so often and mix up words. A couple of times, I slurred and stuttered because I didn’t know what word to use. With better preparation for next time, I could share a stellar performance. “And where else do you see these obese men wearing only one strip of silk. Yuck! But hey, that’s my culture.” I felt that I used great emotion in this part. I tried to imagine seeing what the audience was looking at. In the slide, there was a picture of the heaviest sumo wrestler ever. I tried to imagine what it would look like and what he was wearing… thus the “Yuck!” I feel that this was a speech of improvement. Both enunciation and pose, two of my biggest problems, had improved. Hopefully, with a little more practice and better preparation, I can look up more often, remember words that I want to use, and deliver a better speech. I felt that because of the improvement, I deserve a B+ on this performance.

SPEECH Assessment #6

For this oral interpretation, the theme was “inspiration.” Not only did we have to attempt to “inspire” the audience, but we had to memorize what we wanted to say. All we could bring up was a flashcard with a limited amount of words on it. This speech also was presented on a microphone, and in front of the class. It tested one’s knowledge of speaking into a microphone, as well as tested one’s preparedness for a memorized speech. I had felt that there was absolutely no way I could screw up on my poise and stance this time, but, as always, I found a way to screw it up. I was a little disappointed that little, if anything, had improved. I felt that my tone and speed of the speech went the best. I guess that because it was into a microphone, volume wasn’t too much of a problem either as it usually is. Sometimes, though, I caught myself slurring words and going too fast to where a point where I couldn’t understand myself. I felt that my forced eye contact was excellent. I thought that I was going to look at the card the whole time, or stare outside, but I didn’t. I made an effort to practice not doing that and it succeeded. Back to the tone and speed, I felt it went well in some places, added pauses for effect, slowing and speeding up when necessary, etc. I think with a little more practicing I can eliminate slurs and combined words. I couldn’t believe that I could ruin my poise this time. I thought that I was going to be writing about how good it was in the paragraph before this. But, I found myself fidgeting with my card… constantly. I didn’t even realize it. I didn’t want to place it down, so I guess I held it up. There I was, every single time I looked up at the audience, fidgeting, and playing with it. Secondly, my enunciation regressed. I couldn’t really understand what I was saying. Perhaps it was my slurred speech into a microphone. I felt that it went horribly bad. I really need to work on this. The only way I can really understand myself clearly is if I slow down to an irritatingly slow pace. Should I do this? I really don’t know how to fix this. “Her uncanny resemblance to an old-fashioned grandma, yet her obvious discrepancies made her one of the most unique people I’ve ever known.” Even though I stuttered a little on this part, I felt that my speed and tone were good, and my enunciation average. I tried and made a great effort to put good vocabulary into this part… I hoped it worked. Things are getting harder. This is no time for my enunciation to regress. I need to really get serious about fixing this problem. My poise has also been a big problem since the beginning and I have yet to fix it after 2 ½ months. Even though it was about a delicate subject, I could have put more emotion into it. My grandmother’s death was something that my family had to go through together, and it was very difficult. Because of my lack of improvement, I think that I deserved a B- or even a C+ on this performance.

Oral Interpretation Assessment #5 The most recent oral interpretation we presented was definitely unlike any other we did in the past. More specifically, it was a ‘how to’ hands only speech, in which we shared with the class a special thing we can do, and to portray it in a “do it yourself” type fashion. My personal ‘how to’ was how to successfully complete a deck change. A deck change is changing your clothes under a towel, so when supplies and space is limited, you can successfully change clothes with ease. This oral interpretation was a hands only interpretation, so no manuscript or props were to be used. The purpose was to show one’s understanding of using hand motions, and to demonstrate a task without the use of a manuscript or props. I was much more comfortable with this interpretation, as were most of my peers. I felt during and right after the performance that I had improved on my poise, enunciation, and mostly, volume. However, I found that things weren’t as good as I thought, as I found many things which displeased me. I felt that my confidence improved with this interpretation because I could share something I knew, and really show the audience who I was by adding in humor and even a cutaway gag for humor so that the audience could understand the point a little more. Overall, my ability to remember the points I was trying to get across were good, especially since I changed my topic the day before the presentation (I won’t do it again!). As I practiced, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to remember it. During the performance, I forgot a main point, but I found a space where I could fit it in. As I was performing, it really just flowed, something that hardly ever happens during oral interpretations. Finally, because this was a hands only speech, my hand motions improved considerably, although I think there still is room for improvement. My poise and stance improved dramatically, although I was fidgeting with my clothes quite a bit. I think that it is because I didn’t have a manuscript. I blame this on poor practicing. I also still need to work on volume and enunciation, a recurring problem. I think that with time and a little more practice, this problem will eventually wear away. I’ll try to work specifically on enunciation. “Cuz surely, no one wants to see a guy on one leg trying to take off his BVDs, with a shirt in his mouth and cannot balance.” I put in this cutaway for some humor and so that the audience could see why a semi- private area would be best for beginners. I think my emotions were best here, with excellent hand motions and satisfactory volume and tone. I was proud that I was comfortable to do this in front of the class. I practiced it and hoped that people would laugh, although it wasn’t my main objective. It was good, and really boosted my confidence to hear the snickers of some of my classmates. In conclusion, my goals, as always, for next time will be to improve on volume and enunciation. There is also improvement for hand gestures, poise, and stance. I notice some improvement since the last couple interpretations. More practice and effective practice would really help me in the areas where improvement is needed. I feel that I earned a B on this performance.

Oral Interpretation Assessment #4 This fourth oral interpretation tested our knowledge of a selected passage from our outside reading books. My selection was //90 Minutes in Heaven,// by Don Piper. I selected the introduction of the story because it was the most suspenseful. I felt that my enunciation got better, and I improved slightly on my pose, but I think I still have to work on a couple of things. I felt that my enunciation is improving, though the best things I did were volume and rate of speech. I used to speak fast, almost to a point where no one could understand what I was saying. However, I noticed that with more practice, I was able to present a moderately- good sounding speech. I also practiced my intro… a lot! I was happy that I was able to memorize it, and when I forgot a line or two, I was able to keep on going my improvising. I feel that my pose can still get better. Instead of changing stances, I was leaning like a rocky boat. I’ll try to work on this so that next time I am hardly moving out of normality. I also need to work on hand motions. It was hard for this specific passage because there was no dialogue. However, now that I look at it, there were many opportunities to use hand motions. “In one, powerful, overwhelming second… I died.” I thought that my rate was appropriate, though I could have ended a little slower to let the audience know I was done. It was weird trying to imagine anything with this line because I’ve never died before. It was hard to convey this, but it was appropriate. My goals for next time are more hand motions and less movements and leaning. I hope to continue to improve on enunciation and looking up more often too. I was glad I was able to remember my introduction, a major obstacle, and I felt that I gained some improv skills because I was able to wing it when I forgot a line. I felt that I earned a B on this performance.

Oral Interpretation Assessment #3 My poem __From the Teacher__ was depicting the perspective of an English instructor, who understands the subject matter she teaches, specifically poetry, is not the most favorite in the eyes of her students. Throughout the poem, she apologizes for assigning a ‘pop’ poem, all the while hoping to share the same love with her students the thing she has made her passion and life. This speech demonstrated one’s own interpretation of their poem, and was followed up by a personal poem critique/analysis. I had felt during and after the performance that I had improved my enunciation. I was pleased that the practice I had done sort of paid off. However, I was displeased that I was unable to successfully memorize my intro, was unable to continue after a mistake, and that my poise and stance were once again horrible. I felt that I had most improved on my enunciation. Though, the speed at which I went throughout the speech went the best. Once again, for the third time in a row, all I was practicing was my enunciation. It is hard to practice it because it is hard to listen to yourself. You don’t really know how you sound until you hear it on camera and this is a fine example of this. My speed went fine, I slowed down and sped up when necessary, though it wasn’t as great as during practice and from my second speech because I was so focused that I messed up my introduction. My inability to memorize my introduction surprised me. I am usually able to bounce back after I mess up. However, this proved to be a rare instance where I was unable to remember what I wrote. When I practice, I usually just look at the manuscript once and am usually able to wing it if I mess up or forget a line. I am not too sure what happened this time. I’ll be sure not to make it too obvious that I flawed next time. I was also surprised that I wasn’t able to fix my poise and stance problem. It is very frustrating watching my poise and stance. Clicking at random times in the speech, I thought that I was going to fall over because I was at such a steep angle. I’ll try to remember this for next time. “I see you’re distraught. But do not fear, for haven’t I taught you to be clear?” I felt that I used good rate of speech and volume for this part of the poem. I also used pretty good speed. I tried to imagine a stressed, older teacher questioning her abilities as an instructor. I tried to imagine: Why can’t my students write a decent poem, haven’t I taught them to have a flowing mind? Hopefully that was conveyed to the audience. In conclusion, my goals for next time are more practice so that I don’t mess up on my introduction, and if I do mess up, how to bounce right back so that it doesn’t seem that I messed up. Thirdly, I need to work on my stance. It isn’t something easy to practice; I’ll just have to try to remember it before my speech while outside practicing. Lastly, there is always improvement for enunciation in my case. More practice in front of a mirror and in front of a camera will set this straight. I feel that I got worse than last time, and that there is much more room for improvement. I feel that I earned a C on my performance.

Oral Interpretation Assessment #2 The poem __In the Basement of the Goodwill Store__, by Ted Kooser, is a moving poem about how things, which may seem worthless now, may one day find themselves back in the cradle of your arms. This speech demonstrated one’s understanding of the poem, and was followed up by a poem analysis. I had felt during and after the performance that I had improved both my tone and volume. However, as I saw the speech on tape, I was disappointed to see that only little had improved. I felt that the speed of the speech went the best. While practicing, I was barely making one minute thirty seconds. However, I learned to slow down, and take pauses when necessary. The pauses also added an extra dramatic effect, which added to the beauty of the poem. . Another thing I thought I did well was my memorization (mostly) of the introduction. On my walk from the door to the stage, I had completely forgotten my introduction because I was thinking of slowing my rate and enunciating my voice. I was proud that I at least memorized most of it and looked up at the audience most of the time. My poise and stance was poor. Watching the speech in bits and skipping to random places in the speech, I was in many exaggerated positions. In one moment I was leaning one way, then in the next, I wasswaying, and then all of the sudden; I was leaning to the other side. I don’t know why I do it, but I know it must be fixed in order for me to be a better public speaker. When I practiced, I do not sway, however, I think that if I focus on keeping both feet in one tile of my floor, there would be less of a chance of me swaying during my speech. My tone and volume were also poor. I mumbled and couldn’t understand a majority of my performance. I’m not sure how to fix this. I tried going slower, but it didn’t really help. I think that if I take time to say each and every syllable clearly, this problem should go away. “You’ve seen him somewhere before. Ah! He’s wearing the green leisure suit you threw out in the garbage, and the Christmas tie you hated…” I felt that I used good rate of speech and volume for this part of the poem. I tried to imagine how I would feel if I saw a man and just recognized him; like a light bulb going on in my head. I also tried to imagine a piece of clothing I hated to wear, but how Mom makes me wear it nonetheless. The emotion I put into the word “hated” represents this. This poem touched me because it made me wonder if some supernatural force made him see that man as himself, through which he figures that the things that he thought he was once rid of, have found him once again. Even though it wasn’t a life altering experience, it taught this man a wonderful lesson. In conclusion, I learned that by practicing what I preach, I should do much better in my performances. For instance, last time I said I was going to slow down to enunciate more. I slowed down, but the enunciation was still a problem. Even though the enunciation was still a problem, I still fixed my speed. This time, I’ll focus on practicing standing upright so that there would be less of a chance of swaying and excessive leaning. I’ll also keep on working with my braces in order for people to understand me better, and to control the spit that uncontrollably flies out of my mouth! I feel that I earned a C+ on the performance.