Overall, I think my commemorative speech went really well. I knew a lot about Elizabeth Blackwell before I gave my speech. This made it a lot easier for me to keep talking about her even when I forgot what I was going to say. However, I did learn a lot more about her background and how she was raised. I only stuttered a few times while speaking. The time requirement was longer and that scared me a little bit. This time, there was only a one minute gap to end my speech. After I got up and started speaking, I wasn’t as afraid. I think that I did well on my commemorative speech.
There are things I messed up on, but there are even more that I think I did well on. I made the time requirement. That was my biggest fear. Also, I did not say “um” or stutter as much as I thought I would. My movements were minimal while I was speaking. I did not play with my hair as much and I did not cross my legs. I did use one gesture. This may not be too much, but its an improvement from not using any in my self introduction speech.
As well as things I did well, there are still some things I need to improve upon. I need to stop looking down at my note cards as much as I do. There is no reason for me to look down before everything I say. I know what I am talking about, I just need to get up there and be confident about it. My conclusion was a little rocky as well. My note-card that I had for my conclusion was on the same one with the introduction and I confused myself. This is why I seemed like I forgot what I was saying. I just have to keep practicing until I perfect it.
In order for me to improve, I need to practice. I will probably say this on every self evaluation. Practice makes perfect. I should start practicing in front a mirror more so that I can stop myself when I start to sway or when I keep looking down at my note-cards. The mirror would also help me practice my gestures. I can only remember using one meaningful gesture while giving my speech. This will help me prepare for my next speech.
I feel as though I deserve a B. My speech was good, just not that good. I do not think that I aced it. With how many times I looked down at my note-cards, I feel as though I should receive a B. My introduction was strong, but I forgot my conclusion and it fell apart. There were definitely speakers I feel did a lot better than I did. I had a well written speech, but between my delivery and forgetting what to say, it was not the best. Due to all of this combined, I feel as though I deserve to get a B.
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