Aidan Grillo _ Reflection


These group presentations really expanded my understanding of public speaking beyond what I first expected. At first, I thought we’d just go over basic presentation skills like not stuttering or standing straight, but each group showed me how detailed communication actually is. Watching all four groups gave me new insights into different parts of public speaking.

Since I was in Group 1, I experienced both the group work process and the final presentation from the inside. Our chapters focused on the foundations: why public speaking matters, building confidence, listening, and adapting to audiences. At first our group communication was slow, which made me worried, but once we divided the work, everyone stepped up.

The opening explained why public speaking skills matter in everyday life. The model of speech, message, channel, noise, and feedback stood out because it applies not just to formal speeches but to everyday conversations. That perspective helped me see public speaking as a skill used everywhere.

The section on speech anxiety connected with me personally. It described common worries like doubting your abilities or stressing about the audience. The strategies shared, like breathing and mindfulness, felt more useful than the usual “just be confident.” For my part, I presented on listening using the RASA method (Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask). I liked that it showed listening as active, not passive. It also tied to communication climates supportive environments help both speakers and listeners, while defensive ones do the opposite. We ended with adapting to the audience, which reminded me that you can’t present the same way to every group.

Group 2’s presentation showed how much planning speeches really need. They even sent each other practice videos, which clearly made them smoother as a team. Their explanation of topic selection made me think differently about choosing what to present on. Instead of just picking randomly, you have to consider time, resources, audience interest, and your own engagement. Their talk on purpose statements also helped me see how being clear about whether your speech is informative, persuasive, or something else keeps it from being scattered.

They also covered research and organization. I thought the emphasis on checking sources and avoiding plagiarism was important, since copying undermines credibility. Their breakdown of organizational patterns chronological, spatial, narrative, problem-solution gave me useful structures I can use instead of “winging it.”

Group 3 focused on style, design, and delivery. They showed a video about common mistakes in conclusions, which was both funny and effective. Learning about primacy and recency (how people remember beginnings and endings best) reminded me to focus on openings and closings.

I also liked their section on word choice. The way you phrase things can either build credibility or hurt it. Their tips on slides clear fonts, simple colors, less text were really practical, since too many slides are often overcrowded. They also explained the different delivery methods: impromptu, manuscript, memorized, and extemporaneous. I had never thought of those as separate approaches before. Their point about cultural and personal differences in audiences also made me think about how to adjust to different groups.

Group 4 talked about special speaking situations. Their section on persuasive speaking stood out because it showed how strategy changes depending on whether your audience agrees with you, is undecided, or is against you. I also liked their breakdown of logos, ethos, pathos, and mythos as tools for persuasion.

They also focused on distance speaking and media, which felt especially relevant today. Speaking clearly and keeping the audience engaged is harder online, but it’s becoming more common in school and work. Their points about media appearances also showed me how public speaking goes beyond classrooms it applies to interviews, online videos, and more. Lastly, their part on special occasion speeches reminded me that these skills matter for events outside of school too.

By the end, I realized I had learned way more than I expected. Public speaking didn’t feel like something to just “get through” anymore it felt like a skill I could actually improve at step by step. Each group added something: Group 1 gave me the basics and confidence, Group 2 showed me the importance of planning, Group 3 focused on delivery and design, and Group 4 showed me how it all applies in different real-world settings.

I also noticed how the groups that supported each other more had stronger presentations. That made me realize how much communication improves in a positive environment, both for teams and for audiences.

Overall, this project completely changed my perspective on public speaking. Instead of just avoiding mistakes, I now see it as something built through planning, practice, and adaptability. I left with real strategies I can use, and I feel more confident about speaking in any setting school, work, or even daily life.

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