Final Self-Reflection

TO: Professor Paul Lerdahl

FROM: Lilia Vargas COMM-1020-505-810-F21
DATE: 12/19/21
RE: Final Self-Reflection

Instructions: Read through the directions that are italics and replace all italics and brackets ([ ]) with your own
words and ideas. Make sure to erase all of the instructions. Make sure to use the bold headings as shown
below, this is exactly how I want you to organize your ideas on paper.

I have come a long way from the first video I posted to the last video I made today. I am proud of my growth
and I saw it progress more and more as I learned from the course.

Organization
Having my speech outlines organized was the key to executing an effective speech video. Each
assignment requires paperwork to go along with the video which allows us to keep everything well organized
to be able to have all the information in one place then effectively recite it in our video. I always started with
an introduction to my speech. I wanted to make sure I captured the audience's attention with my hook. I then
moved on by introducing my main points. Here I can establish the topics I want to talk about. I also included
subpoints, this was additional information that helped support my main points. In doing so, I can also
establish credibility.
The body of my outlines provided the information for me to get into my topic and provide them with
sources. I found that when I had this structure there was a better flow to what I was going to say next. I know
my transitions helped do so. So once I was done, I was able to circle back and conclude my speech. In
chapter 7, I read something that resonated with me as I struggled to organize my writing and circle back to
my conclusion, “Speakers who are well-organized impress listeners as more credible than speakers who are
disorganized” (Rothwell 2016 pg.129) I knew that as much great information and sources I had, none of that
would matter if it wasn’t well organized and well written. I knew I had to change it up and I believe I started to
make that transition in my speeches.

Appeals and Integrated Evidence

[In one or two paragraphs per section (logos, ethos, and pathos), include at least one-page reference from the
text or from class lectures, and an example from one or all of your speeches. summarize what you have
learned about the use of logos, ethos, and pathos to support the claims of your speech.]

Logos:
To develop Logos in my speeches I had to do a lot of research that supports my argument or reason for
choosing the stance I had. Logos are based on logic, you will also have proven facts to support your
argument. For example, in my Persuasive Speech video, I chose to talk about the importance of sleep and
try to convince my audience that sleep was extremely important due to so many health factors.
I knew there would be people who might not agree with my argument and I knew I needed to provide
sources of information and case studies to further my argument. “Gathering useful information for your
speech takes effort and know-how.” (Rothwell 2016, pg.86) Gathering sources to support my view would then
help information to my audience so they knew this wasn’t made up information I was giving.
 Ethos:
To establish Ethos in my writing I knew that I had to appeal to my audience and make them understand why
the topic of my speeches was important or show any type of interest. Ethos is establishing credibility and
setting a tone. To do so, I made sure I was relatable. It can be hard to connect with people but once you
establish commonality and develop an interest in something it is engaging which leads to interest.
I also didn’t know who my audience was going to be so I knew I had to have an inviting personality
and have a hook that made people want to stay engaged. “Even when your audience is composed of highly
diverse members, if your listeners grow to like you they are more inclined to listen.” (Rothwell 2016, pg. 72)
This drastically improved my feedback from my peers and I knew that I wouldn’t want to watch me either.

Pathos:
I tend to use pathos a lot in my speeches because I know that I can establish a connection with my
audience, I also want to demonstrate credibility and by sharing my own experiences about the topic, I knew it
would then invoke emotion. Pathos can be described as the emotions and use of storytelling. The topics I
picked for each speech video were based on experiences that I related to. I knew that because I had a story to
go with it then I could better talk about it and make it more relatable.
In my Artifact video, I told the story of the importance of the shirt but more importantly the back story to
it. I provided a sentimental artifact but I also included why it was such a keepsake. I also did this in my
Demonstration Speech video, where I demonstrated how to do henna. As I did the henna, I gave a story about
the Indian wedding I was going to attend and the significance of the henna.
Further explained when including a personal story whether it was about me or someone else, I knew
that it had to relate in one way or the other. “Choose a story that fits your audience.” (Rothwell 2016, pg. 247) If
the particular story doesn't relate or deviates from the main point then I knew better than to include it.

1
Delivery and Visual Aids

I struggled with nonverbal communication such as making eye contact and hand gestures but more
importantly, feeling confident. I was extremely uncomfortable and I realized it was affecting the quality of my
videos. As I watched them back, I wouldn’t have wanted to watch me either. I realized that although I had my
outline of what I wanted to say when it came down to recording the video, I wasn’t properly executing what I
wanted to say and my body language was emanating that. As I progressed and began to make more videos
my confidence went up and I believe you can see those improvements. “When you are genuinely enthusiastic
about your topic, for example, your gestures will naturally be enthusiastic.”(Rothwell 2016, pg. 202)
As for my visual aids, I know they can make the speeches more visually pleasing instead of having
someone just talking. Using objects whether that's a photo, object, or anything else it makes the video more
appealing but making sure it isn't distracting is important too. Making it a balance is

Audience Assessment and Adaptation:

Getting feedback from my peers was extremely beneficial to my speech videos. I knew that I was able
to count on them when I needed a fresh perspective. I never felt like it was criticism so I was able to use their
feedback to improve. There were times where I thought my work was good and then someone brought up a
good point and how I could change my work to make it better and it made me self-reflect and see from a new
perspective.
I was my harshest critic because when I was not satisfied with my work, someone was telling me that
I did great. I also found it helpful when there were comments left about how they noticed I did something
different or considered their feedback for my next video. They noticed and I noticed that it was better. My
audience was so diverse which helps to get all sorts of ideas to help make my work better. In order to make my
work better, I had to adapt and be more open to changing my expectations of what my videos should look like
to what they could be.

Speech Anxiety Management:

I struggled with speech anxiety immensely at the beginning of the curse. I was worried that I wasn’t going to
get my point across or that my peers would ridicule me and leave me harsh criticism. I knew that I was going
to have to get over those self-doubts to succeed. I know that I had to become more confident and comfortable
with what I was going to say before I started filming because when I didn’t, I would become nervous and doubt
myself. “If you wait until you actually give your speech before considering which steps need to be taken to
manage your anxiety, it is usually too late” (Rothwell 2016, pg. 19)
It is challenging to overcome speech anxiety but as I took the course and saw the videos of my peers, I took a
lot of their feedback in and worked harder to push myself. I made sure that I knew what I was going to say and
I was prepared. It is fulfilling to see the changes from my first video to my last speech.

Lessons Learned:
I have a lot to learn but I feel like I am on the right path. I stepped out of my comfort zone and learned to
understand that feedback isn’t always criticism. With the help of my peers, I grew to see from a different
perspective and make necessary changes to improve myself. I have used several techniques that I have
learned throughout this course to use in my personal and professional life.
When I first started the course I was getting anxious thinking about being on camera and having my
peers judge my work but I have found that the feedback from them has been essential to my growth. The
workshops we had with the professors online help answer any questions I had and feel more prepared when it
came down to filming. As I made my way to the final video, I noticed that I wanted to demonstrate how much I
had learned so I pushed myself to try harder. It is motivating to see my improvements because I didn’t think it
was possible. Striving for perfection was an unrealistic goal so I learned that I needed to change my thought
process. “Even the most talented and experienced public speakers make occasional errors in otherwise
riveting and eloquent speeches.” (Rothwell 2016, pg. 27)

Works Cited
Rothwell, D. J. (2016). Practically Speaking (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.