What was the purpose of the speech? To inform, persuade, or entertain and why do you think that?

What was thesis of the speech?

I think the purpose of the speech was to both inform and persuade. This is because in the
beginning she sights sources and gives the information in an upfront way to the audience. Then takes a
position and starts arguing that there is a happy medium.

During Kathryn’s speech, she discussed speech anxiety or stage fright. How do you feel overall about
public speaking? Do you have any experience with public speaking? If so, how did you feel when you
presented?

I feel neutral about public speaking. I was on my high school’s speech team, so I spoke
competitively around the state. I felt a smidge nervous when I spoke. However, I enjoyed every minute I
was able to recite prose, make seven-minute political speeches in 30 minutes, and inform my audience
about cells or black holes.

Based on the material in your textbook and on e-campus, what are some of the strategies that would
help dealing with speech anxiety? What is one strategy that you feel like you would try to use?

A few strategies that could help deal with speech anxiety are redirecting your nerves, practicing
everything you can think of, and using breathing techniques before and during your speech. A strategy
that would not help me is asking myself what the worst possible outcome could be because my brain is a
master at coming up with worst-case scenarios. One that I try to incorporate into my speech ritual is
breathing techniques.

During Kathryn’s speech, she made a point that we should change the style of speeches to be more
conversational or adopt storytelling. What was your original view of public speaking? Did Kathryn view of
storytelling change your view on public speaking? How so?

Before I did speech in high school, I was afraid to speak in front of people. After, I did not mind
speaking in front of my peers. Kathryn did not really change my view, but she was able to describe how I
was able to speak naturally. When I speak in public, I try to tell a story, but had never thought about it as
a way to view public speaking, it is just what I did.