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Before the fall semester started, I thought this class was briefly going to be about how to present and speak professionally for any job opportunity in the future. I thought my only worry for this class would be the people in my group not following along and having the stress to do almost everything myself. I am partially correct; this class is about speaking in a professional tone although, it made me realize that it is more than that. It is also how to conduct proper research, how to talk to my peers about the work (which is something I'm not completely used to), and of course talking confidently in front of a crowd. This realization came to me when my classmates presented each of their own presentations about how to get ready for a successful presentation.

One thing that each of my classmate's presentation had in common, mine included, was enabling the skill of talking confidently in front of a crowd. This includes limiting unnecessary, "filler" words such as "um", "uh", "like", random stops in between, or anything similar. Group 1 mentioned this saying it makes you look unprepared, wasted little bit of time and unprofessional if it used consent throughout the presentation. I completely agree with that statement. Overusing those "filler" words doesn't help an individual image. Though, it not totally a bad thing; it is normal to collect your thoughts and think before you speak. 

Group 1 also mentioned conducting research prior and being formally educated on the topic. How else would you be able to present your topic without knowing what it is about? This not only makes you informed but also well prepared. It indicates that you took your time to carefully be educated and being responsible. It may sound like the bare minimum though, not everyone is responsible. 

Another point I enjoyed listening from my classmates was grabbing your listeners attention. Whatever the topic may be, you must to make sure your listeners aren't bored out but instead engage. Group 3 mentioned this and even used an example to grab the overall class attention. One way to do this is by stating a hypothetical statement or question, kinda of like a hook. Another format would be interacting with the listeners. It could be reminiscing a memory relating to the topic, telling them to do a certain action, storytelling, and any other method that can involve the audience. 

What was eye opening to me was how they are various ways to public speaking that isn't just conducting research and talking to an audience. It a whole process that also includes your body language and finding your own style. Style as in their some people that are naturally passionate, loud and clear and others that aren't as bold and passionate but either way, both are fine and that what makes it interesting. The beauty of public speaking is fascinating!

Organization is crucial in public speaking. It is crucial in presentation, how you present yourself, and what you're saying to the audience. Having an organized and well-prepared presentation helps organizes your thoughts, ensuring a logical, smooth, steady flow while speaking and keeping yourself and the audience on track. It also gives you a good impression that you're well prepared. In my opinion, comparing to the other key factors my classmates went over, it is extremely important to be well organized in order to have a successful presentation. 

One thing I didn't enjoy was that the presentation overall was a little repetitive. Most of the key factors that were mentioned was common background knowledge and felt as if each group were repeating similar or the same key factors I heard from previous groups. For example, my group (group 2) mentioned conducting research and group 4 mentioned the same thing but in more details. I expected new information although, it also felt like reminders how to do a successful presentation which was quite nice. 

To add on, it was heartwarming how my classmates mentioned how to be less nervous while presenting in front of an audience. Public speaking may not be for everyone though they are tactic to be less nervous and not be as afraid. One of the methods was to take a deep breath and reassure yourself. Giving yourself a prep-talk beforehand will reduce that stress and anxiety an individual may be feeling. With practice, it will (hopefully) go away. 

Another important key factor that stood out to me was practicing beforehand. Just like the phrase, "practice makes perfect." It just as crucial to practice weather it is eye contact, the presentation itself, building that confidence, or easing that anxiety it does reflect tremendously on your presentation and how the audience views you. In my opinion, I view it as part of organization; it apart of preparing yourself and organizing your thoughts. 

Public speaking is also about being loud, clear, passive and overall bold. Additionally, including personality while presenting also helps engages your audience. This can be presented in your tone or a phrase to really catch the audience attention. Hence, it ok to be yourself while presenting as long it doesn't get in the way. It is also important to be respectful as possible while presenting to your audience even after finishing. 

Moreover, it is a responsibility as a presenter, as a speaker to leave an impact on your audience. To make sure they leave that room educated on such topic and feeling comfortable in your presence. It isn't just about info-dumping, it about connection and having a good time while in the room. That the audience feels awake and moved from your end.

To conclude, public speaking is more than just presenting to your audience about the topic. It is also about engaging, connecting, organization, confidence, being educated, and most importantly, being well-prepared. It is a skill to acquire and that is accomplished by practicing. These key factors did come across, and I learned a handful of useful information that I will definitely be using in the future.