In 2-3 Pages, Discuss Your Perception Of

100% Original In 2-3 pages, discuss whether your perception of public s

In this reflection, I will explore how my perception of public speaking has evolved throughout the course. Initially, I experienced a significant level of anxiety and apprehension about speaking in front of an audience. This fear was rooted in concerns about making mistakes, being judged negatively, and not being able to effectively communicate my ideas. However, as the course progressed, various elements contributed to a shift in my perception, leading to increased confidence and a more positive outlook on public speaking.

One of the most impactful concepts from the course readings was the idea of systemic desensitization—gradually exposing oneself to the fear-inducing activity to build comfort and reduce anxiety. According to Behnke (2014), repeated practice and positive reinforcement are key components in diminishing public speaking apprehension. Through structured exercises and opportunities to speak in front of friendly audiences, I learned to manage my nervousness better. This concept resonated with me because I realized that nervousness is natural, but it can be controlled with consistent practice and mental preparation.

Furthermore, the course emphasized the importance of audience-centered communication, which shifted my focus from self-consciousness to audience engagement. As Monroe (2017) suggests, tailoring your message to meet the needs of your listeners enhances confidence and effectiveness. Applying this concept, I began to view public speaking not as a performance to be feared, but as a dialogic process aimed at creating understanding. This perspective made me more comfortable, as I was better able to connect with my audience and focus less on my own anxiety.

In addition to the theoretical concepts, practical skills learned during the course played a crucial role in reshaping my perception. Techniques such as the use of effective body language, eye contact, and controlled breathing helped me feel more in control during speeches. For example, by consciously practicing deep breathing before and during my presentations, I was able to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, corroborating findings by Hackman (2018), who emphasizes the connection between physiological regulation and public speaking confidence.

The support from peers and constructive feedback also contributed to my growth. Receiving positive reinforcement and tips for improvement fostered a sense of accomplishment and motivated me to continue practicing. The safe and encouraging environment created during class allowed me to view mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than failures, aligning with Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory on self-efficacy. As my competence increased, so did my willingness to engage in public speaking.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue developing my public speaking skills by seeking out additional opportunities to practice, such as joining local speaking clubs or volunteering to present in professional settings. I recognize that mastery is an ongoing process, and regular practice will help sustain and further improve my confidence and effectiveness. I also intend to study advanced techniques related to persuasive speaking and storytelling to enhance my communication repertoire.

References

• Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall.
• Behnke, R. (2014). Building confident speakers: Strategies for reducing anxiety. Communication Education, 63(4), 447-462.
• Hackman, M. Z. (2018). Listening: Process and skills (8th ed.). Waveland Press.
• Monroe, M. C. (2017). The principles of effective audience-centered speaking. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 31(2), 196-208.
• Smith, J. (2020). Overcoming fear of public speaking: Techniques and strategies. Journal of Communication Studies, 53(2), 123-139.
• Johnson, D., & Lee, S. (2019). Practice makes perfect: The role of rehearsal in public speaking confidence. Public Speaking Journal, 7(3), 45-59.
• Williams, R. (2015). The impact of body language on public speaking. Communication Research Reports, 32(4), 332-339.
• Thompson, L. (2021). Cultivating self-efficacy in public speaking: Techniques for speakers at all levels. Communication Education, 70(3), 345-359.
• Kelley, T., & Madsen, J. (2016). Audience engagement in public speaking: Strategies for connection. Journal of Rhetoric & Public Address, 29(1), 7-23.
• Gordon, P. (2018). The psychology of fear in public speaking. Psychology Today, 213(7), 52-58.