Speech Reflection

When looking back at my speech, I feel that there are many things I can do to improve for future presentations. The area that I need to focus on the most is my preparation. It was obvious that I was not prepared for this speech because it only last 1:51 and I had to constantly look at my note card. This is something that I did not realize, until I looked back at the video. I used my note card far too much. By being more prepared, I wouldn't be dependent on looking at the note card, thus improving my eye contact. Also, by being more prepared I would have realized that I needed more information to talk about to reach 3:00. I also need to improve my focus. I didn't really make it clear where I wanted to take the project. I should have discussed how I wanted to focus on the people who host the movies, as opposed to those who go and watch them. When it comes to my movements, I stood in one place basically the entire time with minimal movement. I did use some gestures, but they mainly revolved around my note card. I should also try to avoid putting my hand in my pocket. Looking on the bright side of my speech, I did feel like my introduction was engaging and drew the audience in to my topic. In conclusion, I feel like by improving my preparation, focus, and movements, my next presentation will be much better.

Questions I Hate Answering

A common form of question that I get on a regular basis is about my last name. Most of the time I get “How do you pronounce your last name?” but I am also asked “How do you spell it?” I understand that I do not have a typical last name, but I really don’t see why it is that hard to pronounce? It is pronounced (pet-it). The extra T at the end of my name seems to throw some people off, as many people pronounce it (pet-ite). I don’t get annoyed as much when people ask how to spell it because I have seen many different spellings for the name and I do know that mine is unique.

            Other questions that I hate answering are ones that I have gotten recently. Since this is my first year in college, all of my family members and various other adults like to ask me “How is college?” or “Do you like college?” I usually just reply with “Yeah, I really like it.” I understand that they just want to know how it is going for me, but the fact that I get these questions every time I go home has become a tad bit annoying. I guess I should just be thankful I have the opportunity to go to college and as a result get these questions.

            Both of those types of questions don’t even compare to how much I hate getting asked this last one. The question I hate answering the most is “Do you have a girlfriend?” I don’t know why I hate being asked this so much, I suppose it’s because it is a fairly personal question. I can’t say “It’s personal” or “I’d rather not talk about it” because then I come off as being rude. And to make matters worse, when at times I do have a girlfriend and say “Yes, I do”, I get countless other questions about it. It’s a lose, lose no matter what.