For me, speaking in public has represented one of my greatest fears since I can remember. Before taking this course, I considered that public speaking was not something for me and that it probably never would be, and added to that, I assumed that communication was a “gift” that people are born with, and it is not done, so at the beginning of the semester, I considered myself a lost cause. Although the chapters we read from the book gave me knowledge regarding what public speaking was, the speech practices and the feedback from my classmates helped me improve and manage my fear of speaking in public. After completing the course, I have discovered that public speaking can become less intimidating and that it is not a gift that one is born with, the reality is that people can develop the skill. While the nerves won't go away overnight, I now feel more confident giving speeches in front of people I don't know.

The final speech for class made me too nervous; I practiced days before the date, but honestly, I was very nervous when I went out front. While I was giving the speech I realized that maybe it wasn't as scary as I thought, and coincidentally, on the afternoon of that same day, I had to give a speech in front of 124 people for an honors program event, and I'm happy to share that, even though I didn't know the people, I had never felt so confident giving a speech in my life. After having finished the course and all the practice I have had in it, I know that in the future I can correct and apply the knowledge I learned. In the future, every time I have to give a speech in public, I now know that I must prepare in advance, practice my speech, take the necessary pauses when speaking, convey the message with the corresponding emotion, use the space that I have, move my hands (but don't forget to lower them), maintain correct posture, and don't rush so much when speaking. I feel more confident and less intimidated when speaking in public, the opportunities to give speeches and receive constructive feedback were invaluable in helping me develop my skills and reduce anxiety.