Description

My first presentation in college was a significant milestone in my academic journey. It took place during my first year in English class. The topic assigned to our group was "Word Formation". We fairly divided the sub topics among the group members. The presentation was scheduled for the next week, giving me a limited time to prepare. I carefully researched my assigned topics, created a PowerPoint presentation, and practiced my speech multiple times. On the day of the presentation, I dressed elegantly and arrived early to set up my materials. The class was full, and the atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

 Feelings

As I stood in front of the class, I was extremely nervous. My heart raced, and my palms were sweaty. Despite my extensive preparation, I feared forgetting my lines or stumbling over my words. However, there was also a sense of excitement. This presentation was an opportunity to demonstrate my knowledge and skills to my peers and instructor. As I began to speak, the initial nervousness gradually faded, replaced by a growing confidence as I saw nods of understanding and interest from the audience.

Evaluation

Looking back, my presentation had both strengths and areas for improvement. On the positive side, my research was thorough, and the information was well-organized. The visual aids complemented my speech and helped maintain the audience's attention. I also questioned the audience to check their prior knowledge. However, I noticed that I spoke too quickly at times, which may have made it difficult for some classmates to understand. Additionally, my conclusion was not as strong as I had hoped, ending somewhat abruptly instead of summarizing the key points effectively.

 Analysis

This experience highlighted the importance of talking fluently and clear articulation in presentations. While content is important, the delivery significantly impacts the audience's understanding and engagement. Practicing in front of a mirror or with friends could have helped me better manage my pace. Furthermore, having a impactful conclusion would have left a stronger impression on the audience. 

Teacher's Feedback: My teacher's feedback held prime importance for me. She observed me keenly and then asked me to be more assertive while presenting. The teacher pointed out my politeness and advised me to be a bit strict and less friendly during the presentation. She appreciated the fact that I involved audience well and delivered my presentation in a clear voice. Feedback from my teacher pointed out these areas, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in public speaking skills.

Conclusion

My first college presentation was a valuable learning experience that revealed both my capabilities and the areas needing improvement. It taught me that preparation extends beyond research and includes rehearsing the delivery and refining the conclusion. This initial push into public speaking in an academic setting laid the foundation for my future presentations, instilling a sense of confidence and a clearer understanding of effective communication skills.

Action Plan

To improve my presentation skills, I plan to adopt several strategies. First, I will practice more extensively, including rehearsing in front of an audience to receive constructive feedback. Second, I will work on crafting strong conclusions that effectively summarize my main points and leave a lasting impression. Additionally, I intend to attend workshops or join a public speaking club to further improve  my skills. By implementing these steps, I aim to become a more proficient and confident presenter in future academic and professional settings