Jacob Siri
Final Reflection
Coming into this class I really didn’t know what to expect. I have never been in a class, or in any sort of system, that was solely dedicated on improving my public speaking skills. Before I entered this class, I’ve only had a few experiences involving public speaking, but even with those experiences I lacked the knowledge on how to deliver an effective speech.
When it came to public speaking, I was always nervous and missing confidence. I knew that these characteristics where holding me back, so I wanted to improve these skills and be the speaker I knew I could be. I understood that the only chance I had at improving these flaws was by being in a class where I was going to feel comfortable. If I wasn’t going to be able to feel comfortable in the class, then I knew I was never going to feel comfortable while giving a speech. So, when it came time to register last fall, I spoke with my friends who had previously taken COM 1010, and I asked them if they enjoyed their COM class. Some of my friends told me that they weren’t impressed with their COM class, while others told me that their COM class was great. However, one of my friends, Andrew, told me he was in the most amazing COM class with the best professor, and I should take the class that he just took. That class was Professor Kyueun’s class. Even though he told me this, I didn’t know for sure if the class was going to be a good fit for me. Nevertheless, I decided to register for Kyueun Kim COM 1010 Monday and Wednesday from 9:05- 10:20.
After sitting in class for only a few days, I knew that Andrew couldn’t have been more right. I was instantly drawn to how Professor Kyueun set a classroom environment that was lax and fun, but also set an environment that prioritized improving our public speaking skills.
The first few days, we did some fun, public speaking exercises. This really set the tone for the class, as I was able to get to know my classmates better, which made me feel more comfortable in the classroom.
As the semester went on. My nervousness and lack of confidence progressively diminished with each speech that I gave. The low stress atmosphere made me feel calm as I was able to concentrate on what I needed to say in order to deliver an effective speech. After I was done speaking, Professor Kyueun always gave me great advice on how to improve my public speaking ability. I always took this advice, and worked as best as I could on improving those skills for my upcoming speech.
Looking back, I realized how far I’ve come. In the beginning of the semester, I remember we did a speaking exercise where we had to pick a scenario at random from a cup, and give a one minute speech on that scenario. Even though, it was only for one minute, I remember how nervous I was to deliver a speech in front of the classroom. Now, no matter the class, when I give a speech I am able go in front of the classroom and deliver a strong, confident, and effective speech. I know that I still have a lot to improve on, but I now have the tools to give a well-organized and efficient speech.
I can’t imagine if Andrew didn’t tell me about this class. If that was the case, then I would still be exceptionally nervous and lacking confidence while giving a public speech.
Thankfully I got into this class. This class is as perfect as it gets.
