SELF REFLECTION PHASE 3,4 AND 5
PHASE 3:
Goal 1- Improve Vocal Variety and Confidence
I have dived into several materials geared at enhancing voice modulation and projecting
confidence in public speaking to improve my vocal variety and confidence. "The Art of Public
Speaking" by Dale Carnegie, was one useful resource I used. Carnegie's observations highlighted
the need of vocal exercises in developing a dynamic speaking voice. In addition, I investigated
online exercises and lessons such as those provided by Toastmasters International.
Goal 2- Minimizing Vocal Fillers
I seek advice from a variety of places to handle the difficulty of minimizing vocal fillers which
was my biggest obstacle while speaking. Julian Treasure's work, a sound and communication
expert known for his TED Talks, was a crucial resource. Treasure's techniques include using
intentional pauses and the "HAIL" technique (Honesty, Authenticity, Integrity, and Love) to
reduce filler words. I also read articles from public speaking sites such as Speak Up for Success,
which provided practical advice on how to break the habit of utilizing vocal fillers. I am more
confident while speaking now due to these factors and resources.
Goal 3- Enhance Body Language and Gestures
To improve my body language and gestures, I researched nonverbal communication literature
and videos. Notably, Edward T. Hall's book "The Silent Language" provided vital insights on the
cultural aspects of body language. I also watched a TED Talk led by a communication expert,
where I learnt practical ways for conveying confidence through deliberate movements. Courses
on effective body language were also available through online sites such as LinkedIn Learning
and Coursera.
Goal 4- Engage the Audience Effectively
I studied the work of successful presenters and communication scholars to improve my audience
interaction skills. Nancy Duarte's book "Resonate" provided a thorough understanding of how to
engage an audience using narrative approaches. I also listened to podcasts featuring
communication coaches, such as the "Talk Like TED" series, in which professionals gave tips on
how to engage with audiences. In addition, I researched academic publications on interactive
presentation strategies to further help me improve my skill of audience engagement/interaction.
PHASE 4:
Goal 1: Improve Vocal Variety and Confidence
The Initial Plan:
Recording Sessions: I analyzed my recorded presentations for vocal variety and confidence
assessment.
Peer Feedback: I gathered feedback from peers and the TA after each presentation.
Self-Reflection Journal: Maintaining a journal for personal reflections on vocal exercises really
helped me look back at my progress.
Progress Updates:
After 4 Weeks: I analyzed recordings and peer feedback.
After 8 Weeks: I went ahead and conducted a mid-semester evaluation.
End of Semester: Review overall progress and lessons learned was an important final step to see
where I reached after the full semester.
Goal 2: Minimize Vocal Fillers
My Plan to Track:
Create a Filler Log: I started logging in instances of vocal fillers every time I reviewed my
presentation's recording.
Feedback Sessions: I started seeking specific feedback on filler reduction from peers and the TA.
Weekly Review: Reviewing recordings of my speeches for filler analysis really helped to pick
the fillers I use and when I use them while presenting.
Progress Updates:
After 4 Weeks: Start analyzing filler log and peer/TA feedback.
After 8 Weeks: Conduct mid-semester progress and analyze the parts where I am lacking after
reviewing the grades and feedback from peers, professor and the TA.
End of Semester: Summarize the complete progress and challenges I faced and how I have
improved from the beginning.
Goal 3: Enhance Body Language and Gestures
Tracking Plan:
Checklist for Practice: Using and trying to achieve full in the checklist/rubric provided by the
professor during practice sessions.
Peer Evaluation: Requesting friends and peers to identify specific problems with body language
and getting their feedback on it
Video Analysis: Using my recorded presentations to identify the issues with my body language
while presenting.
Progress Updates:
After 4 Weeks: Evaluating peer and TA feedback and analyzing past presentation videos.
After 8 Weeks: Conducting a mid-semester analysis on areas of improvements and working on
those.
End of Semester: Reflect on overall progress and lessons learned.
Goal 4: Engage the Audience Effectively
Plan for Tracking:
Reflective Journals: I decided to maintain a journal which I started to fill in after each
presentation's feedback from the TA, professor and peers.
Incorporate Peer and TA Suggestions: Actively use peer and TA suggestions for improvement
after every presentation.
Progress Updates:
After 4 Weeks: Review all the feedback and go through the reflective journals to see
improvement till now and further scope of improvement.
After 8 Weeks: Conduct a mid-semester assessment.
End of Semester: Summarize progress and successful strategies.
PHASE 5:
Goal Evolution and Achievement:
Goal Development: My first strategy was to review how my goals evolved over time and I
started noting any modifications or adjustments made to achieve them.
Goal Achievement: I started evaluating whether each goal was met, partially achieved, or
requires further attention. For example, after my first presentation I compared whether my
marking for fillers improved or not, and if not then I changed my strategy towards improving my
fillers while presenting.
Challenges Faced and Overcoming Them:
Identify Challenges: I started analyzing and discussing with friends and peers about the main
hurdles I encountered while working towards improving my communication goals and
improving the areas in which I was lacking by identifying further areas of improvement.
Strategies for Overcoming: I started noting down and highlighting strategies or techniques
employed to address these challenges and how effective they were for me by analyzing their
effects on my presentations.
Feedback Comparison and Lessons Learned:
Initial vs. Final Feedback: I compared the feedback from the initial presentation to the feedback
received in the more recent presentations. I started highlighting significant improvements I
started noticing after each analyzing session.
Lessons from Research: I started analyzing key insights gained from different research materials
and how they were practically applied to my presentation to enhance my communication skills.
Personal Growth and Future Application:
Personal Growth: I began reflecting on personal growth, such as increased confidence, refined
techniques, or newfound skills after things I learnt from researching and analyzing my past
presentations.
Application Beyond the Course: I decided to explore how these improved communication skills
can be applied in future academic or professional endeavors such as networking events, giving
speeches or job interviews etc.
Achievements and Room for Further Improvement:
Greatest Achievements: I started noting down the most significant improvements or
achievements accomplished during the full semester.
Areas for Further Growth: I decided to start identifying areas that still need improvement and
created an outline/plan for future development on my specific areas of weakness.