Although I was dreading this class from the first day I am so happy I had the opportunity to take it this summer. CAS 100 was my first speech class and might not be my last. Before completing this course I hated public speaking and was always shy and nervous. I learned that the skills for public speaking aren't hard to acquire and just take practice. Getting to know everyone in our class helped a lot. I felt comfortable talking in front of the class and giving a speech didn't seem like as big of a deal.
Even though we only gave two speeches, I believe I improved from the first. In class I learned more skills and techniques involved with communication and speaking. I was more confident in my second speech and executed it because of the new techniques learned in class. I learned to successfully construct an outline with all the necessary components: attention getter, credibility statement, preview, thesis, body, conclusion. I learned how to connect to my audience using Ethos, Pathos, and Logos but overall I actual learned what it takes to be a good public speaker.
I know I have my flaws, and still get speech anxiety, but I feel more confident in talking in front of crowds now. I realized I simply need to practice and put my work into giving a great speech to be successful. Unfortunately CAS 100 was only 6 weeks since it was over the summer, but I've learned things that I can carry into my classes this fall. I'll be able to give great presentations and if ever forced to speak in public I feel that I will be able to do so. I had a great experience in this class and am happy I had the opportunity to take it.
I definitely see where you're coming from wondering where the time went, and I completely agree with you when you say you have acquired a new found confidence. CAS 100 worked in a very unexpected way, and the lessons we have learned such as pathos, ethos and logos will continue to be tools we can use in the fall and in life.
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