Luciana Piedrafita 1st blog: Chapter Presentations feedback


What a Speech Class Taught Me About Myself 

When I came from Spain to pursue the American dream, I never imagined that one of the first obstacles would be a speech class.

To be fair, I could excuse myself by saying that I don't have the language skills or charisma, but also that I had never had anything remotely similar to a public speaking class before. I didn't know what to expect or where to start.

Although it's still too early to claim victory, I must say I'm handling it quite well and, to be honest, I'm even enjoying it.

This first project has been much more than a 35-minute presentation. It has been a test of organization and time management, confirmation that I have taken a step up in maturity by not freaking out about planning, and a stroke of courage in daring to speak about something I know I have not yet mastered.

Starting with my group, in the Zoom meetings we had to practice, I was able to get to know my classmates a little better in a relaxed environment. How cold it can seem not to see someone in person, but how comforting it is to discover that, on the other side of the screen, there are girls your age, with the same AirPods and posters on the wall. Very different lives that, by chance, have crossed paths at the same point: studying and getting a degree.

I would also like to highlight Santana Corr, who was approachable and helpful, not only answering questions but also conveying confidence and responsibility. Thanks to the peace of mind he gave us, we were able to focus on our work. I was also inspired by my colleague Maia Marabotto, who spoke confidently and fluently throughout her presentation, even though she has a strong accent like mine. I loved that she didn't hesitate to present the part of an absent classmate and that she knew how to adapt to the setback. Luckily, he showed up and she was able to rest a bit.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the work of Professor Sinkoff, who was very careful and professional. I really appreciated the positive feedback she gave each of us immediately after we spoke: she gave me confidence, motivation, and the desire to continue improving instead of fearing presentations.

It has been a great project and I enjoyed the whole process, even selecting the information in the book. Who would have thought that speech class is not just about talking, but also about the psychology of knowing how to read your audience, because talking is not the same as being heard, and achieving the latter takes real preparation and planning.


- By Luciana Piedrafita

Location: Zaragoza, Spain

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