Angelina arias / assignment #1 Growing through public speaking

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to take part in a series of public speaking presentations in class—one that I presented with my group, and three that I got to watch as an audience member. To be honest, when I first heard that public speaking was going to be a big part of this course, I felt a mixture of nerves and curiosity. I knew it would be a challenge for me, but I also knew it might push me in ways I needed. Looking back now, I didn’t expect to enjoy the whole experience as much as I did, but it taught me a lot about myself—not just as a speaker, but as a listener, a teammate, and a communicator. I learned that public speaking isn’t just about the moment you stand in front of the class; it’s about the preparation, the collaboration, the self-reflection, and even the courage to let yourself grow.

This was my first real taste of public speaking in this class, and because my group went first, the pressure was definitely on. Being the very first presenters made the whole thing feel nerve-racking, because we didn’t have another group to look at for an example. We were setting the tone for everyone else, and that thought alone made my heart race. At first, I worried about forgetting what I was supposed to say, stumbling over my words, or not being clear enough. But knowing I wasn’t standing up there alone gave me a sense of comfort. Presenting as a group meant that if I faltered, I had people by my side who could carry us forward.

The process of preparing for this presentation ended up being one of my favorite parts. Working with my group to plan, brainstorm, and put everything together reminded me of how valuable collaboration is. Everyone had different strengths—some of us were better at organizing ideas, while others were great at designing visuals or practicing delivery. I felt like our group balanced each other out, and that teamwork really showed when we got up to present. By the time we were in front of the class, I realized that I wasn’t just proud of myself for overcoming my nerves—I was proud of my group as a whole.

That presentation taught me something important about myself: I enjoy speaking when I believe in the topic and when I trust the people I’m working with. Those two things made all the difference in how I felt up there. It reflects something bigger about me too—I value teamwork, connection, and trust. I don’t just want to succeed individually; I want to succeed with others.

After the nerves of presenting were over, it was a relief to sit back and watch the second group. At first, I thought I would just listen casually, but I quickly realized how much I could learn by paying close attention. Watching them present was eye-opening because it gave me a chance to see public speaking from the outside. I noticed things I never thought about when I was up there myself—like how they structured their ideas, how they used their voices, and how they kept the audience’s attention.

One of the most interesting things was seeing the variety of speaking styles. Some people spoke with lots of energy and gestures, while others were calmer and more straightforward. Yet both approaches worked in their own way. It made me realize there’s no single “right” way to speak in public. What matters most is finding the style that feels true to you and lets your message come through clearly.

I also noticed that when people seemed confident, the audience responded better. Even if someone wasn’t perfect, the fact that they believed in themselves made us believe in them too. That was something I wanted to keep in mind for myself in future presentations. Watching this group helped me grow not by doing, but by observing.

The third group’s presentation stood out to me because of their topic and the way they delivered it. They spoke with a lot of clarity and confidence, and you could tell they had really prepared. Their energy had a way of influencing the entire room—when they were engaged, the audience became more engaged too. It showed me just how powerful presence and preparation can be.

Listening to them also made me think about the way I present myself, not just in front of a class but in everyday life. Public speaking, I realized, is more than just a task you check off for a grade. It’s a reflection of how you show up in the world. When you speak in front of others, you’re not only sharing information—you’re sharing a piece of yourself. The way you hold yourself, the way you speak, and the way you connect with people all send messages beyond the words you say.

That realization pushed me to think about the kind of presence I want to have. I want to be someone who communicates with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. Seeing how this group carried themselves gave me a clear example of what that can look like, and it motivated me to keep working toward it.

The final group was the perfect ending to the series. Their presentation felt polished, well-prepared, and engaging from start to finish. They had great visuals, strong delivery, and a sense of passion that came through in every part of what they shared. Instead of feeling intimidated by how good they were, I actually felt inspired.

What stood out to me most was how much I enjoyed celebrating someone else’s success. It wasn’t about comparing myself to them—it was about using their strengths as motivation for my own growth. I realized that I don’t see others’ strengths as competition, but as inspiration. That’s an important part of who I am. I want to learn from others and let their achievements push me to reach higher.

Being in the audience for this presentation made me excited about what’s possible for me in the future. If they could speak with that much confidence and skill, then with practice and effort, I know I can grow to that level too.

✨ Final Reflection

This whole experience reminded me how much I enjoy learning—not just from doing, but from observing and reflecting. Public speaking is more than standing in front of people and talking. It’s about learning how to be clear, confident, and connected. Whether I’m the one speaking or the one listening, I find myself growing in new ways.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the nerves, the preparation, the teamwork, and even the moments of doubt. They all pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and discover more about myself. Public speaking challenged me, but it also gave me confidence. And honestly, I’m glad I got to be a part of it.

— Me