Sabrina's blog

My experience during our first presentation

Public speaking has always been something I find challenging. Speaking in front of a group can feel intimidating, especially when I am surrounded by unfamiliar people or feel as though all attention is directed toward me. I usually become much more comfortable once I have spent time around the people I am speaking with and have built a sense of familiarity and trust. In those situations, I feel less judged and more relaxed, which allows me to communicate more naturally. Because of this, presentations and speeches have often been one of the most difficult parts of school for me. 

This presentation experience, however, felt different in a very positive way. One of the biggest reasons was the supportive environment created by my group. From the beginning, everyone was encouraging, cooperative, and respectful, which immediately reduced much of the anxiety I normally associate with presentations. Instead of feeling pressured, I felt like we were all contributing toward the same goal. That atmosphere made it easier for me to participate in discussions, practice comfortably, and speak more confidently during the presentation itself. It reminded me how much a positive environment can influence someone’s ability to communicate effectively.

Another aspect that made this experience meaningful was the amount of valuable information we learned while researching our topic. Part of our presentation focused on distance speaking and media appearances, both of which are increasingly important in modern communication. Since so much interaction now happens online through Zoom meetings, virtual classes, podcasts, interviews, and social media platforms, learning about these topics felt especially relevant. Researching the subject not only helped me prepare for the assignment, but also gave me communication techniques that I can apply in future academic, professional, and personal situations.

One of the most important lessons I took away from this project was the connection between preparation and confidence. A large part of public speaking anxiety comes from uncertainty. When people feel unprepared, they are more likely to lose track of their ideas, speak unclearly, or become overwhelmed by nervousness. This made me realize how essential organization and preparation truly are. Having a clear structure, practicing key ideas ahead of time, and understanding the topic thoroughly can completely change the way someone presents themselves. Even when nervousness still exists internally, preparation creates a stronger sense of control and stability.

Our presentation also explored what makes distance speaking effective. In online communication, elements such as clear organization, engaging visuals, proper lighting, camera setup, professional delivery, and audience interaction all play a major role. Before researching this topic, I had not fully realized how much these details influence the way a speaker is perceived. Good lighting, eye contact with the camera, and organized slides can make someone appear far more confident and professional. Visuals also support both the audience and the speaker by making information easier to follow. Through this research, I learned that confidence is not based solely on personality. Often, it is shaped by preparation, presentation style, and the environment surrounding the speaker.

Another idea that stood out to me was the importance of audience engagement. Online audiences can lose focus very quickly, which means speakers need to actively maintain attention by speaking clearly, varying their tone of voice, asking questions, or using visuals effectively. This changed the way I think about public speaking. Rather than viewing presentations as performances where every mistake is judged, I started seeing them as opportunities to connect and communicate with others. Thinking of the audience as people I am sharing ideas with instead of people evaluating me makes speaking feel much more natural and manageable.

A particularly meaningful part of the project involved learning techniques to overcome shyness and appear more confident. Shyness often affects body language, tone of voice, and overall delivery. When I become nervous, I sometimes speak too quickly, lower my voice, or avoid eye contact without even realizing it. Through our research, I learned that even highly confident speakers still experience nervousness. The difference is that they develop strategies to manage those feelings instead of allowing fear to control their performance. The following video provides helpful steps and techniques to appear more natural and comfortable while public speaking.

One of the most effective strategies is consistent practice. Repetition creates familiarity, and familiarity reduces anxiety. The more someone practices a speech, the more comfortable and prepared they feel when presenting it. Another helpful technique is controlling breathing. Slowing down and taking steady breaths before speaking can calm nerves and prevent rushing through words. Body language also plays a significant role in confidence. Standing upright, maintaining eye contact, and speaking clearly can make someone appear more self-assured, even if they still feel nervous internally.

I also learned how important mindset and self-perception are in public speaking. Many shy people, including myself, focus too heavily on the possibility of making mistakes. During presentations, I sometimes worry about forgetting information or stumbling over words. However, this project reminded me that audiences are generally far more understanding than we imagine. Most people focus on the overall message rather than small imperfections. Realizing this helped relieve some of the pressure I tend to place on myself.

The section about media appearances was equally interesting because it demonstrated how communication skills extend beyond classrooms and presentations. Media spokespersons must communicate clearly, professionally, and confidently, often under pressure and with limited preparation time. The idea of “sound bites” especially stood out to me. Learning how to express ideas in a concise, memorable, and effective way is an important skill in both professional and everyday communication.

Overall, this presentation taught me a great deal about communication as well as about myself. Public speaking is still something I find difficult, particularly in unfamiliar settings, but I now feel more aware of the strategies that can help me improve. Being part of such a supportive group made the experience significantly more comfortable and showed me how encouragement can positively influence confidence. Most importantly, I learned that confidence develops through preparation, experience, practice, and mindset. Although I still experience nervousness when speaking publicly, I now feel more capable of managing those feelings and expressing myself with greater confidence.