Growing Through Public Speaking

 

Daniela Arrazcaeta

Growing Through Presentations: Lessons in Public Speaking

    I came into this public speaking class with genuine excitement. For a long time, I had been shy and timid. I would say something in a conversation, then spend hours replaying it in my head, doubting myself, and wondering if I should have said it differently. That cycle made me realize how much I wanted to improve, not just in how I spoke, but in the confidence behind my words. So when I saw that this class would allow me to learn the psychology of presenting and the techniques of communication, I knew it was the perfect opportunity.

    I’m an ambitious person with many dreams. I’m currently studying with the hope of becoming a doctor one day, but I also dream of opening beauty businesses. In both of these paths, presentation is essential. As a doctor, the way you present yourself creates trust and confidence between patient and physician. Presentation also matters in interviews, internships, and even when pitching an experimental research idea. On the entrepreneurial side, I know I’ll need presentation skills when asking banks for loans, marketing my business, and interacting with clients. I want to be able to teach my staff not only the technical side of their work, but also the importance of how they present themselves and treat others.

    Beyond that, I have a deep love for holistic health and naturopathic medicine. One of my long-term goals is to write a book and give talks teaching people how to heal and take care of themselves. I want to be able to stand in front of an audience, whether in a classroom, a seminar, or a wellness retreat, and communicate with clarity and confidence. For me, this class wasn’t just about fulfilling a requirement, it was about taking a step toward all of those dreams.

Group One

    Group 1’s presentation showed me that while technology has changed the way we give speeches, the heart of public speaking is still about connecting with people. I realized that tools like slides or videoconferencing are helpful, but what really matters is clarity, confidence, and being able to engage the audience. One thing that stood out to me was learning that nerves aren’t something to get rid of. Instead, they can push me to prepare better and give me the energy to make my delivery more genuine and engaging.

    I also learned how important listening is in communication. Public speaking isn’t just about the person presenting, it’s also about how the audience receives the message. Practicing mindful and respectful listening creates a real dialogue, and that’s a skill I know I’ll carry with me in my personal life, my studies, and eventually my career. Finally, I came to see how important it is to build a strong foundation before presenting. Taking time to brainstorm, focus my purpose, and create a clear thesis helps me stay organized and confident. These lessons aren’t just for class, they’re skills I can use in interviews, with patients when I become a doctor, or even when building my own business one day.

Group Two

    Group two really helped me understand what it takes to create and organize a strong speech. I liked how they broke everything down step by step, starting with choosing a purpose, then moving into research, adding support with examples, and finally pulling it all together into an outline. What stood out to me was the way they emphasized the “why” behind a speech and not just the “what.” It made me realize that if I don’t know why I’m speaking, then my message won’t have direction or clarity for the people listening either.

    I also learned a lot from their explanation of research. They didn’t just say “use good sources.” They showed us how to really check for bias, evaluate reliability, and balance facts with examples. That made me think about how much trust plays a role in communication. If I want people to believe in what I’m saying, I have to give them information that’s both accurate and meaningful. This lesson doesn’t just apply to speeches; it’s something I know I’ll use in school, in my career, and even in everyday situations where I need to explain or convince.

    One of the biggest takeaways for me was their point about stories. They explained that people connect with stories more than they do with plain facts, and that really hit home. It reminded me of my anatomy professor, who used to tell stories about working with patients. Those stories taught me lessons about care, professionalism, and communication that stuck with me much more than the facts in the textbook ever did. It made me realize that if I want my future presentations, whether in medicine, business, or any other area, to leave an impact, I’ll need to use stories to bring my points to life and connect with people on a deeper level.

Group Three

    Group three, my group, covered chapters on how to create impact in the beginning and ending of a speech, the power of language, how to use presentation media effectively, and how to deliver a speech with confidence. Being part of this group was both challenging and rewarding because it pushed me to see public speaking from multiple angles and apply what I was learning in real time.

    I was responsible for Chapter 11, which focused on the tools that can elevate a presentation and capture the audience’s attention. I learned how to use resources like PowerPoint, images, and videos in ways that support a message instead of distracting from it. The goal isn’t to overwhelm, confuse, or bore the audience, but to hold their attention and make the presentation more engaging and memorable. This responsibility showed me how important it is to be intentional with visual aids and reminded me that media should always enhance the message, not take away from it.

    What I found especially valuable was learning the balance between simplicity and creativity. Too many words on a slide or visuals that don’t connect with the topic can quickly lose an audience, while carefully chosen pictures or short clips can make a message unforgettable. Presenting this chapter also made me more confident with technology. I realized that using media well is not just about knowing how the software works, but about having the judgment to decide what belongs and what doesn’t.

    Looking back, this experience gave me practical skills I know I’ll carry into my future. As someone who hopes to become a doctor, I’ll need to give presentations at conferences, explain research, or teach patients about their health. Using the right visual aids will make those talks clearer and more powerful. In business, visuals are just as important when marketing a service, pitching an idea, or training a team. Leading this part of the project made me appreciate how much thought goes into making a presentation not just informative, but also professional and engaging.

                 

Group Four

    The final group wrapped up the presentations in such a strong and memorable way. Their talk on delivery, persuasion, and distance speaking wasn’t just colorful and engaging, it felt practical, like advice I could actually use right away.

    The part that stood out most was on delivery. One of my classmates acted out both good and bad examples of tone, gestures, and eye contact. It made us laugh, but it also stuck with me because I could clearly see how those small details completely change the way a message comes across. I left that day with a much better sense of what effective delivery should look like.

    I also appreciated their explanation of persuasion. They broke down logos, ethos, pathos, and mythos in a way that showed how relevant they are in daily life, not just in speeches. It made me realize that persuasion is everywhere, whether I’m convincing someone of an idea, showing credibility in school or work, or connecting with people through shared values.

    Their section on distance speaking felt especially important. So much of communication now happens online, from Zoom meetings to virtual interviews, and it reminded me that public speaking isn’t just about being on a stage anymore. It’s also about learning how to connect with people through a screen. That perspective made me see how flexible good communication skills are, and how they can adapt to any situation.

Final Reflection

    Looking back, I can honestly say I’ve come to appreciate the true power of public speaking. It’s not just about delivering information, it’s about influencing, inspiring, and building real connections with people. I’ve learned how preparation and practice turn nerves into confidence, how listening can create dialogue, and how stories and structure make a message unforgettable.

    These presentations gave me a new level of confidence and reminded me that communication is one of the most valuable skills I can carry into every part of my life. Whether it’s in medicine, business, or simply connecting with others, I now understand that public speaking is more than a requirement, it’s a tool that can open doors, build trust, and make a lasting impact. I feel wiser, more capable, and grateful for the growth I experienced through these presentations.