Goals Fulfilled:

COMM 101, Public Speaking, which I satisfactorily completed during the Fall 2019 semester, fulfilled my Civitae Pillar course requirement for Aesthetic Expressions as well as a major course requirement.

Reflection:

When I enrolled in Public Speaking, it was only because I couldn’t figure out how to sign up for first semester classes as a Freshman, and all the classes I actually wanted were full. I had few expectations that I would enjoy the class and even fewer that I would succeed in it. By the time it ended, however, I had enjoyed COMM 101 so much that I declared a Communication Studies major (which ultimately became a minor) and have enrolled in every subsequent class taught by the lovely and ever-pleasant Professor Jill Mitten.

Taking COMM 101 was an interesting experience I will never forget, mostly because I freaked out so much during my first speech that I whispered “Jesus Christ” under my breath at least a dozen times and Professor Mitten left in her comments on Canvas a message that read, “Lots of Christs—we’ll work on those nerves! :).” And we did. Professor Mitten was infinitely helpful and encouraging, and she always made herself available to answer a myriad of my questions after every class. I improved significantly with each speech, and eventually my legs stopped shaking every time I stood at the front of the classroom.

We had five major speaking assignments: a “personal identity” speech, a narrative speech, an informational speech, a persuasive speech, and a group presentation. Professor Mitten said she enjoyed my persuasive speech on regulating false political advertising so much that she even invited me to present it in front of my Introduction to Media Writing class the following semester, which made me feel like the most successful student in the world. Overall, COMM 101 bolstered me to improve my writing and speaking skills, which have proven pivotal in my later Communication classes; as further proof of my success, I have yet to name-drop Jesus in years, and I have none other than Professor Mitten to thank for that!

Below you will find a PDF of the PowerPoint presentation used during my informational speech, “How to Run for President,” from COMM 101.