A Note about Reflection

As we established at the beginning of this text, speech preparation is one part of the speech process, while speech delivery is another. The final piece to the puzzle is reflection, that is, reflecting on our performance in order to improve for the next speech.

Think about your favorite athletes — what do they do to improve? Watch game tape.  Yep, that’s what you should do, too! While it’s no one’s favorite pastime, watching your “game tape” can be incredibly helpful.

This author recommends watching your video recording once to get over the awkwardness of seeing and hearing yourself. The thought, “Do I really sound like that?!” will inevitably come across your mind. Once you have watched it at least once and can be (more) objective, consider the following questions:

Did I accomplish all objectives in my Introduction?  Conclusion?
Were they delivered fluently? Did I make eye contact with my audience?
Did I have logical, balanced, and separate main points?
Did I use clear transitions between my main points?
Did I clearly cite my sources, supporting my claims with statistics, testimony, and examples?
Were my arguments sound and based on compelling and credible research?
Was my voice loud enough for all to hear? Did I change my inflection and speed?
Was my voice assertive, fluent, and expressive?
Did I use filler words and vocalized pauses?
Did my facial expressions, gestures, and posture match my message?
Did I adapt my remarks to the feedback from my audience?
Did I look professional and appropriate for the occasion?

Finally, ask yourself what you can do differently to prepare for your next speech, so that you can be even better.

As we noted in the chapter on Listening, you will inevitably listen to more speeches than you will give, so what can you learn from the speeches you have observed?