Becoming Lover Of Communication

Becoming Lovers of Communication

Everyone dreads the Public Speaking requirement. I know a lot of people who have waited until their last year of college to take a Public Speaking class. I didn’t want to be one of those people, and I felt that it could be a great asset to use in my other classes for the remainder of my college education.

School isn’t the only aspect of my life in which this class may help me. Public speaking may also contribute to my success as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). In the world of accounting, public speaking plays a vital role such as conducting a meeting, making a presentation to associates, or informing clients of their financial situations. However, it doesn’t matter what profession I choose to pursue, public speaking is necessary for, if not all, then most professions out there. Therefore, this class will not be my first and only public speaking class. I plan to take either a small group or interpersonal communication class over the summer. After completing a second communications course, I will then receive a Certificate of Business Communication because I will have completed two business courses as well as two communication courses.

The textbook, Confident Public Speaking, has been more helpful than any other textbook I’ve used throughout college. Aside from class lectures, I’ve learned so much just by reading the text. For instance, the text appeals to the most popular subject on every student’s mindвЂ"anxiety. In order to overcome my public speaking anxiety, I can practice systematic desensitization where I train myself to relax and maintain a state of relaxation while participating in stressful speaking situations. Furthermore, the textbook has also informed me on how to properly deliver a speech so that it will be understood and remembered by my audience.

I was unaware of the amount of reading that I would be doing in this class, but I’m surprisingly glad that we had to do an outside reading on leadership. I chose to read A Leader’s Legacy by Kouzes & Posner because I felt that this book could provide a deeper insight of leadership rather than just teaching me lessons on how to improve my leadership skills. In this book, Kouzes & Posner talk about how leaders serve and sacrifice, why leaders can’t take trust for granted, and why it takes courage to “make a life.” Ultimately, the book sends this powerful message: “The legacy you leave is the life you lead.”

By “taking the initiative,” I have gained many new friendships and developed relationships with my peers and my co-workers. I used to be shy and waited for others to take the initiative, but after Howze challenged us to take the initiative, I have noticed an increase in my confidence. By taking the initiative at work, I’ve become more comfortable around my co-workers; it’s as if I’ve torn down this wall that has been keeping me from opening up to them. I’ve learned that if you just take the initiative, then you can find a common ground with anyone.

Speaking in public can be beneficial in many ways, but developing my academic maturity is not one of them. I believe that the work and preparation that I put into my speeches have pushed me to grow academically. For example, making an outline

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