The Beginning
As I scanned the Speech E-110 course description, I thought to myself, "A professional speaking course isn't for me, because I'm nowhere near that level." I was convinced that I needed a more amateur speaking course. One that didn't focus on "[mustering] the courage to lead" or "[changing] hearts [and] minds", but rather on getting used to speaking in front of a large group. It didn't matter to me what I talked about, or how I talked about it - I just wanted to get used to the physical sensation of being in front of the classroom, talking for a couple of minutes.
The first volunteer of the class was Crystal. She introduced herself as a "psychology major" who "just graduated from college". After her introduction was done, Dr. Cohen approached her and whispered instructions to her. The second time she introduced herself, she talked about how she worked in a "lab the studies suicide" and overall, seemed to exude a glow that was missing the first time. As Lima so eloquently stated at the end of class, it was magical to see what a tremendous difference was there between Crystal's two introductions, with just a little bit of valuble advice from Dr. Cohen: "Talk about something you're passionate about." I could clearly see what a difference passion could make in a speech. Little did I know how much faith I would have to put into this advice a week later.
Three hours passed in a blink, and I found myself wishing that class could have extended another couple of hours. Seeing as I'm the type of person who sometimes can't sit still or focus for even half-an-hour, I was sold. The passionate and high-energy nature of the class had completely gotten me hooked.
The first volunteer of the class was Crystal. She introduced herself as a "psychology major" who "just graduated from college". After her introduction was done, Dr. Cohen approached her and whispered instructions to her. The second time she introduced herself, she talked about how she worked in a "lab the studies suicide" and overall, seemed to exude a glow that was missing the first time. As Lima so eloquently stated at the end of class, it was magical to see what a tremendous difference was there between Crystal's two introductions, with just a little bit of valuble advice from Dr. Cohen: "Talk about something you're passionate about." I could clearly see what a difference passion could make in a speech. Little did I know how much faith I would have to put into this advice a week later.
Three hours passed in a blink, and I found myself wishing that class could have extended another couple of hours. Seeing as I'm the type of person who sometimes can't sit still or focus for even half-an-hour, I was sold. The passionate and high-energy nature of the class had completely gotten me hooked.
