6_JohnstonJ

Dear Professor Kim,

I would like to tell you about some of my weaknesses when it comes to public speaking. One of them is that I talk with a rapid pace. I can practice my speeches in private and will speak slowly and clearly but when I get in front of everyone I just start to speak fast. I have had problems where I have a timed speech, practice it and it is on time but then give the speech in front of people it is way too fast and I am searching for words to make it longer just to hit my time limit.

Another weakness is that I feel as though practice does not make perfect for me. I can practice a speech over and over again and when I get up there to give the speech I always forget everything I am suppose to say and just "wing it". I feel this is due to nervousness. I do this problem getting better with the more speeches I give but I still feel as though it is a weakness I have.

Eye contact is another weakness of mine. I feel awkward making proper eye contact. Whenever I give speeches I will always look at my paper of look in random spots because I do not like to look my audience in the eyes. In our last session you gave advice to make good contact so in this speech I am going to try and use it.

Using my hands is a strength that I have. Only problem is that there is a fine line between using your hands well in a speech and using them too much in a speech. I feel as though I have a tendency to cross that line sometime when giving a speech. I get in the moment and just start throwing my hands and arms all around and distract the audience from what I am really trying to say.

Procrastination is one of my biggest weaknesses when it comes to speeches and all other school work. I always procrastinate and never get in enough practice, or I have to hurry up and write my speech so it doesn't end up sounding good.

These are the weakness that hurt me the most when it comes to speeches. Every speech I give I work on them more and more. I hope to someday turn these weakness into strengths.

Thank You, Jake Johnston