Jfk Speech Analysis

In watching my speech performance from last Wednesday, I believe I saw improvement in many areas. My eye contact with the audience was much better than before, my speech sounded more extemporaneous, and I seemed more enthusiastic about the subject.

While many things did seem to go better this time, I believe I could tweak a couple of things to make a more straightforward, compelling speech. I believe I did a good job of connecting my subject matter with the audience (in the introduction and conclusion), but in the middle of the speech I felt my enthusiasm waned, and I could tell I didn't receive as much audience attention as before. In watching others' successful speeches, I realize that those who attract attention are enthusiastic all the way through, not necessarily crazy, but with a constant energy. Also (maybe because of the location and situation of speaking), I did distracting hand gestures with my left hand. Sometimes during the speech it helped my point get across and attract attention to what I was saying, but at others it just seemed like I was flailing about. Lastly, I thought I did a good job of explaining bodily processes and arguments without my notes, but I felt there were too many "ums" and awkward pauses.

Thus, while I feel as if I did a better job this time of connecting with the audience and generally giving a more interesting speech, there are things I can work on for next time to improve audience interest.