My Personal Reflection on The Presentations by Sherley Joseph

Finding Confidence Through Practice: My Experience as a Group Leader

Public speaking is often described as something people either have or do not have. Before this class, I also thought confidence was something you are born with. After watching and working with all the group presentations throughout the classes, I had changed my mind.  Being a student and group leader allowed me to see the learning process from a different point of view. I did not only listen to what each group presented, but I also observed how confidence, teamwork, and communication developed over time. This experience clearly showed me that public speaking is not static. It is an evolving skill that improves with practice, preparation, and reflection.

One of the most valuable parts of this experience was working closely with all four groups. Each group had a different dynamic, energy, and level of confidence. However, all of them shared something in common: growth. By the end of the semester, it was clear that every group had learned something meaningful, not only about public speaking techniques, but also about working together and supporting one another. Watching this process unfold made the ideas from the book feel real rather than theoretical.

Groups overview

The first group presented first chapters 1,2,3 and 5, and covered the foundations of public speaking. Their chapters focused on communication, ethics, and confidence. Since they were the first group, they carried the responsibility of setting the tone for the rest of the class. In my opinion, they handled this challenge well. Even though, they took a little more time than expected, their presentation helped introduce public speaking as an art that develops over time rather than a fixed ability. What stood out most to me was how they emphasized preparation and self awareness.  These ideas strongly connected to the concept that confidence comes from knowing your material and understanding yourself as a speaker. Presenting first can be intimidating but this group showed that preparation can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of control.

The second group focused on structure, audience analysis, and speech organization. Their presentation reflected these concepts clearly through their own delivery. The way they organized their material made it easy for the audience to follow along, which reinforced the idea that structure matters. From watching them, it became clear that organization does not only help the audience understand the message, but it also helps the speaker feel more confident. When speakers know where they are going, they appear calmer and more focused. This group demonstrated how preparation behind the scenes directly impacts how confident a presentation feels in the moment.

The third group covered chapters that required a deeper understanding of language, supporting materials, and presentation techniques. These topics can feel more complex, especially for students who are still building confidence. What I appreciated most about this group was their effort to make difficult ideas relatable. They used examples that connected theory to real-life situations, which helped the audience stay engaged. This approach reflected the importance of audience-centered speaking. Instead of simply presenting information, they focused on making sure the audience understood and felt included. This showed growth not only in knowledge, but also in awareness of the audience’s needs.

The final group presented later in the semester and covered more advanced speaking situations. These chapters required flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork. From my observation, this group showed noticeable improvement compared to earlier presentations. Their teamwork stood out, as they supported one another and adjusted when needed. Their presentation reminded me that confidence often develops through experience. The more exposure speakers have, the more comfortable they become. This group clearly demonstrated that progress does not happen all at once, but gradually, through practice and collaboration.

Across all groups, I noticed different levels of confidence, which is completely normal. Some students felt comfortable speaking from the start, while others needed more time to find their voice. What mattered most was not where they started, but how they improved. Confidence, as discussed throughout the course, is something that is built. Watching students grow more comfortable speaking in front of the class was one of the most rewarding parts of this experience. It showed that fear and anxiety are not permanent barriers, but challenges that can be managed with practice.

Key takeaways

As a group leader, I learned important lessons about teamwork and communication. Groups that communicated clearly and divided responsibilities evenly appeared more organized and confident. When everyone knew their role and felt supported, the pressure did not fall on one person alone. This shared responsibility helped reduce anxiety and created a more positive presentation experience. I also learned that leadership is not about control, but about guidance and encouragement. Supporting others and creating a comfortable environment can make a significant difference in how confident people feel.

Another key takeaway from this experience is the importance of preparation. Preparation does not eliminate nerves completely, but it makes them manageable. Speakers who were well prepared were better able to recover from mistakes and stay calm. This reinforced the idea that confidence does not mean perfection. It means being able to continue even when things do not go exactly as planned.

In conclusion

The group presentations were a clear reflection of the main message of Public Speaking: The Evolving Art. Every group demonstrated progress in their own way, whether through improved delivery, stronger teamwork, or increased confidence. This experience changed the way I view public speaking. It is not about being fearless, but about being willing to practice, reflect, and grow. Watching this process happen throughout the semester confirmed that confidence is built over time, and that public speaking truly is an evolving art.