Adriana Pineiro

SPC 2806 Blog Reflection 

By Maite Arbucias

 

At the beginning of SPC 2806 this semester, I thought public speaking would be challenging, but I did not anticipate just how much it would push me out of my comfort zone. I have experience working on television in the past, specifically with Telemundo, a Spanish-language network, and I thought that experience would make speaking in front of others feel familiar. Most of my roles involved dramatization, which I loved. Surprisingly, performing these scenes never made me nervous. Acting gave me a role to step into, which made it easier to focus on the performance, rather than on myself.

However, speaking as myself, even in front of a small audience or cameras in the studio, always made me nervous. Sometimes, there were only 2, 10, or 40 people in the studio, but knowing that others might watch later on TV created a pressure I wasn’t used to. I could perform a dramatization confidently, but presenting myself authentically felt vulnerable. Reflecting on this, I realized that public speaking anxiety is not about the number of people watching, but about being exposed, being judged, and wanting to communicate responsibly.

In Chapter 1, which introduces public speaking and its historical background, I learned that public speaking is much more than delivering information to an audience. It is about creating a meaningful connection with people. One idea that stood out to me is that public speaking should feel more like a conversation than a formal lecture. This perspective helped reduce some of my anxiety because it reminded me that effective communication does not require perfection, but authenticity and engagement.

Learning about the origins of public speaking in ancient Greece was also interesting. Philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle emphasized that good speaking should be based on logic, reasoning, and adaptation to the audience. Aristotle’s concepts of logos, pathos, and ethos helped me better understand why some speakers feel more trustworthy and engaging than others. I also found the idea of mythos, or storytelling, especially meaningful. Storytelling has always been a powerful way to connect with people, and it helped me reflect on my own experience in television, where stories and dramatization often made communication feel natural and less intimidating.

The chapter also emphasized the importance of information literacy and using accurate, reliable sources. This resonated strongly with me because in both real estate and nursing (the degree I’m pursuing), providing correct information is a responsibility, not just a skill. Overall, Chapter 1 helped me see public speaking as a balance between facts, ethics, and storytelling, all working together to create connection and trust with an audience.

Chapters 2 and 3, which focus on building confidence and listening, also stood out to me. I realized that confidence is not something that comes automatically with experience; it requires preparation, reflection, and practice. Listening, on the other hand, is an often overlooked part of communication. Anxiety can interfere with hearing and understanding others, and this was something I recognized in myself during group exercises and speeches. Being present, paying attention, and engaging with the audience helps both the speaker and the listeners feel connected, which is an important reminder I will carry forward.

Chapters 4 and 5 addressed developing a purpose, selecting a topic, and adapting to an audience. These chapters helped me reflect on my real-world experiences. In television and real estate, understanding who I was speaking to was crucial, even if I did not consciously label it as “audience analysis” at the time. I realized that effective communication requires intention, and that knowing your audience can completely change the way you deliver a message. Adapting my approach in different professional contexts reinforced the importance of connecting with the people listening, which directly ties to many of the concepts from these chapters.

Chapters 6 and 7, which focus on researching a topic and supporting ideas, reminded me of the responsibility that comes with providing accurate information. In nursing, incorrect information could affect a patient’s health. In real estate, I was responsible for helping people make the biggest financial decision of their lives. These chapters reinforced the idea that preparation is not just about knowing your topic, it is about being responsible, ethical, and trustworthy.

Chapter 8, which focuses on organizing and outlining a speech, was especially challenging for me. I found it difficult to structure my ideas clearly under pressure, especially when anxiety interfered. However, I also recognized that good organization is a foundation for confidence. Outlining my speech helps me feel grounded, and it helps the audience follow my ideas more easily. I see this as one of the areas where I need continued practice to improve my public speaking skills.

One personal challenge I have had for several years is temporary nerve damage in my face, which has made smiling more difficult. Smiling is such a simple, but powerful tool in communication, as it helps people feel welcomed, connected, and comfortable. Not being able to smile easily has made me more self-conscious during presentations, but I have learned to focus on other ways to connect, like tone of voice, gestures, and eye contact. I have also noticed how much it helps to be in a supportive class group. Being among students who encourage each other, offer help, and do not judge or criticize makes me feel more at ease and less tense. It reminds me that communication is not only about perfection, but about intention and presence, and that supportive environments can make a huge difference in reducing anxiety.

Public speaking has also forced me to reflect on my personality and values. After years of working in television, I became more introverted, which might seem surprising given that I once appeared outgoing and comfortable on camera. I realized that my introversion makes public speaking more challenging, but it also influences how I approach persuasion and communication ethically. For example, in real estate, I often had to inform clients that a property was overpriced, or might not be a good fit for them. I do not like misleading people, or taking advantage of them just to make a sale. Some might say that this makes me less persuasive, or that I am not a seller, but I have learned that integrity is more important than convincing someone for the wrong reasons. This reflection ties directly to the chapter on persuasive speaking, where I learned that persuasion is not just about convincing someone it is also about communicating responsibly and ethically.

Topics such as beginning and ending a speech, using language effectively, integrating presentation media, delivering speeches, informative and persuasive speaking, and distance or group presentations are all areas I am looking forward to developing. These chapters are clearly important for refining clarity, confidence, and ethical communication.

This class has been my most challenging, but is mandatory for nursing program. I even spoke to my advisor and therapist about it. Despite the difficulty, I understand that public speaking is critical, not only for school and future nursing practice, where clear communication can impact patient care, but also for professional situations like networking, real estate, and media appearances. This course has forced me to confront my anxiety, recognize my strengths, and work on areas that are uncomfortable but necessary for growth.

Overall, SPC 2806 has been a transformative experience, and I know this is just the beginning of the semester. So far, I have learned that public speaking is more than just standing in front of an audience it is about ethical responsibility, preparation, self-awareness, and resilience. I am still learning and growing, and although public speaking remains difficult, I now feel a bit more capable of facing my fears and communicating effectively. These lessons will stay with me beyond this class and continue to influence how I approach speaking in every area of my life.