Erin Fleming

CIS 110
Speech: Reflective Essay
I presented a speech on advocates of smoking marijuana. I received a 91% on this
assignment. The reasons I believe I received this letter grade was because I clearly stated
my main points through an effective and clear way. I started out my speech with a strong
attention grabber to interest my audience. I then added speaker credibility through
providing the amount of information I have researched on this group.
I successfully transitioned from my introduction to my first artifact. I did this in
such a way that this artifact would correspond with my attention grabber in the
beginning. I liked this because it made my introduction strong. This connection allowed
me to transition smoothly to my second artifact, a video from That 70s Show. My video
clip was very efficient because it connected perfectly with the main points I was stressing
in my speech and it also made the audience laugh. I think drawing in the audience
attention is a very important aspect in delivering a successful speech.
After the video clip was shown, I first stressed the clothes the actors were wearing
in the video. I furthered on how this particular style shaped this cultures stereotype within
the media. I then provided a quote to support the way society thinks advocates of
marijuana think and act. This quote perfectly matched the description this group is
portrayed to obtain throughout the media. I then discussed the way this video clip
portrayed this groups non-verbal and verbal communication skills. I furthered this point
by stressing the importance of these communication skills within our generation. I

wanted the audience to understand the media portrays this group to lack these
communication skills. This portrayal makes this group look unintelligent and lazy.
After I discussed the ways the media portrays this group negatively, I quickly
switched gears. I stated that this stereotype is not true. When I said this sentence I
purposely changed my tone of voice and body language. I said this sentence slower with
emphasis while scanning the entire room. I did this so the audience understood the main
point I was trying to portray in my speech. I then brought in another outside source,
which was one of my interviewees. I discussed his lifestyle and how it varies from the
way media portrays this groups lifestyle. I stressed this particular area in my speech so
the audience would understand not everything the media contains is true. My main points
were stressed effectively because I furthered them with credible information and support.
After I established each main point I transitioned to the conclusion. I restated my
main points in such a way to avoid repetition. I concluded my speech by reminding the
audience not everything the media portrays is correct. Overall I think my speech had
clear purpose and focus. I included an effective attention grabber with smooth transitions
that helped my speech flow naturally. I maintained eye contact with the audience and
stressed my non-verbal and verbal communications. Most importantly, I ended with a
strong conclusion that I hoped impacted my audience.