Personal Communication Style Assessment Paper
CO 500 Communication
Mark L. Lastimoso
Fuller Theological Seminary
June 3, 2014
Development of Speech
Before I enrolled in this class my communication style on speech development was poor. I would say it was not well developed. I’ve been preaching and speaking to people using the method I learned about 10 years ago since I left graduate studies in the Philippines. When I sit in the class, read, and practiced what I have learned a whole new world of difference emerged. Last Sabbath I spoke in my church and some commented that I have improved a lot in my sermon content and material. I am so blessed to have known my temporary incompetence in speech development. My weakness was I did not know the appropriate information about my audience, topic, and developing the material(s) that I need to convey ideas, emotions, and the message of Scriptures. In short I have no clue what is speech development.
When I started to plan, to write, and to develop my topic I became more aware and have a sensible competency to distinguish my topic, purpose, and relevance to the audience. The shift was more about how to communicate the content of my message to the audience and be able to transmit a memorable and meaningful message that they need and enjoy to hear. My grasp and knowledge have helped me put into practical use the learning outcomes from this class. I am so grateful that I learned this part of the speech. More so, because I am a practitioner in my field and my job requires me to have a great sense of communication skills and tact.
Organization of the Speech
Although I have known long before how to organize my speech, my style was not as adept and thorough. My style was more of scattered and complicated. I learned from this class how to simplify, select, and specifically use an object or metaphor to implant a vivid, graphic content of usually 3 points which will be meaningful and impactful for the hearers. I have grown a lot in organizing my sermon because of the speeches I made and performed while in class. The feedbacks have helped me become more aware of the patterns to use in different occasion speeches which is so much fun after I learned from this class.
My style was archaic in a sense it was not updated to current research and cutting edge techniques. My logic was enhanced by the practices and performances while in the class. The organizational patters were deliberately imbedded in the speeches we need to perform. Which is both entertaining and educating. Now, I am able to pin point the weaknesses in my organizational thought patterns and strengthen my main points by being more adept and deliberate in outlining my message. The difference before and after was learning to organize the speech in a way that is more clearer, simpler, and crispier. This has equipped me to be more confident and more comfortable with my speaking style due to the knowledge and skill that I have learned from this class. Before I have hard time connecting the dots of my message now I am able to see the dots and connect them so that I can make a beautiful speech to share with the people of God who are in need of the message for this time. Again, I am truly blessed to have learned many techniques, tips, and transformation in this class. The Lord has polished a gem in my speaking ability because I was willing to improve myself and become a servant of the Most High God who gave me the gift of speaking.
Designing the Speech
English is my second language and I need to learn more than others. In designing the introduction, conclusion, and even the visual presentation of my speeches I have valued the content of CO500 class. Language needs to be beautifully designed and styled. There are so many lessons I got from this class. My style before was more information overload and not taking into account that people will be tired if there are too much information. I have shifted my sermon design to be more simple and clear. The Zen presentation helped and also the Pocket guide for our required readings.
I was more imparting the message rather than becoming the message itself. So now I am fully aware of the beauty of being understood because of the beautiful design in the speech and in the visual aid that I involved myself in. It also helped me as a person to adopt to the changes that I need to take to improve my speaking style. I learned to be thoughtful and considerate when choosing the topic and styling it in a way that it will be more remembered and the message will be received with such a joy that people would want to listen again and again.
Stories, anecdotes, and personal illustrations are very effective mediums of communication. They are also very powerful when properly and effectively done and presented. I am thankful that I spend time to search to improve myself and absorbed the critics from my classmates and from the instructor. It was worth the money and effort to take this class. Truly, I see the difference in my style today than before. There is a great space for speaking improvement in my case. And I am on the road to that improvement.
Delivery of Speech
My delivery was not as natural as now. It was “yelling” or “loud.” Also I noticed that I am not naturally gifted with a sense of humor and that my English is good but not great. I believe that my method of delivery has dramatically improved during the course of 10 weeks. I am serious because I feel the difference on the feedback from my church. I used to “shouting” which is not a natural way of speaking. Thus, I have a problem with engaging and conveying the message. The perception was rather negative before. Hopefully, it will improve as time will season my speaking skill.
I am aware now of the need to control the tone of my voice by using powerful words and precise language. This may take time to develop but I now know and have seen great speakers use this method to speak to large audiences.
I was bombastic in my delivery. I now learn to be more enthusiastic without yelling or shouting. Words can do wonders if used fittingly. Voice is like a melody. Balance to both will make a big difference in a speech. In my previous speeches I have been told about my mannerisms and how it affect my speech. So there is a need of self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-discipline constantly to improve and avoid my speaking weaknesses.
It is humbling to know that being honest in my speaking style will help and aid me to become a better person and speaker. For now I am comfortable with what I have learned from this class. I am thankful and grateful for the opportunity given to me to study and to see the beauty of the spoken Word. My personal speaking style was enhanced.