Bedwina Public Speaking Blog

 My Public Speaking Journey😊

 

       When I first found out that our class was going to do group presentations on Zoom, I didn’t know how to feel. Part of me was relieved that it wasn’t in person -I didn’t have to stand in front of a room full of people. But at the same time, Zoom comes with its own challenges. Staring at a screen, knowing everyone is quietly watching, can feel just as nerve-wracking as being on stage. Plus, it’s harder to read the room online. When cameras are off, you can’t tell if people are paying attention or not. Going into I wasn’t sure what the experience would be like.

   Once the presentations started, though, I was pleasantly surprised. The vibe felt supportive and friendly. Nobody was sitting there waiting for someone to mess up -it really felt like we were all in this together. That made me enjoy the process more than I expected. Even though public speaking makes me nervous, seeing my classmates present made me realize that everyone is pushing through the same challenges.

    When it was finally my group’s turn, I’ll be honest -I was nervous. My hands were shaky, my heart was racing, and I kept double-checking my slides to make sure everything was right. Presenting on Zoom felt strange because you don’t get the same feedback as you would in person. I couldn’t see people nodding or reacting, so I had to just trust myself and keep going. But once I started speaking, I realized it wasn’t as bad as I imagined. I focused on explaining my part clearly and keeping my voice steady. The nerves didn’t disappear completely, but they became manageable. By the time I finished, I felt relieved but also proud. That moment taught me something important: nerves don’t mean you can’t do it. They just mean you care. Still, what I enjoyed most wasn’t just my own part -it was watching everyone else.

    Each group had its own way of presenting, and that’s what made it fun to watch. Some classmates spoke with confidence, their voices clear and strong. Others had a calm, steady tone that made everything easy to understand. I enjoyed how different the styles were because it showed that there’s no one “right” way to present. Everyone brought their own personality into it, and that made the presentations feel real. It wasn’t just people reading off slides -it felt like we were actually learning from each other. Another thing I liked was the effort everyone put into their visuals. Since Zoom focuses so much on the screen, the slides really stood out. They were organized, colorful, and made the information easier to follow. Some people used images or examples that connected the content to real life, which kept me interested.

    One of the biggest reasons I enjoyed the presentations was the atmosphere. Even though we weren’t in the same room, it felt like a safe space to practice public speaking. People used the chat to participate, give encouragement, and sometimes even react to what was being said. That made it less intimidating and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in being nervous. I think the friendliness of the environment made a huge difference. It turned what could have been a stressful assignment into something more fun and supportive. Instead of feeling like a test, it felt like a team project where we were all building each other up.

   

    Watching my classmates helped me learn a lot, not just about public speaking, but about myself. I noticed little details that made certain presentations stand out: strong introductions, clear examples, smooth transitions, or powerful conclusions. I realized that body language and tone matter, even over Zoom. Eye contact through the camera, hand gestures, or even just smiling can make a big difference. These are things I want to work on for myself. Seeing them in action showed me that good public speaking isn’t about being perfect. It’s about connecting with your audience and delivering your message with confidence.

    If I had to describe how I felt about the presentations, I’d say I honestly enjoyed them. Going in, I thought it would just be nerve-wracking and stressful, but it turned out to be better than I expected. I liked seeing how creative and thoughtful my classmates were. I liked how everyone supported each other, even in small ways like using the chat or clapping at the end. Most of all, I liked that it didn’t feel like just another assignment. It felt like an experience that made all of us stronger. For me personally, the experience was both challenging and rewarding. Challenging because my nerves are still something I have to work on. Rewarding because I faced them, I got through it, and I came out more confident. I know now that public speaking isn’t just about talking in front of people -it’s about preparation, practice, and connection.

    Looking back, I’m proud of myself and my classmates. Everyone showed up, did their part, and proved that we can handle more than we think. I enjoyed the presentations because they were friendly, supportive, and inspiring. They showed me that public speaking is not impossible -it’s a skill we can all improve with practice. Even though I was nervous, I grew from the experience. And that’s what I’ll remember most: the feeling of going from shaky and scared to finished and proud. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real. And to me, that’s what makes this experience valuable.

                                                                                                                                     Bedwina, Joncka