Question

Application Activity Describe an activity that you did in the past month in front of a crowd. How did you perform? Analyze in a brief report why you performed this way.

Short answer

The student performed a dance in front of a school assembly last month. While there was some nervousness due to the large crowd, the performance was a success due to extensive preparation and support from friends. The report details the entire experience from beginning to end.

Step-by-step solution

Recall the activity

Spend some time recalling the activity that was performed in front of a crowd in the past month. Write down the details of the event - where it was, who was present, what the activity was and why it was carried out.

Evaluate the performance

Think about how well the performance was executed. Consider personal emotions, reactions from the crowd, and individual skill set. Take into account both the strengths and weaknesses during the performance. Write these details down in an orderly manner.

Identify the reasons

Based on the evaluation of the performance, identify the reasons why the performance turned out as it did. This may include personal confidence, preparation, the understanding and support (or lack thereof) from the crowd and any other influencing factors.

Write the report

Combine all information into a meaningful report. Make sure it is concise but detailed, providing an organized account of the activity, the performance, and the reasons for this performance.

Proofread the report

Check the report for any spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Also check if the report flows well and is easily understandable to a reader who was not present at the performance. Make necessary changes if required.

Key concepts

Self-Evaluation

Self-evaluation is an essential process for understanding one's performance, particularly in activities like public speaking or performances in front of an audience. When evaluating yourself, it's crucial to look at your preparation, the execution of the task, and your emotions throughout the event.

Begin by reflecting on the quality of your practice – did you spend enough time preparing, and was your preparation method effective? Consider any distractions or internal doubts you may have had that could have influenced your execution.

For a comprehensive self-evaluation, also assess your strong points during the performance. Did you engage with the audience effectively, or manage to recover well from any mistakes? Recognizing your successes is just as important as acknowledging areas for improvement.

• Reflect on preparation quality and methods
• Analyze distractions or self-doubts
• Acknowledge strong points and recoveries

Combining this introspection with feedback from others can yield a well-rounded view of your performance and development areas.

Public Speaking Anxiety

Public speaking anxiety is a common experience that can impact an individual's performance dramatically. It often stems from fear of judgment or negative evaluation by an audience. The symptoms may include increased heart rate, trembling, and mind going blank, among others.

To manage this anxiety, preparation is key; understanding your material inside and out can boost your confidence. Practicing in front of a mirror, friends, or family can acclimate you to the sensation of being watched while speaking.

Coping Strategies

• Deep breathing exercises can help calm nerves before taking the stage.
• Visualization techniques can help you imagine a successful performance, thereby reducing fear.
• Focusing on the message rather than the audience can redirect your energy from anxiety to your speech content.

Remember, experiencing some nerves is normal; it's about finding strategies to manage anxiety to ensure it doesn't overshadow your abilities.

Performance Feedback

Performance feedback is a valuable tool for growth and improvement. It involves receiving constructive comments and suggestions from others regarding your actions. After a public performance, seeking out feedback from a variety of sources can provide diverse perspectives.

Consider asking your audience, friends, or professionals for their honest opinions. It is important to approach feedback with an open mind and not take criticism personally. Instead, use it as a learning opportunity.

Responding to Feedback

• Thank listeners for their input, showing appreciation for their time and thoughts.
• Analyze the feedback to identify common themes or points of consensus.
• Develop an action plan to integrate the feedback into your future performances.

The goal here is not to dwell on negative comments but to harness the constructive aspects of the feedback to refine your skills and reduce public speaking anxiety.