"Early History of Animation", Speech #4

Last week I did my 4th speech for Toastmasters. The objective of the presentation was to focus on the words I use to get my point across, by using good grammar, rhetorical devices, and simple language (technical terms and jargon are discouraged). The subject I chose was the history of animation during the early 20th century. Can you imagine that for over a century people have been fascinated by pictures that move and drawings that come to life? Watch my speech to learn more!

Next here is the evaluation I got from fellow Toastmaster, Jorge. He tells me that he learned a lot from my speech and that I did a good job delivering it, but I still need to improve on my posture and vocal variety.

For your viewing pleasure, here are a couple early animated shorts that I discuss in my speech, created by the "Father of American Animation", James Stuart Blackton. Though they are brief, they are charming and quaint, and they make you appreciate how far the art form of animation has come since then.

Toastmaster Speech #3: Wikipedia

To anyone who follows my blog and enjoys reading about me and my life, I'm sorry for being so quiet. It's a procrastination issue. Something always comes up and I tell myself, "Okay, I'll definitely blog about this," but then before I know it, the moment's gone and I'm off to do something else. Anyway, while I'm here I'll make the most of this post, so without further ado, here is a long overdue video of me delivering my third Toastmaster speech, on Tuesday, March 30. It's all about Wikipedia and the different parts that make up an article.

I wrote out this speech word-for-word in a matter of days and memorized it the day before and the morning of the Toastmasters meeting, but for some strange reason, in the middle of my speech, I freeze! I just completely lost my train of thought and forgot what I was supposed to say next! Thinking fast (although not quite that fast), I went right on to the next part of my speech and the rest of my speech went on without another hitch. I went a little over the standard 5-7 minute time-limit, but it was only by about 15 seconds or so.

Here's a video of the evaluation I got afterwards:

The evaluator's name is Tony Vivaldi. He's a very accomplished and distinguished Toastmaster member, and he doesn't always show up at meetings, so it was a treat having him evaluate me and give me such great speaking advice. He talks with a heavy accent, but I can still understand him enough to know what his main points are. After the meeting was adjourned he gave me a few other important tips, and he remarked on how much my sister and I have improved in our public speaking skills.

I hope that I can somehow continue posting on my blog without leaving gaping 2-3 week gaps between posts. Same goes for my Art Blog. I want to remember to post things up for posterity so I don't forget that certain things happened.