EPS SELF EVALUATION REPORT

Sem II (2016-17)
IC: Mrs. Shalini Upadhyay

Name: A V YOGESH RAO

IdNo: 2015A4PS262G
Date of Submission: 26/4/17
Hi Mam,
I am planning to write this as if no one's going to read it. Yes, I will maintain a certain level of decency in my narration
however. The narration shifts from chronological display as the classes progressed as the activities later took the center
stage and made more sense to be the manner of narration.

13-1

Today was my first day of EPS. Class started with a bang and the same level of excitement as I expected hearing out my
friends who had previously taken the course. There she entered the lady in pink and everyone knew she is one modern
outspoken frank and strict instructor, beforehand.

I didn't know that we will have public speaking the same day itself. Somehow it made me nervous. (I will add to this
later).

Everything was made perfectly clear, each doubt, however ridiculous it may have sounded. Being utterly FRANK is
what I think will set this course apart from every other course. People started out quite good, in fact no one seemed to be
nervous but yeah, I was. What if I go next? I want to go but what if I could not say the apt and beautiful things I wrote in
notebook to her question? (I think I put things in a more dramatic and effective way by writing rather than speaking. I
don't know may be because I have time to think/rectify.)

Those things bothered me and I did not go. When she said that those who came up themselves, half of their problems
are solved, I was like "Am I still that under confident after delivering so many flawless speeches in school, after being
school captain, etc. etc." as every other BITSian who didn't get chance might have thought.

As for me, I have been quite fluent when I chose to speak publicly. But there always had been two things from the
beginning itself.

1. I had already prepared what to say at least a couple of minutes of thinking in my head, if not written on paper.

2. My heart pounded very hard no matter how confident I am that I am not going to mess up.

I hope by the end of the course, I overcome these two things. I hope I become a -spontaneous and confident- public
speaker.

Except that I did not speak, the only other thing that bugged me was the TA. I have seen him before in TRW class giving
a demo presentation. I found it ridiculous when he said "go to hell". That made no sense to me at all. It was neither funny
nor apt, not even fitting in his previous sentence. Moreover, Madam was present there. Rest all was fine and I look
forward to maintaining my A.

16-1

As I hoped to introduce myself to the class, being in the other half of UNSUNG heroes, many others still were hoping
that somehow that session still gets postponed.

We had a fun activity today. "To build up a story from a place that the previous team had wrote."

I was in group 4. Ideas came on popping in my mind, mainly from the series that I have watched. And they all seemed
fantastic to me. I could not get everyone to agree to me as no one had spent so much IDLE TIME watching series I
guess: P. But I was happy that at least the our group's story began with the sentence that I suggested. All members put
equal amount of sentences in it. Again when the narrator were to be announced, I was afraid of speaking incorrectly due
to scribbles and doctorial handwritings of the other teams. So, again I didn't stand up for narration. And yeah, I regret that
again and I am realizing that while writing this XD. Had fun building up stories n ridiculing the clichd dream plot in
every other story.

18-1
Finally, I spoke after 3 EPS classes. Today's activity was one I had already been made aware of by my friends. Word pick
and spontaneity. 8/9 people were made to sit on the stage. Starting with some random word for the first person, he passed
on a new random word to the next person and he had to speak for almost 30 secs or till madam was satisfied. Ya she
abruptly stopped people who were just going on speaking. And made shy people talk forcefully. I got her point though;
what if you are given the stage and you run out of thoughts or audience throws random words at you to say something
about. It was all about how CREATIVE and FLUENT you can get.

I was given "pizza". Well it was easy for me, remembering my last road trip and roaming interstate boundaries in search
of Dominos. I think I did well. I gave the word PIKACHU to the next guy. To my amazement, he stopped after saying
probably the funniest thing in the whole activity. "Pikachu is an ANIMAL from Pokmon". It's Pikachu! Who cannot
think of anything about Pikachu? Ash, 5-5:30, Pokmon GO anything. But no! He stopped there itself. It was fun activity
and I finally got to unwrap myself here into the world of Public Speaking ;)

20-1

We were in for impromptu. I had seen guests performing this in Audi but to perform it myself that too speaking in a way
that I don't was a little difficult for me. I and AKshay Dharmavaram were in one team. The impromptu scene was to
exchange gifts one after another (i.e. 2 impromptu sessions). I gave him sand and he gave me a burger. He was plain in
narrating that to madam but I made it a little funny as I had done almost every time I was made to speak. I remember
my sentence ended with "This was lying outside, and since you are hungry, (he takes a bite), the rest is for you. This is
my love for you brother." And people clapped and laughed. That itself instilled a great deal of confidence in me. May
be, I have not yet developed effective public speaking skills but at least I can be a little funny and people like what I say.
This is a little bit of exaggeration but that's what I felt. And yes, I regret saying "sh*t" while speaking. I regretted it the
moment I uttered the word. However I replaced it when madam asked me to repeat. I was terrified. But I hope she does
not remember it :P (and yes, Im so smart reminding her now through this journal XD).

Our class ended with story making spontaneity where 8 people had to build up a story and end it in a satisfactory and
logical manner. All were ok and madam pointed out mistakes and major flaws in each of them that I listened to very
carefully because I myself was making up story and the plot as the people in front were continuing speaking. The class
ended with madam saying that next class will be an evaluative one with the above activity.

23-1

Today was the only class. I think where no one was made to speak publicly as an activity. Rather I spoke twice giving my
viewpoints over the speeches of Modi and Dhananjay. I had made bullet points while watching their videos. I said what
I felt were most and crucial qualities in both of them as public speakers. Madam agreed to many opinions given by the
students. But when she gave her viewpoints, those seemed to be the most significant yet ignored ones. I felt that we
should have an activity separately for observing and sharing our thoughts over speakers (in videos and seminars). But
being as EPS class was meant to hone our skills of speaking and not judging others that seemed quite improbable. So, I
refrained from talking to madam about the same.

25-1

We had a picture story telling session at the start. Madam seemed to be a little over critical in her feedback. None of the
students who came up were given any positive remarks (except the TAs who were generous and soft spoken as expected).
I liked building up everyone else's stories (an easy job sitting in the audience). At the last madam hinted us to attend
every class from now on. The evaluative ones may start anytime.

27-1

We had an instructive class (as in where no public speaking takes place, but writing notes). We got to know about types
of public anxieties, their cause and broad ways in which one can overcome it. The most peculiar thing about today's
class was people letting out their personal issues (parental). It is ok if they want to share but what if no one wants to
listen. One might not have the problems they do, but being humans, we crave to amplify our own problems and
misidentifying them, comparing our problems with them, putting ourselves on top and feeling good that we don't have
such issues. I found it awkward (not inappropriate). Other than that, the class was smooth. I feel good that I ask doubts
(publicly, if that counts) more frequently than ever.

30-1

Today was an analysis day. We got to measure out levels of Public Speaking Anxiety by means of standard questions and
scale. My score lay in the mid-range where there is optimum scope of improvement. Most of the students fell into the
same range (my score was 103). The questions were based on our thinking a mental processes while we were made to
speak or prepare for speeches, etc. I shared my story of school where I had abruptly stopped while delivering farewell
speech to our beloved vice principal. Later on, we were made to see a world champion PS, who spoke on bullies and
bullying and how to cope with them as well the bully inside us.

8-2 (After Quark)

We had our first evaluative activity today. It was STORY TELLING. Scenario was different today. Ideas were not
popping up in my mind although I was a spectator the whole time; my name was not called out today. Plus, madam had
gone pro in criticizing. I could hear no positive remarks for anyone. Did everyone do so bad? I dont think so. I have
always admired good plot, over speaking, even if this was an EPS class. So, I thought people who brought significant
interesting plot twists needed a little (much needed) appreciation.

10-2

My turn finally came. I sat at 2nd place. So, I tried building up the story. I did a decent job in that term but I messed up
with speed and my hands were clasped :/ I didnt notice that at all while speaking. Ridiculous mistake on my part after
being told repeatedly not to do so. I did justice to the story. I wasnt nervous. But I failed at delivering. It might be a 6/10
performance for me.

13-2

The final batch finished off with their story telling. I could have done a lot better, I felt after the activity was over. But its
all about improvement. This sem is also about grades to me and not just interest in subjects, although I do believe that the
former comes with the latter. But I have to push myself for its sake.

15-2

Theory class. I had never really paid attention to the audience till now. Just knowing that they are listening seemed imp
enough to me. But one has to engage them. And how is that done? This theory class was all about that. AUDIENCE
ANALYSIS. I will try to incorporate these attributes into my next activity (which is going to be Self Intro).

17-2

Impromptu feels so at ease when among friends in the most comfortable language i.e. Hindi. Me relying on writing
hasnt helped me speak very well (using good words and vocabulary) in English among the same people. Prop Activity
will surely take these into considerations, whereas I will try to incorporate these too in my Self Intro.

1-3

It was a good day. A little disappointing too. My content was good but I stumbled upon some words while speaking at
my evaluated SELF INTRO activity. My feedback was good (all 4s, one 5, one 3). I wasnt nervous much but I lacked
eye contact, I realized immediately. I will improve and try to volunteer more.

Roleplay:

I cant express the fun I had while making the video. Bhatia was awesome. Nowhere while doing it, we were tensed or
resisted ourselves to throw in blunder ideas. We were the first team to complete the video (did within 4 days of
announcing) and may be thats why we faced no challenges of miscommunication or deadline apprehension. Where other
teams were struggling to extend their videos, we had cut out 5 mins of it! I learnt that one of the greatest assets you can
have as an EP speaker is humor. Enacting (and hence voice modulation) appeals audience and come on, its fun too.

Following classes in March

The self intro/impromptu activity was followed by a series of theory classes where we were taught how to prepare an
effective speech. I realized that intro orients the audience as a whole either in favor of you or against you. You can never
be offensive to your audience. I think I have been a decent speech giver since school when it came to prepared ones.
So, Im pretty confident I can pull this off. But at the same time I got to know additional things to add like attention
capture, credibility and establishing relevance with audience. Incorporating these into my speech would be one of
my prime goals (of course after content). I say this because, even growing as a public speaker, I dont want to lose grip of
the actual topic. I would never like to see myself sway in emotions and outburst just to score and beating around the
bush. Marks are important to me at this point of time in my academic life, but Ill never compromise content for effective
delivery.

Evaluative impromptu amidst theory classes:

I had no idea we would be having mandatory impromptu evaluation when we had already chosen self intro. I got to know
the previous day and I pretty much sucked at it when it came to doing it. I was given passing smoking and 1 min to
think about. My time went googling it, and I had no time to prepare and organize. That was my worst till now. I hope
Maam saw me coming up to the TA and asking for definition. So, grace marksno? :)

GD:

For the first time, I ran to the stage to volunteer, ended up like BOLT there but what happened? (-_-)

Maam found out that too many students rushed there, so she sent everyone back :/ Oh god why? The only time I tried to
run and volunteer.

Till now, we have just had a volunteering team. I was surprised at how they pulled it off being a first timer. I really liked
it. Although maam being a critic pointed out many flaws. Waiting for it.

Debate:

(Witnessing other teams)

Being the last team to go for debate, I had too much time to witness other teams debating for more than a week. Akshay
Dharmavaram and Shobhik Bhadray came out to be the most impressing speakers for me. Seeking logic over delivery
will never go out of me I guess. Akshay was declared the best debater of that debate whereas Shobhik wasnt. I was a
little disappointed as emotions running to topics such as Co habilitation is ridiculous and the opposing team won
because of that. When you know that a team has shifted you from your earthen point, you know its the winner. I saw all
students at their full potential in debates. That made me scared as well as excited about my debate itself. I have to hit
hard and clean to compete with them.

(My own sdebate)

I think we did apt amount of research and had valid points to counter almost very claim the opposition made. Yes, I agree
we fell aback when it came to group practice because of some idiots. But that said, we had all soft speakers as maam
correctly pointed out. The opposition was fierce and thats what debate demands but at the same time, because of that our
validity and logical comebacks were overlooked. I did okkish forgetting a little part that Im too embarrassed to view that
part of my video. Nevertheless I felt it was a good activity where more than the prepared 4 min part, it was fun to
retaliate and rebut. Well, I got some good pictures with maam and everyone, so Im happy.
(A week left for my persuasive speech)

One thing that pinches me with every other speech coming up is that students have written more on advice and
righteousness and less on persuasion. I think one should take a topic which is personal and in opinion of which, he is
opposed to the general mass. Thats how he is going to persuade people who are disagreeing to him. Not speaking on
something that we all want to do. But on topics, where half of the class is opposed to ones opinion and by the need of
his/her speech, those people could be convinced partially if not fully. Im still in pursuit of my topic, 5 days remaining.

My persuasive speech

What else could I choose as my topic when maam says choose a topic dear to you? Nothing else comes even close to
GAMING as far as my obsessions after coming to campus are concerned. I tried to make the speech as simple and
engaging as possible. At the same time, I tried to incorporate all the characteristics of intro, body and conclusion into it.

My heart started thumping till 2-3 speakers before me. But then, I looked at the audience and this is what I felt. These are
the people I am familiar with. They will understand if I mess up a little. Now that was the reason that eased me off before
my speech, no lies! I delivered my speech well. Although I noticed midway that I was going too fast, and I tried to lower
my pace, but I didnt stumble or stop! Now, thats an achievement for a guy who fears halfway realizations. Thanks to
EPS.

Ending

As my last words for the course, I believe you can never really be 100% confident before you go up there and speak. You
will sweat, shiver and be nervous. You can prepare for max.90% confidence. The rest 10% comes after you succeed. And
if you dont, you go a 5% negative. So, its a battle between +10 and -5. I learned to aim for 90%. The 10 and 5 followed
with subsequent activities as I have mentioned before.

About the course, it was really easing for me to come in at 12pm after all CDCs. Im grateful to Shalini maam for
organizing the course in a very simple yet effective manner. The best part was the course reminded me of school days and
I got to relive small moments of scolding, critical remarks, jokes and merit reviews again! Thank you.