TedXCL Reflection

This tedtalk talks about the negative effects of all stereotypes. In more detail, it gives help on how to stop stereotyping too

What I knew:     Before I began my speech, I knew that stereotypes were bad. What I did not really know was the actual effect of them and how harmful they can actually be. I knew that there were a ton of different kinds of stereotypes like positive and negative and so on. I was not too sure in ways to help stop stereotyping. I clearly understood the negative effects of negative stereotypes, because they are so much more obvious in their harm. I did understand what a positive stereotype is and how they can be viewed by others. 

    I knew how big of an issue stereotypes have become in the world, especially positive ones. I knew that people were oblivious to the harm of them because they seem like compliments, but obviously after my speech that is far from the truth. I did not know the amount of studies and the extensive research that has gone into studying stereotypes. I did not think someone would be able to capture the effects of stereotypes in a study, but I was very wrong as there is tons of research out there.  

 

Why I chose this topic:     The amount of people that are oblivious to the harm of positive stereotypes is the exact reason why I chose to speak about this. I wanted to highlight and point out an ignored problem of society, because of how much it damages it. People really do not know how bad stereotypes truly are and that thought alone really grinds my gears. I believe that this is a very important topic and needs to be addressed more often than it is. I believe that by acknowledging the issues with stereotyping, society can become more diverse, respectful, and a whole lot more loving. I am frustrated with the fact that people get judged on their character before they even open their mouths to talk to someone.

    I truly believe that no person is the same despite their background or anything else. All people are different and it is completely wrong to try and categorize them together based off race, ethnicity, gender, or anything else. I wanted to make my thoughts known and share them, to hopefully inspire others the same way I am inspired. I want to end stereotyping, but that is not a very easy job. It starts with me. If I can spread my thoughts and ideas, maybe stereotypes will slowly start to go away and leave our society. 

 

What I learned: I learned a lot of things about the world, stereotypes, and myself through my speech. I learned about all of the extensive research and studies that were done on stereotypes. I learned through studies by NPR and the University of Colorado the true harm in stereotypes. There was real proof of the harm they cause to others and proof of the obliviousness of others.

     I was not sure that there was hard evidence of the effects of positive stereotypes, but I found that in the study done by the University of Colorado, where they used a positive stereotype about black people. Only a certain amount heard the stereotype and among the ones who did, the white people found no issue. On the other hand, the black people found the actor to be a lot less likeable due to this stereotype. My favorite source was my quote from Richard Cowper, “Our thoughts are unseen hands shaping the people we meet. Whatever we truly think them to be, that's what they'll become for us.” NPR taught me how to stop stereotyping. I believe that is an extremely vital part of my speech. 

    I also learned that I am not perfect and struggle with this issue. Digging into stereotypes taught me a lot about myself. I realized I had some preconceived notions I didn't even know were there. Going down the rabbit hole of societal expectations and labels made me see that I'd picked up on some biased ideas without realizing it. It was like holding up a mirror to my own thoughts and habits. Getting rid of these ingrained beliefs became a bit of a personal mission. I had to figure out where these ideas came from and why I thought that way. This journey helped me understand more about what I value and how I see things. Now, I get why it's crucial to keep questioning and growing, not just for me but for everyone around me. I learned that I am a big procrastinator. In class I struggled to stay on task and do research. I am still happy with the research I obtained and I am proud of my speech. 

 

What I learned-Presentation:     I found designing a visual aid to be a little bit harder than it seemed. I did not want to put too much on my slides, but I also did not want to lack a good visual aid. I also found myself getting a bit nervous during the speech, but I believe that is normal. I was proud in the way I projected my voice and did not mumble. My body language could have been a bit better, but it was not completely terrible. I could have prepared better. I did not practice my speech to anyone except myself, and that could explain why I had the problems I had. My speech ended up being about 8 minutes and I am extremely proud of the outcome. I believe I did a good job trying to maintain eye contact the entire time. I need to work on practicing my speech and getting more comfortable with the topic. 

 

What the audience learned: I attempted to change others' perspectives and encourage them to take action. I do not believe I was that successful as my speech did not ignite much conversation in the classroom. I believe it is still important that I put my thoughts into their minds, whether they listen to it or not. In the end, I cannot control others and I just have to hope they also feel inspired by this.  

 

Advice:     Know that creating and presenting a speech is a rewarding thing to do. Get familiar with your topic and have a deep understanding of it. When crafting a speech as a future student, remember that simplicity is key. Understand your audience and tailor your message to resonate with them. Clearly outline your main points and stick to a logical structure that guides your audience through your ideas. Inject enthusiasm into your delivery, as genuine passion tends to captivate listeners. Practice your speech multiple times to enhance your confidence and ensure a smoother delivery. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and body language to maintain engagement. Lastly, enjoy it while you are up there.