Over the years, NPR has acquired a large database of both famous people and regular people giving statements about their beliefs. Early in the spring semester of my freshman year, my English professor asked me what I believe in and gave me the task of completing the “This I Believe” project.
What do I believe in?
I believe in smiling.
My initial “This I Believe” was based around the thesis, “My smile is the way I share my joy and passion for life, this I believe.” After feedback from my professor, I realized that the thesis I was basing my belief statement around, was not the thesis that adequately described the power of my smile. I revised the belief statement, this time using a new thesis; “I believe in smiling in the face of adversity.”
The “This I Believe” project was the first speech project for LA 101H, and also my first try at public speaking for the first time since sophomore speech class in high school. I was disappointed in my delivery of my original “This I Believe,” and I chose to record my new belief statement. In my new “This I Believe” I used better intonation, pacing, volume, and tried to incorporate a more story-like delivery. LA 101H taught me many tips for public speaking, so I feel at the end of the year I am able to make a better presentation of my “This I Believe.”
Dance is not a Form; it is a Way of Life
