Week 15, Question 3

I think I have learned most in this class that the audience is a lot less judgmental than the speaker thinks.  As a speaker we are our own worst critics.  The listeners are human and they understand.  I have really enjoyed the vast variety of students in the class and I have learned so much from all the speeches and presentations.  My favorite things to learn was the audience adaptation section and I also think that is probably the most important in everyday life.  Regardless of the event, I believe the audience factor needs to be considered.  When you think about it, we make many audience adaptations in life on a daily basis.  If we go to a 'nice' restaurant, we dress differently than normal.  If we are seeing grandparents, or other 'respectable' people whom we may hide our normal selves from, we dress and act different :).  For an interview, or when addressing a person of some authority, we act and speak different.. I feel like audience adaptation is basically everywhere.  If you have a planned argument with a best friend or boyfriend, and it plays out a little differently than expected.. you make changes in your counter attack.. hahaha..I hope everyone had as great of a semester as I did, regardless of any struggles.  I am sure we are all a little better than we were when we started. 

Week 15, Question 2

If I had to choose one speech as a favorite, I would probably say it was the persuasive speech.  I enjoyed seeing the passion everyone had along with the media presentations.  It gave me an opportunity to see a more personal side of people as well as a little insight into their lives.  I also enjoyed how the class had different perspectives on things like the issues involving marijuana.  I thought the audience listened to both sides very well and I thought that both sides has very valid arguments.  I also really liked the presentations involving the drinking and driving.  The personal stories some of the students used in the speeches were really touching as well as educational and added greatly to the validity.  A close second was the tribute speech.  I really really liked those as well.  Though they were a less formal presentation, they were very enjoyable for me.  I have to admit I did cry a little, but that made it all that more enjoyable to me.  I am a sucker for an emotional story.  Great job everyone and I hope you have all learned a lot.  I have been glad to watch everyone improve so much.  I know there are so many who started this class wondering how on earth they would ever give a speech.  Well, now you have done it.. 5 times :) and we all did very well. 

Week 3, Question 1

I really enjoyed watching the pro and con video.  It helped me think about multiple aspects for my presentation as there is also 2 sides to mine.  I haven't nailed down exactly how I want to proceed with mine, but having seen these examples really helped me see that both can be done very effectively.  Both speakers appealed to the emotions of the audience by using the basis that we all want whats best for our children and this also helped them connect with the audience.  The girl used tragedy and fear as a way to persuade her audience while the boy used more statistical and factual data.  For me personally, I like the more statistical data as I feel that is more accurate.  The Columbine reference, while tragic, was something people outside of that town may not connect with as close as she had hoped.  Such tragedy is sometimes intangible in some peoples minds.When the male used the statistical data about the parents not being as motivated or as well trained as the teachers, thus justifying kids attend a public school versus being home taught, some may have been offended.  I wouldn't have been personally because I am confident and educated enough to understand his perspective and point, but I could see where some parents may disagree..depending on his audience.

Week 13, Question 3

In Chapter 15, I particularly thought the section on Using Evidence Effectively was interesting and very important.  In giving speeches, especially persuasive ones, it is going to be vital in your speech that you use your evidence correctly or it is likely that you will be very unsuccessful, and probably will loose your audience early on.  In addition, it talked about logic.  This, to me, was the 'common sense' part.  In giving your speech, and presenting your argument/evidence, I believe it would be very important that all of your evidence made 'logical' sense.  If your audience can't wrap their heads around what your presenting about and it just doesn't 'make sense' then you are headed for disaster.  In my personal opinion, I think that the logos type of appeal would be most successful with ethos and pathos being right behind.  I don't think I would ever use the mythos type, it just doesn't seem like my style.  If someone (an audience) is going to be persuaded, I believe that logic, emotion, and current statistics will make a much more likely case.  I know if I were the audience, I would prefer some information that appealed to my brain logic as well as an emotional personal story or current statistics that would force me to want to act immediately.  In my persuasive speech, since my topic is quite an epidemic, I will definitely be using emotion and statistics to persuade my classmates.  This will also tie into the logical part of their brain because it will 'make sense' to everyone and they will be able to visualize the problem very quickly and with little effort

Week 13, Question 2

The most recent conversation where I was in persuasive mode occurred between me and a friend of mine, Megan.  She is recently divorced and I was presenting the idea of her starting her education.  She was very hesitant because she felt she is not very smart and that it was already to late for her to start such a long process.  I believed I used the Analogical type of reasoning because my argument to her was based on my life and the life of others she knew.  I told her that it is never to late, because I hadn't started my college education until I was 29 and she had watched me grow and become such a better and more rounded person because of it.  She agreed.  As the conversation proceeded I could tell by her facial expressions that she seemed overwhelmed by all the information I was giving her but at the same time I could tell she was interested.  In an effort to give her additional reassurance, I started telling her about the financial aid opportunities and also told her that I would support her and help her through the registration process as it can be confusing and overwhelming at times.  I could instantly see relief in her eyes and a glimpse of hope with some dreams trying to make there way into her head.  I feel that I did a really good job in my argument to her and having myself, someone that she knew, as the example, really made my points that much stronger.  I am happy to report that she is now in her second semester at Sierra College and she is making great progress.  I am still part of her support system and as she moves further and further along I am able to watch her confidence grow with every success. 

Week 12, Question 2

Oh where shall I begin with this one considering our lives are flooded with persuasion, most of which we don't even realize.  As far as media, it is constant persuasion.  Almost every fast food commercial advertises sales on items like 2/$5 or the 'dollar' menu, buy one get one free.. this is all persuasive ways in which these companies are trying to get the business of consumers.  Then we have all the make up and face cream commercials.  They advertise with these beautiful women who have flawless skin promising to look like this if you use their product.  Covering lines, magically making years disappear, etc.  None of which, by the way, are remotely even true.  As for public speaking, all I can really think of is the political campaigns.  They promise the sun, the moon, and the stars when in reality it's just a bunch of hog wash.  Once elected, they just do as they please anyway and we end up with no better mess than we had before, only that it has tumbled into something worse.  On the interpersonal note, I am a pretty dominate person so I tend to be the one in my friendships that is the persuader :-) I think people just need to make sure that they are educated on things in life and that they do their own research on topics that interest them and also before making any decisions in their life.  Weather it be where to grocery shop, what to eat, what TV to buy, or what wrinkle shaving cream to invest in, listen to opinions and input of whatever you choose, but also do your own homework and make your own decision.

Week 12, Question 1

In reading about the different patterns this week I am not sure if I am actually more clear in the differences or more confused :), but I will give deciphering them a shot... In Monroe's Motivated Sequence, it is stated that this should be used when you are trying to persuade your audience to take an action in something.  It gives a very specific way in which to present your information in order to get your audience on your same page, and to also get them motivated to take that action.   The theory states to ask your audience to grasp the relevance and importance of your topic (attention), understand the problem (need), believe that your solution is a good one (satisfaction), imagine the solution being enacted (visualization), and feel motivated to do their part
 (action).  In my eyes, this makes sense and I also believe that it may have some psychological backing and research which makes it work.  It seems to me, some good topics from the book that would fit this would be Junk food on campuses, and handheld cell phone use while driving.

In the Problem-Solution part of the reading it seemed to me that it was along the same lines of the motivated sequence type of organization, but for possible a less in depth, or shorter speech.  It was organized as a much more to the point type to me.  It basically states that you state a problem and a solution.  Very simple and to the point.  An A&B sort.  I thought the example of hitting children that the book used fit the pattern very well.

I am still not sure of the pattern I want to use for my final speech, but I am leading toward the 2 discussed here as my topic is the spaying and neutering of animals which seems to fit these patterns well enough. 

Week 12, Question 3

In this weeks reading, I was really interested in the section which discussed persuading the negative audience.  In my opinion, this would be the most difficult challenge to a public speaker, and I would absolutely dread an experience like this but can envision it well.  I can think of topics like abortion, birth control for minors, animal rights, same sex marriage.. speaking on controversial issues is likely to draw you a negative audience or possibly the divided audience, depending on which way the speaker is geared I guess.  Generally speaking though, it would probably be the negative audience.  I think the steps which the text laid out were very helpful and would probably need to be followed, almost to the T.
-Establishing your credibility with the audience.  This would be crucial. If they are already against you before you even speak, they are surely going to need to know you have your S*** together and are very educated and involved in the issue or they are likely to eat you alive. 
-Taking a common ground approach to the topic.  I think this would be a very smart avenue to take.  People, in general, get very defensive and hostile when they believe certain ways about things and someone is going against that or trying to suggest they think differently.  Establishing that you are on their same page with some things will definitely open them up to you.
-Provide ways for your audience to visualize your topic in a positive manner.  They have probably already seen and thought all the negative, so give them something positive to associate with the issue at hand.  This will only help you as the speaker.
-Stay prepared for their negative response to you and while you inform them of your perspective, respect and acknowledge their side as well.
-Keep your objectives in reason.  Things will never change over night.  People are stubborn and change takes time.  Respect any little change you see and respect their hesitation as well. 
I hope I never have to encounter a negative situation, but if I ever do, I believe these steps will help me quite a bit

Week 11, Question 1

In watching the speech buddy videos, I actually found a couple ideas and practices that I think will help me in my next speech.  In the chapter 10 videos, I really like how they suggested using the words I, we, you, and us when speaking as a way to better connect with the audience and make sure the speech seems personal to them.  In the chapter 12 videos, I really like how they touched on volume, articulation, and tone.  In my opinion, these things are very important.  If your audience is struggling to hear or understand what you are saying, chances are they are not going to be paying close attention.  In addition, I thought it was a fabulous idea that they mentioned practicing your speech in front of a few friends or a small audience.  I couldn't agree more that this would probably make for a much better presentation.  My children are in for some fun practicing with me in the future :)

Week 11, Question 2

I have no idea what that website I just read was, but it was disheartening to read some of the posts and see the way some individuals type out an opinion/statement.  All this slang and shortening of words that has become acceptable in written language is only dumbing us all down and teaching the younger generation how not to be educated and in depth writers/speakers (and spellers).  Now, onto the topic :), considering I really took nothing away from the website link (as I was to irritated by all the slang, misspellings, and name calling), I will go from what I read in the text.  To me, when presenting a speech, one needs to be very conscious of the language they are using.  The book when into some extensive examples in the table on page 195, which is honestly probably a little deeper that I would go in real life, but they were great examples that really got my mind thinking.  I realize that when some people use certain culturally and socially accepted words, they use them in a means to be funny and non offensive, but from a professional stand point, this should be avoided when giving a speech.  Funny or not, I do not think it would ever be a good idea to use, what could possibly be portrayed as offensive, language or slang words.  I am sure there is another way the speaker could incorporate the same information in a professional manner.  I realize the severity of this will very with different audiences, but I would gather to say that, as a speaker, I would always want to prepare on the side of caution. 

Week 11, Question 3

In this weeks reading, I really took in the most from the section about language and gender, specifically about sexist language, but since that is mentioned in question 2, I can't write about it :). so, my second choice is the section which speaks about putting your language into context.  To me, this is huge!  If you are listening to someone speak about something in which you can comprehend, but not relate to, it is going to be in one ear and out the other, and chances are you will also probably be bored during the presentation.  On the flip side, if the speaker has tailored his/her speech to the audience and done the relevant research as it pertains to that area and whom will be attending, there is a much higher chance of connecting with the audience and having a successful presentation.  If someone is speaking on poverty in general, they need to incorporate some area specific statistics, or somehow relate the large number of sufferers to the people in the audience, just like the sample speech in the book mentioned.  Though that speaker was referencing specifically AIDS in Africa, it was tied in very well by comparing those statistics to the number of people in which were in that room at that moment.  In my persuasive speech I am speaking on the spaying and neutering of animals and this will definitely be something I need to keep in mind.  I need to make sure I find a way to touch everyone in my audience so they can personally relate and feel moved.

Self Evaluation #2

1). How well do you think you achieved the purpose of your speech?
I believe I achieved the purpose of my speech at about a 9/10.  There was more information which I wanted to provide but of course, I was over my time, like always :( with that being said, I still believe my audience got the overall purpose very well and I was able to give enough information to keep them thinking about the HPV epidemic.

2). How comfortable and confident did you feel during the speech?
Going into my speech, I was very confident and comfortable as HPV is a topic I am very familiar with and passionate about but of course, about 3/4 of the way through when I start to realize I am out of time, I start to panic because I know I am going to be getting marked down.  I hate that part because to me there is so much information that is necessary but has to be cut out and I am still always over my time!  I was also thrown off a little with my power point because I am left handed and the power point was set up on the right.  With that, I was forgetting to switch the slides which hurt me on my grade :(

3). If you had to do it over again, what changes would you make in preparation, support, organization or delivery?
I believe my preparation, support and organization were all as good as I could have made them, my problem always comes in delivery and running out of time.  Sometimes, also in presentation, I speak about additional facts that I had come across in research or something I remember that I had left out earlier in the speech because while I am speaking they seem relevant.  In the peer reviews I have seen comments about some things seeming scattered or unorganized and I believe this is probably why. 

4). What one goal do you have for improving the content in your next speech?
I believe my content is usually pretty solid

5). What one goal do you have for improving the delivery in your next speech?
NOT GOING OVER MY TIME

6). What specifically was different from your last speech? BOTH good and bad?
I pretty much had the same reviews for both of my speeches.  My BIG issue is time!! and this is such a hard thing for me.  I am at a loss as far as how to curb this issue.  Its just genetically me and it kind of sucks in this situation.  Besides that I need to make sure I stick to my organized plan and not insert other information because it seems to confuse some people.  As for the good, consistently I have had good voice projection, topics, eye contact, and over all well received.

7). Did you do anything distracting? Was this an improvement from your last speech?
I believe my slide pictures and statistics were distracting, and also a positive improvement.  With that being said, I also believe the distractions fit the speech.  There wasn't anything very distracting to present for my demo speech.

8). How would you rate your eye contact on a scale from 1-10?
I'd rate myself a 10 on eye contact.  I am very good at this.

9). On a scale from A to F, what grade would you give yourself based on your performance? Why? Use specific examples.
I would have given myself an A-, though I received a B.  I feel that, considering this is an INTRO speech class, I did very well.  Yes, I was not perfect, but factoring in that this is an intro class, I feel like I did pretty good.  My issues were time and a few unorganized seeming facts/information.  On the positive, I had great eye contact, voice projection, confidence and demeanor.  For only being a second speech, I think that is pretty good. 

10). How many source citations did you mention during the course of your speech?
I used 4 different sources in my speech, research, and outline and I did remember to spit them all out in the speech :)

11). Was this speech better than your last speech? Why or why not?
I believe it was a better topic, something that the audience can really relate to with very relevant information for everyday life.  I was over my time a little more than my last speech, but that is because it was a more relevant topic which requires more time.  I thought my speech was better, but I was graded 2 points less.  This is always a time issue. 

Week 9, Question 3

I particularly likes the small section where the book talked about making sure you speak to your audience (and not your media) during your presentation, when using media of course.  I can see this being a struggle for new speakers, and possible even seasoned ones.  It is very easy to get caught up in looking at whatever you are presenting and loosing sight of the audience.  As the book states, the audience will feel ignored and get bored.  It will also be hard for them to hear you if your back is to them.  To avoid this, a new speaker is going to have to make a very conscious effort.  It will be very hard because I assume it may be a magnetic comfort zone like a table or the white boards in the class room :) As with most things, practice! practice! practice! and this can hopefully be avoided.

Week 9, Question 2

In all honesty I haven't been to many public speaking events, and none that were really recent.  I attended the Tim Wise conference at the Rocklin Campus just prior to this semester starting but he didn't use any media presentation.  Other than that, my experiences with public speaking are teachers lecturing in class as school has been my life for the last few years.  Some use media and others don't.  In most cases I prefer the teachers that use media as part of their lecture material.  It really helps for taking notes and often pictures, diagrams, or charts help clarify certain points or aspects the instructor is trying to teach.  In addition, often teachers are lecturing faster than any human can write so it's nice to have the slides up for note taking purposes.  This is also helpful if the teacher gets off track.  Once they notice they are lecturing off track by looking at the slide, they will usually head back in the right direction.  Outside of that, being that I am an RN major, classes are often related to medical material.  Presented media is very helpful in these cases because it really helps to see a real life picture of whatever disease, disorder, infection, etc. is being discussed.  Simple text just doesn't teach as good as media pictures in these cases.

Week 9, Question 1

In using a visual aid which contains visual and audio files the speaker needs to consider a few things and make sure he/she does the research necessary to credit or discredit the media clip.  Before choosing to incorporate something into your speech visual aid, complete research needs to be done to ensure the clip is authentic.  With the internet the way it is in these times, just about anything is possible and many bias and untruthful things are posted online.  Rate my Professor is just one example.  These are peoples opinions and are in no way a valid or factual basis for research or evidence.  Once the media has been deemed credible, then the speaker must ensure they cite the source of the media being show so it is very clear to the audience.  The source needs to contain the 'original' source location not just generically saying something like 'YouTube'.  With the speaker adhering to these simple guidelines, their credibility will be that much more in tact for the presentation.

Week 8, Question 1

In the speech buddy videos 9.1 and 9.2, the second one in both examples seemed to have the most downfalls, in my opinion.  In 9.1, the second intro was very busy and unclear.  This would confuse the audience and I  didn't hear a clear thesis or purpose.  In 9.2, the second example, the eye contact was lacking and the speakers voice was very monotone and there was no clear ending to me.  In 13.1A, Evan had erratic eye contact when he started out.  It seemed to me that there was no clear theses and he didn't clearly state his points that I heard.  I wasn't sure if he was speaking on what techno was, or how it was created, or all of the above.  I also thought he should have played samples for the audience so they could relate better.  It was a very uninteresting topic unless he was speaking to a music class.  Most people in a general audience could not relate to the information he was providing.  In the 13.1B video, she was more geared to a general audience.  Though I did not hear her clear thesis (purpose) or her 3 points, she had a cure ending.  In the USE IT video, man that girl was a mess.  She had poor eye contact and was speaking way to fast! It seemed like she should have practiced way more.  She was also very unfamiliar with the language she was trying to use and she stumbled quite a bit.  I was also unclear of her exact purpose and I heard her mention 2 points versus 3 in the beginning but then somewhere in the middle she mentioned 3.  Poor thing.  She was a wreck.

Week 8, Question 3

I particularly think the part of chapter 9 where they go into detail about making a strong closure is very helpful.  In closing a speech, this is arguably the most important aspect.  This is the part of the speech where you will be wither remembered or forgotten.  This is the part of your speech where, if you are calling for an action, people will be motivated to take that action.  The book states to ensure you review the main points, reinforce your purpose, and to provide closure.  Depending on the type of speech you are giving, some of these may be more important than others.  Personally, I thing the second two are probably the most important.  regardless of the type of speech, you want to make certain you reinforce your purpose.  Review whatever information, or provide the information necessary for your audience to easily attain what ever the purpose of your speech was.  If it's an informative speech, give the audience easy access and reference information, if it's a persuasive speech, do the same so they know where and how to take action, etc.  I also liked how it was mentioned to thank the audience.  To me, this is a very courteous gesture.  People are busy and have many things to do in their lives.  I am sure, regardless of what your presenting about, they could have been doing something else.  A simple thank you can never hurt.

Week 8, Question 2

The introduction and conclusion of a speech are the most important for many reasons.  In the introduction, your audience is going to decide, based on your introduction, how much or how little they are going to actually 'tune in' and that is your main opportunity to sell whatever your purpose is and establish your credibility.  Per the text, your intro needs to get the audience’s attention, Indicate the purpose and thesis, and establish your credibility.  Your time limit needs to be considered and a few basic attention grabbing ideas for new speakers can be to cite a fact or statistic that is interesting or startling, tell a non-offensive joke, or ask a question you want the audience to ponder and answer by the end .  In conclusion make sure you review the main points, reinforce what your purpose of the speech, and provide closure of some sort.  This is the part of the speech the audience will remember most so this is your main opportunity to call for an action, if that is your purpose.  I am still tossing a few ideas around for my informative speech, but being that I am in the medical field it will likely be geared as such.  I am leaning toward speaking on the controversial vaccination Gardasil which protects against the Sexually transmitted Disease HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).  In my introduction I will implement the startling statistics of this disease (80% of women will be infected by age 50) and inform my audience how NO One is safe from it.  My conclusion will likely again state my startling statistic and urge my audience to protect themselves and their children and how/where to do so.

Week 4, Question 3

I like that the book mentioned the 'Classroom Audience', because that is what we are.  In that section, it was very accurate in mentioning that we surely have an advantage.  We will know one another just a little more than if we were speaking to some random audience filled of people whom we had no idea about.  With that being said, I like how it also mentioned to still take into consideration the listening skills from chapter 3 and still adapting your speech.  Though we will be speaking to the same audience the entire semester, we need to utilize in depth listening each time as we are learning something new about each individual with each class meeting and speech.  First we met each other, then we learned a little about what each person felt important about their culture and up next we will learn a little about something they know how to do.  With all of this information, we can use more and more each time to better ourselves in our speeches just by listening to what others appreciate and enjoy.  Who and what they are about, so we can keep them lively and entertained in our short time with the class.

Week 4, Question 2

Audience analysis is key in a successful speech.  This takes place in the early stages of your planning process (if you are well prepared) :)  In doing this ahead of time it will save you a huge headache and also ensure that your audience is more focused and interested in your speech.  I would consider age, common interests of that age group, gender, ethnicity, etc.  For example, if you had a room full of college students, you wouldn't want to speak on the benefits of AARP, and if you had an audience of retired individuals, you wouldn't want to be speaking on STD's or college clubs.  With that being said, audience adaptation.  This is, what I believe, to be the part where, once you are speaking, you judge how the audience is responding to what you have to say.  Based on your analysis of this, you can make adjustments in your presentation.  If you notice they are yawning, staring in to space, or doing other things, you need to liven it up a bit, as best you can, depending on the material.  If you notice they are responding in a sour or way of discomfort, try and change your approach in presenting the material if you can.  Eye contact with your audience is key in determining this information.  If you are constantly looking at a power point or your note cards, you will not have an accurate analysis

Week 3, Question 3

Chapter 6 is in depth about researching your topic.  I specifically agreed with the section that went over Identifying multiple perspectives and sources.  To me, this would be vital to a good presentation.  Every source is going to have a varying perspective and a bias of some source, that's just how it works.  Through extensive research and the identification of all the perspectives and biases, the information can be compiled for, what I think would be, a very well rounded presentation with credible information from many aspects.  This will be very apparent to your audience in your presentation and I think they would respond much better if this was obvious to them.  I also liked how the chapter went into such detail about where to obtain sources because I think most people now-a-days just assume to go online because its so easily accessible.

Week 3, Question 2

In watching the speech buddy videos the consistent theme seemed to be researching the information behind your speech and the end result will be a much smoother process.  This, for me, has been and will probably continue to be, a hard part for me to incorporate into my speeches for this class.  I am not sure why.  In my mind, the topics I want to talk about just do not go along with research, at least not hand in hand anyway, not black and white.  I liked watching Dory speak and reading the question to the side of the video.. which said now contemplate what you would research and include as research in her speech about her family. That hit home for me because in the last class meeting when the professor asked for our topics and said we had to include the 4 sources, my mind was blank.  I had a million topics I could speak on, but none that were re-searchable in my mind. After a small chat with her after class she explained to me some 'out of the box' ideas that really relieved my anxiety and as I was watching Dory I was thinking to myself the out of the box possible research (culture, religion, ethnicity as it related to parent care, etc.).  These videos were good to watch as I am preparing for our next speech

Week 3, Question 1

I do not have any personal experience in conducting research interviews, though from the reading and some television shows that I watch, it seems like they can be very interesting and productive.  Our text talks about the following in regards to such interviews.

1. Determining the purpose of the interview.  What this meant to me was to determine what information I would want to gain from the interview and also determine to what extent I wanted interviewees' perspective and input leaving room for the unknown as well.
2. Selecting the Interviewee (s).  To me this would be the process where I decided who would have the most valuable information which I needed to collect in regards to my topic and possibly other people in the field just for perspective if I needed it.
3. Developing Questions.  This topic, to me, was fascinating.  I watch a lot of Law and Order and CSI and I have worked in an investigative field for quite some time so I have seen an extensive amount of this put into play, just not me doing it :)  I love when they ask 'leading' or or suggestive questions and the interviewee doesn't even realize they are providing the information exactly as predicted.  I feel all the aspects of questioning (primary, secondary, neutral, and leading) are very important.  They all, in their own way, play a key part in the completion of a complex interview with a well rounded outcome.  A little bit of information from each category and you will usually have the appropriate information you needed and or wanted.
4. Organization of the Interview guide (questions).  This aspect is vital if you want your interview to be productive and organized.  Without this things would be very chaotic and you probably wouldn't leave with the information that you had wanted to obtain.  This is also where you develop your approach to the interviewee and your tone in which you want to use in the interview.
5. Conducting the Interview.  In this aspect you want to make sure you stick to the plan you have and in a very timely manner.  People hate nothing more that someone running late or keeping them longer than expected.  Everyone always has something to do other than sit and wait for you to get your 'stuff' together.
6. Integrating your interview material into your 'work' or project.  This is very important and needs to be done in an orderly fashion.  Chances are you will not be using the entire interview so you need to select the most pertinent and credible aspects.  This is the portion that will add the 'credibility' aspect to your presentation or project.  You also must ensure that you credit your source accurately and appropriately.

Week 2, Question 3

If I had to pick a topic to discuss in depth, I would probably choose the Uncertainty about Evaluation because that is the aspect I am most apprehensive about but being that I, in a sense, already addressed that in question 1, I guess I have to choose another.  I think I will touch on the Uncertainty of the Audience's response.  This is always in the back of your head.  As you prepare, as you speak, and when you sit back down.. A constant voice of 'how did I do? What did they think?'  Just keep a few things in mind.  You are speaking to a class of your peers.  While we all vary in age and background, we are still a college student just like yourself.  If you look out and see some zombie faces, wandering eyeballs, smile-less faces, or sleeping heads on the desk, just remember not to take it personal.  We will be having night meetings, which means night speeches, and some may be fading as the daylight did.  DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL.  Chances are your speech was and is great, they are just maxed out for that day, especially if they have already spoke and the adrenaline rush is gone.  They will be exhausted!  So, keep your head held high, present to the best of your ability, know that you will be nervous, and that's ok!

Week 2, Question 2

In the videos there were many things discussed. In the first one the primary focus was some of the mental things one can do to relieve anxiety upon preparation for their speech.  It spoke of relaxation, visualization, and relabeling.  It also reiterated the importance of practicing your speech many times and ensuring you have a vast knowledge of the topic so you are well prepared for anything that may come your way. The video also demonstrated how to implement these techniques in real life.   I feel that I have at least a mid level experience level in public speaking so I doubt I will utilize the beginning techniques but I definitely do need to work on my 'practicing'.  I am a very impromptu type of person normally and that is how I normally do my speaking, just to speak..haha.. So my anxiety with all the preparation and outlines that we have to do is pretty high.  I am pretty good about making sure I am very knowledgeable with whatever my topic is so I don't see that being an issue.  The second video particularly went over the issues related to the introduction and conclusion.  I have not, in the past, experienced any problems with wither of these, but being this is a new 'type' of audience, I am hoping I do good.  I do know that these two things are very important in a speech, along with the establishment of your credibility.  This is the part of your speech that grabs  your audience and leaves them thinking far after you have sat down. 

Week 2, Question 1

In an overall perspective, I think I do decent with public speaking.  I have done it quite a few times to a vast majority of audiences.  I used to work for the California Department of Corrections and while there I was the training coordinator and instructor for the 1 week Special Agent training and certification course.  within that, I spoke many times, to people whom were usually much older that I, and also pretty high in rank with the department.  This, at first, was quite a daunting task and responsibility, but over time it became the best part of my job and I looked forward to the responsibility and fun that came along with it.  With that being said, doing this at a college level has me terrified.  I think I have narrowed it down in that my biggest concern is the uncertainty about how I will be evaluated.  I am a person whom has always striven for the best and I feel that, in this situation, it is completely out of my control.  Compared to when I have spoken before, I was in control and the audience depended on me to pass the class and I had state guided material, these times speeches about random issues with a very structured outline needed, has my blood pressure very high.  I have always just spoken on a whim and I function very well like that.  I am a person who also talks A LOT and I enjoy talking.  This whole timed thing will have me sweating for sure.  I am sure I will be one of the people who is over the time limit every time and I am so paranoid that I won't get a good grade because if it.  If we are researching topics and speaking about things we re interested in and or passionate about, how on earth are we supposed to shove that all into 2, 4, 6, or 8 minutes???

Hello To Everyone

Hello to my comms class comrads.  In case you didn't meet me in the meeting on Monday, my name is 'Madison' per the anonymity guidelines :)  I am 31 years old and a mother of 3 children.  Christopher age 15, Joshua age 10, and Madison age 22 months, so needless to say I have quite a bit on my plate with that alone.  In addition, I am a full time student here at Sierra College with this being my 2nd year.  I am a Registered Nursing major and I am at the tail end of my pre-req's for the program.  I will be applying this semester and next for all the JC programs in the area as well as SAC state and UC Davis.  I have worked really hard and maintained a very high GPA, so I hope it pays off!! Anywho, as for public speaking, well... I have done some before, but that doesn't make it any easier.  I just hope to pass the class with an A and give some speeches along the way that are captivating for all of you.  I wish everyone the best and just know you will make it :) the audience doesn't judge nearly as harsh as you assume they will and you will do far better than you anticipate!!

Test Message

My name is Madison.  Pleased to meet you.