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.