Hector's Dblog

Module 12/ Persuasive Speaking # 2

2006-04-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Finally, the moment I have been waiting. It is the last recording assignment in persuasive speaking. The following topics came to mind: the advantage of joining the military, and the methamphetamine growing epidemic in America. It was hard to make a decision, but I decided to speak about the methamphetamine growing epidemic in America. I did review chapter 15, 16, and followed the guidelines for persuasive speaking: building credibility, using evidence, reasoning, and appealing to emotions. I did prepare for two days, and still don’t have it right. I think that I am putting to much effort on my pronunciation in front of the camera, and it makes things worse. I am learning to make changes to improve. In conclusion, I learned the terrible medical complications link to methamphetamine use, and the law enforcement effort to eradicate this epidemic in America.

Module11/experience persuasive # 1

2006-04-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

On March 22, 2006, I set up an appointment for the recording of the speech. The persuasive speech topic was challenging. I want to persuade my audience that depression is a real illness, or about the alcoholism problem in America. I like psychology and anything related to how the brain functions, so my final decision was do it on the subject of depression. Reading chapter 15 and 16 give me the right information about the three types of persuasive speeches: questions of fact, questions of value, and questions of policy. In addition, how to organize the speech on questions of policy using Monroe’s motivated sequence. I did have a problem setting up the recording equipment. The outline and work cited is getting easier. I did continue to apply the following guidelines for persuasive speaking: Building credibility, using evidence, reasoning, and appealing to emotions.

TV/advertisement

2006-04-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

TV advertisement/Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

This morning the TV Tropicana Orange Juice advertisement perhaps, persuade the audience for a prompt action by following the Monroe’s Motivated five steps sequence, for example, Attention: The Tropicana Orange TV advertisement get the attention of the audience first by audio then by visual aids.
Need: The advertisement promotes a need for change by claiming a better product quality, for example, “Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice with added dietary fiber.” Satisfaction: Showing an individual with a look of satisfaction when the person drinks the juice sending the message of satisfaction.
Visualization: Using a nonverbal communication by showing a healthier looking person, and at the same time a verbal communication say how good they feel after drinking it.
Action: It calls the audience into action by suggesting having a glass of Tropicana Orange Juice every morning.

Module # 10/TV advertisement

2006-04-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Module # 10

TV advertisement/Maslow’s Need Hierarchy

In the 1960s, Abraham Maslow develops a theory of motivation based on a hierarchy of needs or personal requirements. Maslow’s theory is base on a sequence of human needs in order of their importance. The hierarchy is common illustrated through a 5 level triangle describing the sequence of human needs and their importance. The following is a brief description of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:
Physiological needs: Such as food, water, and shelter.
Safety needs: Requirements for physical and emotional security.
Social needs: Love and respect
Esteem needs: Our need for respect.
Self-actualization: The need to grow and develop and to become all that we are capable of being.

I, think the TV advertisement Ionic Breeze Quadra claiming the capture of allergens, viruses, bacteria, and indoor air pollutants is appealing to Maslow’s safety needs for physical security by support that it can make a healthier breathing environment.

Informative Speech # 2

2006-04-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

I called the Kearney learning center, on March 19, 2006 to set up an appointment for the recording of the speech. The video camera was ready so, did I. The informative speech did continue to be a challenging experience, but it is getting better, for example, now I am moving my arms around more. I think that at this time; I did only have an issue with the parenthetical sources with out name that anything else. The outline and work cited still involves a lot of work. I did continue to apply the following guidelines for informative speaking: Don’t overestimate what the audience knows, relate the subject directly to the audience, don’t be too technical, avoid abstractions, and personalize your ideas. I think my speeches are getting better little by little. In the recording of the presentation of the speech, and reviewing the tape, I think that I am making improvements.

Hector

Prepare for your interview

2006-04-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online's article "Prepare for your interview" states that communication is also the key to getting the job. think ahead of time and be ready to answer the questions. Remember you will need to convince this person you are right for the position. In addition listening skills, are important also so, you can respond to the interviewer. Don't answer unless you are sure of what they are asking, and on the other hand don't pause too long ask for clarification. Using good grammar, willing to learn, and being open minded, so you appear like you will be able to grow with the company. Show interest in the possibilites of being a long life employee. Seems that I can link this article to the speech communication process in which the seven elements: speaker, message, channel, listener, feedback, interference, and situation interaction are very very important for good outcome in any environment.

Key to a healthy, happy relationship

2006-04-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

With shows like "The Bachelor" and "Who Wants to Marry a Midget?" on TV, in this time, day, and age love and romance is messed up accordly to the article written by Thomas Chen. Due to the entertainment news with all of the celebrity break-ups sometime we wonder if it is possible to find true love or have a meaningful relationship. Margaret Shapiro, assistant director at the council for relationship said that there are two main keys to a healthy relationship. It is important to have fun time with your partner. Always appreciate each other and, try not to contaminate your time together with worries and concerns. On the other hand you need to communicate with each other to discuss your problems and concerns. You need to have a good balance of both. Shapiro says long-distance relationship can seem like a vacation, but usually doesn't turn out for the long-term conmitted relationship. "They don't have no experience dealing with every day problems." That is about right.

Abusing the Freedom of Expression

2006-04-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

"It is a shame that some other media publishers, editors and renowned joournalists are referring to these offensive cartoons as a part of freedom of expression" This quote comes from the article written by Syed Atiq ul Hassan which he explains journalism is collecting, analyzing , verifying, and reporting the story in a fair and neutral manner. Editors must keep in mind no freedom of expression should cause humiliation or insults to another human being. There should freedom of expression to help the society to maintain better communication and, understanding among the different cultures. They should keep in mind don't hurt anyone regardless of faith, reace or their back ground. When reporting need to respect the fights of individuals using good taste and does not mean absence of any values, ethics or laws. It goes the same for any public seaking.
http://www.thereporteronline.com

Humor/Article

2006-04-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Business Woman

Make Humor Work for You - Not Against You

There are many tools of communication available to us. Why not use Humor? Everyone likes a good joke or a short story. Rmember to keep stories short and to the point. People seem to relate to everyday events better if a little a laughter is involved. A smile and a little humor will help you get the point across. According to the article by Kathy Klots-Guest women uses humor more often and differently that men do. If you use humor as a tool of communication be sure you pull it off, by this I mean you must be able to tell the joke and don't get the punch line wrong. In addition, she provides us with several tips to developing our humor. This article can related to public speaking as the text book stated "Audience love witty remarks, jokes, and funny situations, but like anything else, humor is only effective when done well."

http://www.babwnews.com

E-mail

2006-04-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

E-mail prefeerred over phone at the office

This article states that according to a query of business executives who say their communication is confined to e-mail these days. The telephone is a third choice among executives when it comes to how they communicate at work. The phone was use by 48 percent five years ago. Now e-mail is the favored via of communication for 71 percent of executives. The results are from a poll released last month by Office Team, a temporary staffing firm for administrative professionals. It is easy to understand why e-mail is the method used most often for communication among executives at work. It is instant, convenient, and inexpensive. However, my opinion on this issue is that one on one or before a group is the best way to reach people, and express ideas.

Article/Gestures

2006-04-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

Experts say gestures can bridge big linguistic gaps

Andrew Bridges, the author of "Experts say gestures can bridge big linfuistic gaps" article explain, the non verbal communicaation, for example, facial gestures, hand gestures, tone of voice and so forth can say more about us than we may think. Furthermore, Justine Cassell a professor of media tecnology, and society at Northwestern University said the study of gestures is relatively old, but what is new according to her is the acceptance that gestures themselves can tell somthing about how humans think. Bridges also describe how the media technology found its way into training program that helps in crash course for soldiers in how to speak, and gestures like locals in Iraq, Afganistan, and other countries of the Middle East. Similarities can be apply to the issue of gestures when comes to public speaking gestures rules influenced by cultural background. For example, like the text book explains. When engaged in conversation, Arabs, Latin Americans, and Southern Europeans tend to look directly at the person with whom they are talking.

http://www.theeagle.com

Article/Work Grapevine

2006-04-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Heard it through the work grapevine?

The article from CarerBuilder.com states that in work-places throughout the country, coworkers are active circulating rumors. According to the article a recent survey shows that these casual co-workers chats are important sources for the more recent workplace information. In addition, the article explained that unfortunately for companies that don't have a solid internal communication program, the grapevine may become the official communication channel for the empoyee's soruce of information. Consequently, this source of information creates low moral and resentment among employees. The article gives five tips from a former head of communications at a major corporation:
1. Consider the source
2. Don't be the messenger
3. Look for signs
4. Get the facts
5. Read the writing on the wall

This article can relate with the class by pointing out that public speaking and evry day conversations have an influential effect on people. It is important to realize that the information passed along the grapevine is not always reliable.

Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/Careers/02/03/cb.gossip.tips

Participation/Small Group

2006-04-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

On tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 8:45 a.m. At the Kearney Learning Center, GED class room, I attended a work-team meeting. The specific purpose was to discuses an individual need to be a volunteer in our program. We discussed the individual education, experience, and the cons and pros of having him as a volunteer in the program. There was a designated leader in this case my immediate supervisor. She led the meeting and answer questions. The rest of the group members included a coworker, and me. The group meeting assumed responsibilities by committing ourselves to the goal of the group to provide the best learning environment for the students. We avoided interpersonal conflicts. I did encourage full participation, and kept the discussion on track. The group's solutions were adopted, and the consensus was reached. Then we concluded the meeting and start business as usually.

Experience/Informative Speech # 1

2006-04-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

I called the Kearney learning center, on March 10, 2006 to set up an appointment for the recording of the speech. The video camera was ready, and as soon as I saw the camera I forgot everyting about the speech. The first informative speech was a challenging experience to me, just to choose the topic was a hard thing to do. Reading the chapter fourteen speaking to inform help me a lot. Specially the following text book guidelines for informative speaking: Don't overestimate what the audience knows, relate the subject directly to the audience, don;t be too technical, avoid abstractions, and personalize your ideas. In addition the outline and work cited was another factor that took a lot of planning and research. The presentation of the speech was a good experience, and eye opening by seeing and hearing my self in front of the video camera. In conclusion, I think that I am getting more confident in front of the camera.

Unit2/Sunbathing on the lake

2006-04-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

It is that time of the semester to get back again. This Sunday morning, it was a sunny and hot day. I could feel the heavy humidity in the environment. I thought that it was the perfect inviting day to go sunbathing on the lake. So, I took a pair of shorts and a big towel, to get ready for a good time on Rockford Lake. Two hours later, I was laying down taking in the suns rays. I felt the soft and cheerful breeze and it made me relax and think about wonderful things to be grateful for in life. Then for a while, I chose to take a walk in the soft and warm sand all around the lake. I saw alot of people enjoying themselves. Some of them were playing volleyball, others listening to their music. Yet, for me, the lake looked clear blue, and the water was peaceful and relaxing. Then I hear a loud noise, and I woke up.

Hector

Unit one last blog

2006-03-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

The bad news today was that I did get up late this morning. I went to work for a few hours. Anyway later I went to set-up an interview for an assignment in another class; I did finish the interview successfully, which allowed me to finish writing my paper with the results of the interview. Later, I did realize that I have more writing to do. The good news is that today I will make the last Web log entry for the first speech course unit, and I am improving my writing skills working in this class. Meanwhile, I will start preparing for the next unit informative speech. First, I need to think about a topic that I can use for it. Then I will do some research and take notes to have it ready for next week.

Module/6 Speaking Event/Critiques

2006-03-14T12:21:00.000-08:00

On Thursday March 9, I attended a public lecture on "Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile" at the Nebraskan Copeland Hall, Room 142, from 3:00 pm. to 4:00. The speaker, Mr. Joseph Pearce is the biographer of several Christian writers. He began by introducing the subject of his speech, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, a Russian intellectual and Nobel Prize winner in literature. Mr. Pearce made use of internal preview to discuss important developments of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn life. Solzhenitsyn was born on December 12, 1918; Solzhenisyn was arrested for critizing Joseph Stalin in a private correspondence with a friend and sentence to a labor camp. According to Pearce this was a turning point for Solzhenitsyn; he abandoned Marxism and changed philosophical and religious positions. In addition, Pearce used proper word transitions to explain some of his own personal experiences in approaching Mr. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn for his biography. Furthermore, Pearce use one main point to express his personal opinion about what he feels is Solzhenitsyn's lack of proper recognition as a hero of the 20 century. I think the speech was organized in a topical order starting with an objective approach to Solzhenitsyn's life in the introduction followed by the subjected approach as the body of the speech. Pearce concluded by expressing his personal feeling for accomplishing Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's biography.

Module 4/Speaking event

2006-03-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

In tuesday, February 28, I attended a black history commemorative speech at the Nebraskan Student Union, Ponderosa room from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The speaker, Mr. Leon Williams based his topic on differrent sources for example, Dr. Luther King's speech and other non violent philosophy, and personal experiences. General purpose: to promote social consciousness by making references to several actual social problems like poverty, and social inequality. The specific purpose: according to Williams is to promote diversity through his impersonation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Audience analysis: I think the speaker has a previous great experience in analyzing the audience. In this particular situation the audience was a demographically diverse, for example, I saw people of different ages, races, and cultural backgrounds. I think the speaker did work hard, and use these factors responsible. Situational audience analysis: the size of the audience was around 250 people. In reference to the physical setting, it was a clear example of a factor beyond the speaker's control it was a hot day and the room was hot, but the speaker adapted to this situation just fine, and made the best of it by keeping his speech interesting and lively. What I might have done differently would have been to hand hard copies with information about the speaker's background, and documentaiton of sources of the speech.

Online Research Exploration

2006-02-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

I started the online exploration assignment with the Nebraska Access site. I took the recommended short tour, and watched the 10 slides tutorial. Then I did have to enter personal information to be able to log on. I did search for terms related to potential speech subjects, for example, auto-mechanics, computers, and depression. I did not have much luck finding information on this site. I feel this site is a little unfriendly. Next, using the same terms I searched Google advance searches and I did have better luck finding several topics on potential speech subjects. I think this site was very friendly, easier to use, and I did have results in five seconds. Finally, Google news feature did not have any recent news stories that I could use for research on my potential topics. In conclusion, I think that the online research give me an inside of what could be the final topics that I could use in my speeches, and the information available online.

Self-Inventory

2006-02-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

I think the self-inventory assignment has helped me to reflect on some topics that will influence me to select a speech topic for this class. For example, I could choice topics from my own experience, or topics from magazines I read like psychology, auto-mechanic, or health. I could use these topics in my persuasive speech, or I can use specific issues I care about such as under-age drinking, economy and school that affect the community for my informative speech. Here are some examples of what I put on my self-inventory:
Places I travel:
Miami/ South beach, California/DisneyWorld, South Dakota/MountRushmore, Chicago, Sears Tower. Mexico/D.F., Veracruz, Chiapas.
Thing I value:
I value my family, health, loyalty, freedom.
Dream Jobs:
I would like to be a successful entrepreneur, or a teacher.
Issues I care about:
I care about medical insurance, the economy etc..
People, authors, characters that interest me:
John F. Kennedy, Miguel Angel Asturias, Martin Luther King.
Sports I like:
Boxing, running, soccer.
Jobs I held:
I have had many job before, dishwasher, cook, auto-mechanic, interpreter, construction, teacher assistant.
Volunteer jobs:
Red Cross
My type of giving:
I give understanding, support, and friendship.
Classes I like:
Social Studies, and computer.
Magazines I read:
PC magazine, Men's Health, Psychology Today.
News paper I read:
Prensa Libre, and Kearney Hub.
Book I read:
The call of the wild by: Jack London, Treasure Island by: Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sounder by: William H. Armstrong.

Self-Introduction/Experience

2006-02-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

I learned in the self-introduction assignment that public speaking is a process that involves a lot of preparation. First, it took me some time to come up with the main idea to start developing my speech on self introduction. One thing that help me a lot to organize my speech, and give some ideas how it can be done was reading the chapter's three appendix "Giving Your First Speech" in the text book. For example, the advice on how to focus on one or two major events, and be creative in developing it. In addition, the suggestion in making the presentation mysterious or suspenseful was a good start. Second, organizing the speech was easier keeping in mind the three main parts; the introduction, the body, and a conclusion. Meanwhile, what I did experience during the rehearsing of the speech while using the presentation aids was a challange synchronizing the PowerPoint slides and my speech. Today I feel more sympathy for a public speaker now that I have experienced how much preparation is involved on the process of delivering a speech.

Cyberspace

2006-02-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

I can relate to with the information of the penguin handbook, "A day in the life of a college educated professional." The writing demands and research are huge, and the productivity software in demand on a daily basis in this digital era. The use of portable computers is not a luxury, but a necessity. For the bad, the good, and ugly, the bad news is a Windows feature that automatically searches for wi-fi connections can be exploited by hackers, a security researcher has warned. The feature is a part of Windows XP and 2000. According to Mark Loveless a vulnerability researcher; hackers can take advantage of the feature to include a user's PC in a peer-to-peer network, giving them access to information on its hard drive. When a PC runnig Windows XP or Windows 2000 boots up; it will automatically try to connect to a wireless network. If the computer can't set up a wireless connection, it will establish an ad hoc connection to a local address. This is assigned with an IP address and Windows associates this address with the SSID of the last wireless network it connected to. The machine will then broadcast this SSID, looking to connect with other computers in the immediate area. The ugly news arises if an attacker listens for computers that aare broadcasting in this way, and creates a network connection of their own with that same SSID. This would allow the two machines to assoociate gogether, potentially giving the attacker access to files on the victim's PC. The good news is that security experts said it should not be a problem for those using firewalls, and users running Windows XP Service Pack 2. Therefore, guys, avoid being cyberspace kidnapped and up-ddate your systems.
http://software.silicon.com/security/0,39024888,391555661,00.htm

Speaking Event/Teaching Critical Thinking Online

2006-02-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

I was getting desperate for a community speaking event to attend, and start working on my speech class assignment. I attend one in the University of Nebraska in Kearney's student Union-Cedar Room. The speech was about teaching critical thinking through online discussion and other online teaching tools. For example, how the use of thread discussions as online teaching tool, helps students and instructors interact and engage in critical thinking. In addition, a comparison between traditional class room critical thinking teaching tools versus online critical thinking teaching tools was discussed. It was very interesting and technical, but what made it easier for me to follow the speaker's message was the fact that I have taken online courses during my school years. Another factor that made the speech message clearer and easier to grasp was the speaker's channel and use of visual aids. Although I don't have too much experience with these type of community speaking event, the speaker seems to be very familiar with the subject, and well prepare with every element of the speech communication process. From the physical setting to body language, everything was just right.

Hector

First time user

2006-01-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hi, everybody, my name is Hector, and I'm enrolled in Speech 111. I was born in a small country in Central America. I like to work on automoviles, jogging and music. I just been experimenting with my first Weblog. I think this experience will be fun! I decided to add some comments to my orginal Weblog entry, and try to edit it again and see how it works.