Last Week Question #3

What are you going to take from this class that you think will be helpful in future endeavors?

I learned many things from taking this class. At the end of my college education I hope to become a nurse. In this job field I know that I will have to give some presentations and that is when this class comes in handy. It prepared me for when I have to speak in front of large groups of people. It also helped me so that if I have to be timed I can stay within my time limit. Overall I learned much from this class. I believe that as I get older and take more classes and eventually get a job that everything I was taught will come in handy.

Last week Question #2

Which speech was your favorite and why?

My favorite speech was the demonstrative speech. I liked this speech the most because it allowed me to show the class something that I liked to do. It allowed the class to see a different side of me and to see the things that I like to do on my free time. All of the demonstrative speeches were very interesting and the most fun to watch. I learned a lot from these speeches. I learned many different hobbies that I never knew even existed and that was very interesting to me. Overall it was fun to research my topic because I did it on karate which was something that I had participated in for years. This speech was probably the most easiest to do also because I already knew so much about the topic that is why the demonstrative speech was my favorite.

Last Week Question #1

What concept or concepts from the class that you thought was the most helpful in preparing your speeches?

I thought all of the concepts from the class were very helpful. All of the speaking techniques were great. I applied everything that I learned towards each speech that I did and I gained much knowledge. Every concept when it came to time management and organization skills were very helpful. I learned much from every concept that we were taught. From each concept I believe that my speeches developed very well. I believe that I started out as a mediocre presenter and by the end of the class I became an average presenter. Before I could not stand up in front of people but now it is much easier for me to get up in front of people. Every concept was very interesting and each had a purpose to it. They all were very useful and helped my overall presentations.

Self Evaluation #3

My last speech I think went very well. While I knew it was my last speech I was relieved and nervous at the same time. I was relieved because I knew this was the last one but I was nervous because I knew I had to apply everything that I had learned into this speech and that this was going to prove how well I did in the class. The purpose of my speech was to persuade the class to want to lower the drinking age to eighteen. I believe I accomplished this very well. Many people felt that it should not be lowered but once I gave reasons why, some people changed their mind because I caused them to see a side they had never considered before. Before I went up to do my speech I was nervous but not as nervous as I have been in the past. The last two speeches that I did I was really scared. This time around I was not that scared. I think I started to get a little comfortable with my class. When I got up to the front of the class all the butterflies that I had went completely away. I was very confident because I was more prepared than I have been with any other speech I have done. I knew what I was talking about and that gave me a lot of confidence. If I had to make any changes I would only make a few like I would have gone over my speech more times so that when I went in the front of the class I would not have needed my note cards at all. I think that my delivery could have been a little stronger too. I wish I would have looked at the audience longer than I did. There were some things that were different from my last speech that were both good and bad. I improved a lot in this speech however; I believe I looked more at the audience this time then in any of my other speeches. Also I was more prepared this time than I have been in my previous speeches. The bad thing is that I used more note cards this time than I have before. I think I could have used less note cards in this speech. I don’t think I did anything distracting in this speech. Overall I improved majorly in this speech. On a scale of one to ten I would rate my eye contact an eight. I would give myself an overall grade of an A-. I believe that I improved very much since my last speeches and that my overall presentation was very persuasive. It was far better than any other speech that I have done because I took all of the information that I have learned and incorporated it into the preparation of my speech. I mentioned four sources in my speech. The persuasive speech was by far my best speech. I really think I improved as the class progressed. I learned a lot and this class really taught me much. I think that this class was helpful and because of it I will be a better presenter.

Week of Nov 16-22 Question #3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

I think that the whole chapter was very interesting but the part I thought was most useful was the part about reasoning. I think that this section of the book was most helpful because it has a lot to do with what we are about to do. Reasoning played a big part in the videos we had to watch this week. Both speakers had to use reasoning to say whether home schooling was good or bad. If not then they’re argument would not have been believable. Our next speech is a persuasive one so reasoning will be needed in order to persuade the class on a specific topic. I will use a lot of reasoning to persuade the class on why they should all be or lowering the drinking age to eighteen. By giving reasoning, you help your speech to become more credible. In order to persuade someone they have to have reasons as to why they should or should not do what you are trying to persuade them to do. The book gave different types of reasoning and showed the strengths and weaknesses of both which was very helpful. Overall the chapter was very helpful and I will take what I learned and apply it to my next speech.

Week of Nov 16-22 Question #1

Speech Buddy: Review the following Interactive Videos 15.1, “Schooling: Pro” and “Schooling: Con” on the Interactive Video Website. Respond to the ideas in the videos. What did you learn that could be helpful in your speech? What types of appeals were used? How did the speaker connect with the audience?

Both of these videos were very helpful. Both Dixie and Robert stated points that were very persuasive and helpful for the pros and cons of home schooling. They stayed that home schooling is good because it allows students to get one on one attention. It also builds a strong relationship with the parent. The cons of this are that the student is not able to build on their communication skills because they are isolated from other kids their age. Also they are at home so they could get easily distracted because of the relaxed environment. Both presenters had good intros and much concrete details. They also supported their argument with facts and reliable sources. I learned much from watching these videos. In my next speech, I am going to persuade the audience by making sure I have main points and sources that support my ideas. Also I will make sure my conclusion is very strong and persuasive so that I can end my speech with a bang. These videos were very informational; both speakers did a great job. However I liked Robert’s presentation a little more than Dixie’s. His argument to me was more believing than hers but hers was good as well.

Week of Nov 16-22 Question #2

Reflect on a recent discussion you’ve had in which you tried to persuade others to accept your point of view. What type or types of reasoning did you use? How well did your reasoning work?

The most recent discussion I have had where I tried to persuade someone to accept my point of view was actually last night. I went to Gordon and Biersch last night with a group of my friends. One of my friends that was there decided to bring her boyfriend with her. I have nothing against her boyfriend at all, but last night while we were at the restaurant my friend went into the bathroom and started crying. She said that he was cheating on her and texting the girl that he was cheating with while he was sitting at the table with us right next to her. My friend ended up going back to the table as if nothing had ever happened. When it was time to pay the bill, she bought her food and his. I was so shocked and angry at her for letting him mistreat her the way he did. So after we left the restaurant, I had a talk with her alone. I wanted her to see my point of view. I felt that he did not deserve her and that she could do so much better, I tried to get her to see, that you have to respect yourself if you want your boyfriend to respect you. I told her to look at it from my perspective. If she was me and I was her, would she tell me the same thing? I told her that the only reason he does this to you is because you let him. I tried to get her to see where I was coming from, and I listed all those reasons as to why she should take my advice and break up with him. In the end, after all that talking I did, she ended up staying with him. I guess my reasoning wasn’t strong enough.

Week Nov 9-15 Question #1

Update the class on your speech progress. What are you researching? What are your main points? How do you plan on beginning and ending your speech? How are you going to persuade your audience towards your point of view (hint: use the assigned reading to help you answer this part of the question).

For my last speech I am researching, why the drinking age should be lowered to eighteen. My main points are that at the age of eighteen you can be drafted into the war, you also can vote and make a major impact in the world and you are able to live on your own, basically become independent. I plan on starting my speech by asking the class a couple of questions or if possible, I have been looking for a video that I can show the class that will help get my point across. I will end my speech by telling the class why they should want the drinking age to be lowered. I am going to persuade the class towards my point of view by having strong concrete details on my topic. I plan to support and back up everything that I say with references. Telling them where I got my information from will make it more credible. I will also persuade them by giving personal examples from my own life. Proving that what I am saying is realistic and valid. I will have a slideshow also that will have valuable pictures and documents on it to prove my point even more.

Nov 2- Nov 8 Question #2

Read the discussion on Flickr regarding sexist language. How do you respond to their comments in light of what your textbook says?

The reading ‘Flickr’ was very interesting. I think that it was doing a little too much. I don’t think it’s that serious. People say things but the only reason people get offended is because of the way they take it in. Some people should watch the way they say certain things as to not offend others but the words should not be banned. This related to the reading because in the book it talked about the way words are perceived, like the denotation and connotation of words. There are so many words that they can be used in different ways. The book also tells us to stay away from sexiest words. I don’t think when people use certain words they are meaning to degrade anyone, for example saying ‘girl’ to a woman, was probably not meant to offend her. I think people should stop being so sensitive and making things more than they really are. When giving a speech however try to avoid sexiest words just to make sure that no one in your audience gets offended.

Nov 2- Nov 8 Question #3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.I would have to say chapter 10 was the most useful and interesting. It talked about the meaning of words and the way they can be perceived. Language is very important. We use it everyday. The denotation of a word can be completely different the connotation of it. The denotation is the dictionary definition of the word, and the connotation of the word is the feeling of the word. This is useful because we all need to know about this because it can help us in our everyday life. Also chapter 10 discusses how memorized speeches are not good. When giving your speech the audience wants to feel like you are having a conversation with them and not just giving them information. The audience listens more and gets more involved when the speech just flows and doesn’t seem like it was memorized. I plan to use this in my next speech. Instead of trying to memorize it I am going to try to have my information just flow. I am also going to try to not look at my note cards too much because this is also a bad thing. Overall chapter 10 was very helpful and pointed out some major points that can benefit me in my next speech.

Week of Nov 2- Nov 8 Speech Buddy Videos

Speech Buddy: review the following Interactive Videos, 10.1, 10.2, 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3 on the Interactive Video Website. Respond to the ideas presented in the videos. What did you learn that could be helpful in your next speech?

All videos were very helpful and interesting. The vocal delivery was one of the main points touched on. This is very important when giving a speech. If your tone of voice is to low then your speech will be boring and you will lose your audiences attention. You have to keep the tone of your voice exciting but not too loud or pitchy because then it will be annoying and distracting from what you are really trying to say. They also talked about your audience. The way you present your speech should pertain to your audience. You want them to be able to relate to you. Each of the five audience centered language components all have a different meanings behind them. The five components consists of referring to current events, using pronouns, using inclusive language, spark imagination and using humor. In my next speech I plan to refer to current events, use pronouns and try to use humor, although it might not be funny. :) Overall all of these videos were very helpful and I plan to use something that I learned from each video in my last speech. The last speech should hopefully be everyone’s best speech and in order to do that we have to apply everything we have learned.

Video Response

Speech Buddy: Review the following Interactive Videos, 11.1 and 11.2 on the Interactive Video Website. Respond to the ideas in the videos. What did you learn that could be helpful in your next speech?



After watching both of these videos I found them both to be very helpful. 11.1 really gave some great tips and pointers on how to use a powerpoint presentation during your speech. I believe that powerpoints are very effective when it comes to trying to get your point across to someone. It showed how you could change the background of your powerpoint and also put many different effects on it. An important point it made was not putting too much animation in your powerpoint because it could take too much attention away from the iformation you are tying to get across. Overall though powerpoints are very efective and could add so much to any presentation. The 11.2 video was also helpful. It showed various people giving speeches. This was very effective because you actually got to see the people while they were giving their speeches. They were giving excrellent speeches and really showed how you are supposed to do it. These two videos helped tremendously. They will both be very helpful for my next speech. Especially becasue I plan on using a powerpoint for my next speech.

Question #1 Week Oct. 12-18th

What components, according to your book go into your Introduction and Conclusion? How are you going to use these ideas in your Informative Speech?

According to the book the components that go into the introduction are an attention getter, a thesis and purpose, a reference to the speakers’ credibility and a preview of the main points. In the conclusion you re-state the introduction, review your main points, reinforce your purpose and provide closure. I plan to incorporate these into my speech in various ways. I plan to have a very attention getter when I start my speech off. I think I am going to star off showing many images from models that we see on TV everyday, and then ask the class what do they think when they see this. Then I am going to state all of the points I am going to address during my speech and give my thesis. Then in my conclusion I am going to re-state my thesis. Say my main points that I covered again to make sure the audience is following what I am saying and then I will provide closure to my speech.

Question #1 Week Oct. 5-11

When do you find facts and statistics are most effective in a speech? When are facts and statistics not as effective?

I find facts and statistics to be most effective in either a persuasive or informative speech. Usually when you are trying to persuade someone to do something, facts and statistics supporting your argument help you. Also when you are informing them on a certain topic, a statistic or fact could give them a little more information. Statistics give strength to any argument causing your points to be more credible. Statistics and facts can be very helpful when trying to persuade someone because they need a reason to be persuaded. The only downfall of using statistics and facts to much is the fact that after a while you can begin to sound like a robot with o feeling. When persuading someone to do something not only do they want to hear what you have to say but they also want to feel your heart in it. Statistics and facts seem so military and people need to see a little emotion and they also need to hear your personal opinion because statistics are just facts.

Self Evaluation Assignment #1

After watching my video of my speech on Friday I noticed a couple of things I could improve on. A major factor into why my speech was rushed towards the end is because I could not see the time cards in the back of the classroom. Unfortunately I had left my glasses at home, so I could not see how much time I had left. When one of the time cards went up, I thought it was telling me I had reached five minutes which is why I rushed my speech at the end. The card really said three minutes. After my speech was over I was so sad because I really could not see the time and my grade was affected because of this. I think overall I achieved the purpose of my speech. Everyone knew I was talking about karate. I gave the history and explained why people use it. I was not that confident while giving my speech only because I knew that I could not see the time in the back of the classroom. If I had to do it over again I would definitely bring my glasses so that I can see the time cards next time and I would also slow down when I am speaking. I believed I prepared very well for my speech and I practiced enough. A goal that I have to improve the content in my next speech is to elaborate on more main points in my speech. Instead of giving many points choose a few and just expand on them. An improvement for the delivery would be to slow down when I am talking. I have always talked fast throughout my whole life to the point where now it’s just a habit. I don’t even notice when I am talking fast anymore. After watching the video the first thing I noticed was my eye contact. I had very good eye contact. I tried to make a connection with everyone in the classroom. I don't think I did anything distracting during my presentation. On a scale from one to ten I would rate my eye contact a nine. I mentioned three source citations during my speech. On a scale from A to F I would give myself a b- because I knew my information, I made good eye contact, I had a loud clear voice, and the only mistake I made was I talked a little too fast and didn't show a lot of my demonstration but again this was because I could not see the time in the back of the room. Next time I will make sure to bring my glasses or a timer for myself so that I can see. Overall I believe that my presentation was very well. I think everyone did well, for it to be our first time. I am just going to take everything that I observed and perfect it for the next time I do my speech. I applaud everyone for their speech and wish you all the best of luck on the next one. It was nice meeting all of you! :)

Week 4- #2

Discuss the importance of audience analysis and audience adaptation in the speech development process. Also, discuss how YOU plan on using audience analysis in your speech.

Audience analysis and audience adaptation in the speech development process is very important. Audience analysis is getting information about your audience and forming your speech around them. Audience adaptation is delivering your speech to a diverse crowd and narrowing down to that specific audience. It is very important to be able to relate to your crowd. In order to get positive feedback the audience must be able to understand what you are saying. If your topic or the way you give your speech has nothing to do with your audience then you will have many people dazing off, not paying attention to what you are saying. I plan to use this process in my speech by having a very good, attention getter opening statement. The opening statement, if interesting, will keep the audience hooked from the beginning. I know that my audience will be young adults, majority around my age, so I know how to talk and what I should do during my speech. This will be easy, because I know what would interest me, so I can tell how to captivate my audience’s attention. This is very vital when giving speeches. You must know who your audience will consist of before you give your speech so that you will have a very successful presentation.

Week 4- #1

Speech Buddy: Review Drinking and Light Pollution videos on the Interactive Video website in accordance with Chapter 5. Respond to each video. What did the speaker do well? What can you learn from watching these videos?

Hello class! After watching Courtney Stillman's video I noticed a lot of mistaks. First off, her introduction was very bland and unexciting. She sounded like she didn't even want to talk about what she was going to talk about. And in order to get your audience excited about your topic you have tobe first excited. On the other hand she did do a very good job with her thesis. She let the class know exactly what information she was going to give them, which was very good. She had a clear idea and plan on the direction her speech was going to go.

Matthew Naso started off his speech with a very good introduction. It was captivating and left you wanting to hear more. The introduction is one of the most important parts of a speech. It paves the way for the rest of your speech. However Matthew did well with his introduction, the rest of his speech was sort of dull. He becme kind of boring. Talking at a very monotone voice. Both speakers did very well, however both needed to improve in different areas. I think watching these videos is very good for us because it shows us what not to do. It also shows us some good things to do. These are very good videos and are very helpful.

Week 3- #3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

In chapter 6 I thought that the section "Organize Your Interview Guide" was very useful. When going into a interview it is vital that you are prepared. If you are interviewing someone, it is repectful and considerate to have everything together because they are taking out time to answer your questions for you, which is something they are not obligated to do. When you go into a interview, you should already have all of your questions typed out and ready to go. Also you should have typed up how the interview process is going to go. Which questions are you going to ask first and what is going to take place in a step by step way should be prepared before you even meet up with the person you are going to interview. When you meet up with the person you are giving the interview to you should give them a brief synopsis of what is going to take place during th interview so that they have an idea on what is going to happen. Being organized is always a good thing. It helps you to not be so nervous and allows for things to run smoother. I think this section of the reading was the most useful because I have found it to be true.

Week 3- #1

What experience do you have with conducting research interviews? What went well? What needed improvement? Share your advice with your class members.

I have only had to do a research interview one time and that was in high school. I loved doing the research interview because it made me feel like a detective. The assignment was pretty easy to me. I just had to gather a lot of information together and write out all the questions that I needed to know. Once I gathered my information and wrote them down, I presented them to the person I was interviewing. Everything went well for me. I think the reason I had such success was because I had all my questions already written out and ready to go. It was a very smooth process. I am not sure what needed to be improved because everything went well for me. In the end I received an 'A', so I was happy. Research interviews are fun but they can be kind of hard if the person you need to interview is not easy to get in touch with.

Note to Instructor: This blog was originally posted on September 9, 2008 at 1:46 pm. Click here to see original blog http://mickey6.blogspot.com/

Week 3 #2

Update the class on your speech preparation progress. What topic have you chosen? What have you been researching? What are you main points in your speech? What do you plan on using for your visual aid?

The topic I have chosen is Karate. I have been researching the history of karate. The many reasons people take karate and the different types of karate that can be taken.

The main points in my speech are
The history
Explain the belt rankings in order
Explain why karate is used
Explain the many different lessons karate teaches physically and emotionally.
How it can help you be successful in every aspect of your life.
Then demonstrate a few things that I learned while taking karate.

For my visual aids I plan to demonstrate some karate moves for the class and also bring in some of my karate belts that I had attained.

Question #3

I found the information in the text to be very useful and interesting. Especially the section on Speech Anxiety. I have many anxiety problems when it comes to speaking in front of a large audience. So this section was helpful. Also the section about having a positive attitude was food. I think that is the best advice that anyone can give someone who is about to speak in front of an audience. When you think positively everything else will fall into place. Having a positive attitude makes you think positive and along with a positive attitude comes a great performance. Even if you mess up just because you had a great attitude it won't be that bad. the information in the text was very helpful.

Response to videos 2.1/2.2

Hello Class! After watching videos 2.1 and 2.2 I found them to be very useful. The breathing tips were extremely helpful because I find that a lot of times I have trouble with keeping my breath. I get so nervous sometimes I forget how to breath lol. These were great tips for people who suffer from anxiety attacks. In the second video Janine gave some great advice also. I always feel comfortable when I give a speech on a topic that I am familiar with because you actually know what you are talkin about. That is some advice that Janine gave, which I have found to be true. I also learned that finding your weaknesses and working on them is one of the best ways to becoming a great public speaker. Practice is the key. When at home you should practice your speech a couple of times in front of an audience so that you can become more comfortable with your speech and also with being in front of an audience. Overall the videos were very helpful. I learned a lot and plan on applying the knowledge toward my future speeches.

Question #1

What makes you apprehensive about public speaking?... What makes me apprehensive about public speaking is the fact that I have to stand up in front of everybody and speak. I get a little nervous kowing that people are staring at me and i don't know what they are thinking. I automatically assume that everyone is thinking negatively about me and I get nervous. I also get scared because I think that I am going to mess up and everyone is going to laugh at me. I do not like being the center of attention and when giving speeches all eyes are on you. Those are the main things that make me apprehensive about public speaking.

Hey Class!

Hey everybody! My name is Mickey and I am taking this online Comm 20 class because I thought it would be cool. This is my second year at sjsu, and I love it. My major is undeclared at the moment but it is going to be nursing very soon. I love to hang out with my girls and kick it. My friends mean the world to me and we do everything together. I really don't like public speaking but I am hoping this class will help relieve me of that fear. I have had many moments were I had to do public speaking, however I still don't like it. I am very excited to share this semester with everyone and can't wait to see what is instored for us all.

Welcome Blog

Hello, my blog alias is Mickey. I am excited to get going in Comm 20 online.