Blog Post #2
For post #2, you have two options of prompts to choose from.
Option 1. Post an image (photographic or otherwise) that conveys a speech situation you have encountered in which you think a speaker has a powerful and positive impact on an audience or individual listener. What is the nature of the speaker’s impact? How does the speaker achieve this impact? What does this image demonstrate about the nature of the relationship between audience and speaker?
Option 2. Describe a situation you have experienced or witnessed recently in which a failure of communication, or poorly developed communication skills, caused a problem. Can you identify what went wrong? What can you learn from this incident about a particular skill or communication strategy?
Blog Post #1
Blog posts should be between 250 and 400 words (longer isn’t always better!). Please give your post a title other than “blog post #1” and make sure your name is visible.
Reflect on your own skills and habits as a public communicator, by describing a made-up cartoon character that embodies these characteristics (if you wish, in an exaggerated way). Give your character a name. Use the following prompts to guide your writing:
- What are your experiences with public speaking (for example, giving class presentations or presenting something at work) generally like? Have you ever enjoyed them?
- What kind of participant do you tend to be in class?
- How would you describe your general speech communication skills in professional and personal situations? What kinds of habits and characteristics do you demonstrate in getting your ideas across?
- In terms of oral communication, when are you at your best? Your worst?
Casey Tam
Communications 1010 BMWA 9:30 A.M.-10:45 A.M.
The Inner Me
I believe that I resemble Raven from a show called Teen Titans on Cartoon Network. I guess I could say I lurk in the shadows and only speak to people when I have to. I don’t communicate often but when I do, it has to be with the people who I’m close with. Raven is quiet and sarcastic but when she needs to say something she will.
Public speaking has never really been successful for me because I’m not good at it. I get nervous by just walking up in front of the class because all eyes are on me. I’m just afraid of what people will think of me. For instance, what they’ll say about my presentation, if I didn’t do well, or if I say something wrong. It puts me on a lot of pressure when I’m put on the spot. I practice everything I say the night before and before my presentation but when I’m in front of the class I blank out. Sometimes, I don’t even know where to start.
In class, I tend to be the quiet participant in class. I like listening to others when they have something to say rather than hear myself speak. I feel that other people’s answers or opinions are better than mine all the time.
When presenting a general speech in professional situations, it’s the real thing. For instance, an interview for the job you apply for is really important when you make a speech. In a personal situation, it would be a little easier I would say because you probably know the person. You would not present the same way in a job interview compared to a class presentation. Some habits I do to demonstrate in getting my ideas across are some hand motions, staring at the floor, stare at the PowerPoint, and not presenting in a considerate volume.
Personally, in terms of oral communication I would say that I’m my best when I’m with a group of people presenting a project. I would be less nervous because people in class will be looking at other people rather just me. It’s a team effort. I’m at my worst when I’m standing by myself in front of the classroom. I get really anxious and when I speak I know that I’ll mess up or stutter.
Louise used her words as a trap. Her possesion of knowledge and confidence were her biggest weapon when it came to convincing big coorporation to use her company for promotion. She attended Yale University and graduated with double major in Marketing and Public Affairs; from there her life was just a ladder going upwards. Her outstanding resumé, the way she presented herself, and how articulate she was took her very far.
Louise had her first business proposal at the age of 25, shortly after receiving her Ph.D. Standing in front of 25 JP Morgan businessmen, she was more comfortable than ever presenting to them her techniques, tactics, and approach to promote the future o the company and it’s branches. In class she would always be that student that had her hand up and no matter what she wanted to participate. Louise was also the kind of girl to always say what she feels and to never stand up for something she believed to be wrong, unfair or unethical.
Although she has a very strong character, Louise is not a perfect speaker. Often she finds herself playing with her fingers and saying ummms and ahhhhs when she looses he track of her thoughts. Its not easy for someone to prepare themselves for a public speaking presentation. Depending on what kind it is; there are many previous way sof preparation and research that must go into it. Louise it s at her best when she present s about a topic she storngly aggrees with and has done extensive research about the topic. When she is unprepared she feels like that is the start to a negative outcome, but still remains with a positive attitude. The art of public speaking is something Louise possesses, but has not yet mastered. There is always room for error, but also for exelence.