Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Let the presentations begin!

We begin our persuasive presentations on Thursday, so be ready. I'll take volunteers but will call names at random if no one steps forward.

Also, make sure you have your reflection papers when you come to class. Watch the first two speeches you gave to the class. After you watch them, write up a one page analysis answering the following questions: 1)What did you learn about your speech giving process by watching these two videos? 2) Which speech do you think was more successful and why? 3) The class commented on your speech; which comments stand out to you and why? 4) What aspect of your speeches do you think could use improvement? 5) What will you do on your next speech that will address that improvement? 

Practice your presentation. Inspire your audience. Get your project chosen and save your part of the world.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Bring in some cool visuals

I enjoyed our discussion today and hope you will be thinking about creative ways to make your speech stand out from others. You all have great projects to propose. I'm excited to see what you can accomplish. 

As we found out in class today, there are so many distractions in our day to day life, it's tough to cut through the noise to make your message heard. Remember to make your message memorable, unique, and eye catching.

For Tuesday's class, bring a solid working copy of the visuals you will use as part of your presentation. You may also want to bring possible group projects to the discussion to see how your tribe reacts. Their feedback is useful as you prepare your persuasive speech.

I also want you to read "appendix A" (starts on page 434) in the book. This section talks about group communication, and I think it will be helpful in the near future.

Have a great weekend!

Powell Building Communication

Two tribes from the 12:30 public speaking course braved frigid conditions and, in 15 minutes, found the following communication occurring at the Powell Building. Feel free to add to this list of 59 types of communication.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Outlines Due -- Think Visually

I hope you were able to get some good feedback from your tribe today as we discussed our outlines because our final drafts are due Thursday.

Finishing this outline will allow you to focus on the actual presentation of your persuasive speech, and I'd like you to begin thinking about your visuals. How are you going to inspire us to take on your project?

For Thursday's class, bring your final outline and some sketches/printouts/laptop-with-files/or some form of draft to discuss your visuals with the your tribe.

I'd also like you to watch this short video from Stefan Sagmeister and consider his approach to generating interest in his projects.



See you Thursday.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Researching your Speeches

It was nice hearing some of your topics in class today. I think we'll have some great persuasive speeches and projects to vote on.

Remember, there is no class on Thursday, but by 5 p.m. you need to email me five different sources that you hope to use in your presentation. Sources may include a visit to an office or an interview or the completion of a task that you need to accomplish to have all your ducks in a row for the presentation. Let me know how you used the class period.

Also remember, tribes that get more than one of their speeches selected as projects will get extra points. In other words, if two or more of your tribe members get their project selected, the entire tribe will be rewarded, so help your fellow tribe members! 

Here are a few projects to keep in mind:
  • For Tuesday, read Chapter 14 and bring in a rough draft of your outline
  • Final drafts of your Persuasive Outlines are due March 24 
  • Persuasive speeches will begin in March 31. Before speeches begin, I need you to watch the first two speeches you gave to the class. After you watch them, write up a one page analysis answering the following questions: 1)What did you learn about your speech giving process by watching these two videos? 2) Which speech do you think was more successful and why? 3) The class commented on your speech; which comments stand out to you and why? 4) What aspect of your speeches do you think could use improvement? 5) What will you do on your next speech that will address that improvement? 
See you on Tuesday. 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Something to do before, after, or during Spring Break

I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Spring Break. As you are relaxing this week read chapter 17 in your textbook. This chapter talks about ways of incorporating ethos, logos, and pathos into your persuasive arguments. Compare the chapter to the video below; think about projects this speaker could propose to the class if she were part of your tribe.

While on your break, think about your topic for the next presentation. (Scroll down on my blog entries if you missed the details on this assignment.) Type out answers to the following questions and bring your paper to class:
  1. What is your persuasive speech topic, and what project will you propose?
  2. What are key audience attitudes/beliefs/core values toward your topic?
  3. What is the central idea of your speech?
  4. What type of evidence do you need to persuade the class? 
  5. What can you do to motivate people to join your group?


Feel free to email me if you have any questions about your topic or this assignment.

See you after break!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

One last push before break

Before you finish packing for Spring Break, read chapter 16 in the textbook. This chapter discusses persuasion, the goal of our next speech. Consider what you would like to persuade your fellow classmates to accomplish in one class period. Bring some ideas to class.

As you read the chapter, apply it to the video below. If you can't view it below, watch the video on YouTube.

Remember to bring your thumb-drive/memory-stick to class!
 


Have a great and safe Wednesday!