Thursday, August 30, 2012

Shared Absurdity

Wow. We had a few technology hiccups today, but I know we can work through it. After class, Josh shared a handy tool for creating images from the computer screen (snipping tool on Windows computers). Check out the Facebook group to find out how to use it.

To prepare for Tuesday's class, read chapter 3. Focus on the "giving feedback" section. I'd also like you to watch this video (see below or here's a link). While it's connection to feedback is a stretch, I think it touches on the "listening" section of the chapter nicely. In any case, the shared absurdity in the video summarizes our classroom experience today pretty well.

I also would like you to continue working on your memes and Prezi. Our speeches will begin on Thursday, not Tuesday like we originally planned. 



Have a great holiday weekend!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Speaking Ethically

Today we discussed some strategies for overcoming speech anxiety. I also shared what "assignments" are like for public speaking gigs, and we even had time to work on our memes and start our Prezi Meetings. That's a lot to cover in one class period.

For Thursday's class, I'd like you to read Chapter 2. We'll talk about speaking ethically, and leave with a good working draft of our speeches--which begin on Tuesday!

Let me know if you have any questions. Post them on Facebook or email me.

Enjoy your Wednesday.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Read and Play

Today we worked through our first technical difficulty with quickmeme going so slow, but I hope you've begun to get a grasp on our first public speaking assignment. As we discussed in class, you'll be presenting as a group with each person giving a 2 to 3 minute speech introducing themselves and their meme. I would encourage you to think of a story that goes along with your meme. Personal examples tend to resonate well with American audiences.

All groups should have a theme. You could focus on a broad topic like food or parking, or you could focus on animal memes or memes with similar designs. For this assignment you will need to create an original meme and a group Prezi to present your memes to the class. Bring any questions you have to class, post them on our Facebook group or email them to me.

For Tuesday's class, I want you to read chapter 1 in our textbook. Focus on the section regarding reducing speech anxiety. If you do not have a book yet, let me know. I will let you read mine in the Noel Studio during my typical workday (8 to 5). I also want you to play with Prezi and QuickMeme so you feel more comfortable with them on class on Tuesday.

Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Find a Meme. Watch a video.

I enjoyed meeting you all today. For Thursday, watch this video from Ken Robinson (it's 20 minutes long so factor that time in)--see the embedded video below.

Also, I'd like you to look around this website: (http://www.quickmeme.com/). Think about the memes as they apply to your life at EKU. You can be funny, ironic, or serious. We'll work on creating memes in class, so don't get stressed. The goal for Thursday is to have some sense of what meme you like the best, so we can play with them.



Have a great Wednesday. 

Monday, August 20, 2012

Class Syllabus

Here's a copy of our class syllabus:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw5-cNqg7SUxQ0s1M3JBZEVxWk0

Let me know if you have any questions.

Make sure you add your email to the box in the top right of this blog. That way, you will be notified whenever I make a post (usually twice a week). 

You are also invited to join our class Facebook group (it's not required, but it's helpful):
http://www.facebook.com/groups/136921266451200/