Discussion Question 3

In the first speech buddy video Erin introduces sample digital slides and highlights design successes and failures. She begins by presenting the basic visual guidelines: Simple, Key ideas, show what you cant say, use close ups, Limit number of images, variety and coherence, and large lettering.  Erin states, “ When using digital slides or any digital media, your main goal is to show your audience what you cant say.” Next, she discusses the verity of tools available within software like, PowerPoint and Keynote, which a presenter can use. However, she dose caution to not over do with digital effect that might take away from the content being displayed.  It can be easy to overwhelm an audience with digital slide. For example, if the speaker includes too much information or present everything in his or her speech digitally, can cause confusion or disengagement from the speaker. These are some common pitfalls speakers fall victim to.

Discussion Question 2

2). The most recent public speaking even I attended was the Get Motivated seminar two years ago. This event consisted of a verity of famous and semi famous individuals that have had great success in their area of specialty. One that resided with me was a Financial Advisor (cant remember his name) that developed some software to help people invest with knowledge and confidence. In his presentation he presented a collection of PowerPoint slides emphasizing his points.  I felt his use of the media was very effective. His points correlated with the images he was presenting. Being a visual learner myself, I believe anytime you add the proper use of a visual aid it will enhance the presentation, as it did for the Financial Advisor. The only suggestion I would have made to the presenter would have been to simplify the media. Meaning, I found myself reading and studying the graphs and lost site of the speaker. Beside that, his use of the media was well developed and presented.

Discussion Question 1

1). In the age of digital media, high speed processing and a multitude of audio, video and photo editing software a speaker’s ethical responsibility is constantly tested. In my opinion, the decision for a speaker to alter a source is the result of lack of effort. Furthermore, I believe such act of dishonesty in a presentation will prove to be counterproductive when it comes to presenting the final product. As a speaker you can never be sure what your audience is savvy too. For example, you may be presenting altered facts about the crime rates in a particular city and be presenting it to the wife of a police detective that is well informed on the subject. This incidence will cause disengagement from the audience and he or she will be questioned on any other facts presented in the future.  A speaker’s ethical responsibility reach and affect not only the speaker but also his or her audience, "ethical communication enhances human worth and dignity by fostering truthfulness, fairness, responsibility, personal integrity, and respect for self and other" (Coopman 40). I think this statement sets some clear guidance for a speaker to follow.

Discussion Question 3

3). Pick one concept from the reading this week and discuss it in detail.

Developing your introduction: The introduction is the speakers attempt to gain the audiences attention, explain what he/she wants to accomplish, and establish himself or herself as an expert on the topic.  The first impression audience members establish can change the whole dynamic of a presentation.  “ You never get a second chance to make a first impression” (Coopman 173).  The influence of first impressions on later perceptions is known as the primary effect. This is due to the fact that audiences tend to recall what a speaker says at the beginning of his/her speech. Without capturing the attention of the audience within the first few sentences can make it exceptionally difficult in keeping the audience engaged. Therefore, it is essential that the first element of an introduction is the attention getter. When formulating the attention getter, consider the purpose of your speech. Any attention getter should “make clear right away that your topic merits your listeners’ time and energy” (173). 

Discussion Question 2

2). What components, according to your book, go into an introduction and conclusion?  How are you going to use these ideas in your Informative Speech?  Please give specific examples!  Write out part of your intro and conclusion in your

blog post. 

The three components that go into an introduction include, getting the audience’s attention, establish the purpose and thesis, preview main points. Having a strong introduction is crucial in presenting a great speech. It is during the first few seconds where the audience’s attention can either be heightened or weakened.  The components that go into a conclusion are, review main points, reinforcement of purpose, providing closure. This is the speaker’s final opportunity to reinforce his/her main points and hope to have solidified a connection with his/her audience.

Introduction: The 2008 financial crisis is affecting millions of Americans and is one of the hottest topics in the Presidential campaigns. Realty Trac recently reported, in California 1 in every 256 homes are being foreclosed on. In the last few years we have seen several major financial institutions be absorbed by other financial institutions, (the purchase of Meryl Lynch by Bank of America) and receive government bailouts, or outright crash. Today, I will be covering the 2008 Financial crisis focusing on three specific areas: First, what were some factors that forced

Americans down this spiral. Next, how did it get so bad? Finally, what can we do as consumers to protect ourselves from falling victim to this again?

(Have not developed a conclusion yet)

Discussion Question 1

1) Speech Buddy:  Review the following Interactive Videos"  9.1, 9.2, 13.1A, 13.1B, and "Use It" 13.1 on the Interactive Video website.  Respond to the ideas in the videos. What did you learn that could be helpful for your next speech?

The first speech video covers the importance of having a strong introduction. It states having a good introduction goes a long way with your audience. It highlights three key areas an introduction must include: Get the audience’s attention, establish the purpose and thesis, preview main points. Prior to watching this video I was will aware of these key areas and feel like I did well in touching on each in my demonstration speech.  The second video discusses ending a speech effectively and leaving your audience with a positive impression. The video identifies 3 basic parts that must be included into a conclusion: Review main points, reinforcement of purpose, providing closure. The conclusion of the speech is the speaker’s final attempt to reinforce his or her main points. Again, prior to watching this video I was familiar with these three basic parts. Furthermore, I feel like I did well in including them in my conclusion of my demo speech. In review of Evan’s informative speech on techo, I feel he did well. Specifically, he had a well-developed introduction, hitting on the three key areas and great use of transition statements to guide the audience along.  

Self-Evaluation

The purpose of my speech was to demonstrate the proper the mechanics of throwing a football. I feel overall I did an exceptional job achieving my purpose. I felt that during the demonstration portion of my speech, I gave clear and specific directions on how to execute the proper mechanics of throwing a ball. Also, I made sure to go through the steps and speak slowly while performing the action, thus allowing everyone to see and understand thoroughly. In regards to my confidence and comfort, I was little nervous at the beginning. However, that dissipated rather quickly once I started speaking about the play-by-play of my home-coming game. Also, I managed to stay confident throughout the whole speech. I felt that I was well prepared and had practiced multiple times, which contributed to my confidence. Even with all the time I spent preparing and practicing, there are a few things I would do differently next time. First, I would have liked to include more supporting information to have solidified my inferences. Next, I can’t believe I made such a silly mistake of leaning on the white board during the conclusion of my speech. Rookie mistake! Posture and good framework are crucial in keeping the audiences attention on the content and not the speaker’s movements. Although I felt my content was strong, it could have been more impactful with added use of facts and statistics. Going forward, my goals in enhancing my speechs are: Including more supporting facts and statistics, DON’T ever lean on the furniture. Although I do not have the opportunity to view myself performing my speech, I know if I did, I would notice the nerves at the beginning, and my posture at the end. As I mentioned before, I’m sure these two factors were distracting for the audience. Therefore, taking their attention away from my words and focusing it on my demeanor.

            In my experiences in presenting in the work environment, I quickly gleaned the importance of eye contact with the audience. I noticed that if I focused my attention on a certain area of the audience, I lost the attention of the others.  With timely oscillation of the head while making eye contact creates a cohesive environment between the speaker and audience members. Knowing this, I felt like I did a great job with eye contact (giving myself a 10) and creating that cohesive environment.             

           After reviewing my notes, I mentioned my sources 3 times. Which is less than I wanted to. Overall, I agree with the grade I received, a 92%. I felt the areas I missed, number of citations/content development and posture, definitely brought my grade down to a low A. Specifically, in the area of citations/content development I plan on making a clear improvement on my next speech. I feel the oversight in this area had the greatest negative impact on my grade. My posture throughout most of the presentation was proper, with the exception of my conclusion, which is when the leaning on the white board took place. In the future I plan not to make these mistakes.