Discussion Question 3

Understanding argument: Using Evidence Effectively. The evidence one presents in a speech is the foundation for justifying the claims that have been made. The introduction of evidence is essential for the audience to understand and begin to accept the presenter’s assertions. In presentation of evidence the speaker relies on the four varieties appeals: Logos: Appeals to Logic, Ethos: Appeals to Speaker Credibility, Pathos: Appeals to Emotion, and Mythos: Appeals to Cultural Beliefs.  The appeal to logic is often a very effective structure for presenting evidence. “Logical appeals rely on appearing reasonable and rational to influence an audience” (Coopman 307). This form of evidence is often easily verifiable, therefore, very receptive by the audience. Commonly this type of appeal is in the form of current statistical data, facts, definitions, or expert opinions. One thing to consider when presenting this type of evidence it is important NOT to present a “Long lists of facts and statistics that can overwhelm your listeners and cause them to lose interest”(Coopman 308).

Discussion Question 2

I can recall a recent conversation I had with a friend discussing the needs (addition of players) of a particular football club. The 2012 NFL draft just commenced on Thursday evening. This is the time where NFL teams select college athletes who they think will help their organization be successful in the coming football season. The discussion with my friend quickly turned into one person trying to persuade the other to see things from their viewpoint. Both him and I, being football savvy, bombarded one another with statistics of the prior year in relation to the positions we felt were crucial for the team to address. Now that I am familiar with the steps in developing an argument, I can relate the things I said into those steps. For example, I stated the Carolina Panthers needed major support within their offensive line. (Claim) Next, I explain how Carolina, in the 2011 season, was ranked 24^th in rush yards allowed. (Evidence). Finally, I inferred that with added support on the offensive line, Carolina would be able to stop a rushing attack. Therefore, increasing the strength of the team. (Reasoning)

Discussion question 1

The first interactive video discusses the importance of making a good argument in a persuasive speech. It reviews and highlights some of the elements of an argument. Argument formation consist of four basic elements: Thesis, claim, evidence and reasoning. Your thesis is a single sentence that captures the focus of discussion and clearly demonstrates the intention of the speech. You will support your thesis by the follow three steps, claim, evidence and reasoning. The claim is simply your position on the subject and what you want you audience to accept. Next, you provide evidence and reasoning to support your claims. The evidence one can use can be examples, statistics, quotation, analogies etc. Finally, reasoning is the step one would use to link the claim to the evidence. Different methods of reasoning can be employed to obtain a different effect. For example one can use deductive reasoning.  These are simple yet effective step I will take in constructing my arguments.

Self-evaluation 2

            The purpose of my speech was to inform the audience of the events that lead and contributed to the late 2000’s financial crisis. Overall, I believe I did well in achieving my purpose. The feedback I received from my classmates led me to believe they found my speech informative and constructive. Considering the amount of time I spent on practicing the speech, I felt very confident during my presentation.  The fact that I have had years of experience on the subject gave me some added confidence. If I had the opportunity to redo my speech I would probably spend a few moments and made sure the spelling on my powerpoint slides were correct. This was the only feedback I received that was negative. I think the content I provided within my speech was well researched and effectively presented. I spent a great deal of time in gathering the data I presented. I believe my hard work paid-off considering my grade on the speech and the feedback I received from my peers. Some students’ comments stated how thorough they thought my research was, and how the graphs and charts I included complemented my speech very well. Therefore, I plan on spending just as much time necessary on my next speech to produce the same quality of data.

             I believe the delivery of my speech went very well. I managed to stay within my time frame and effectively used an extemporaneous speaking style. I believe all the time I spent practicing my speech is what allowed me to successfully use an extemporaneous speaking style.  In comparison to my Demo speech this speech was more successful. Specifically, my Demo speech I lost points for unnecessary movement and leaning on the furniture.  I did not make those mistakes during this presentation. Furthermore, in my Demo speech I did not effectively site enough references during my presentation. I did not make that mistake on the Info. Speech. Although considering the content of this speech it was much easier to have numerous references, I still made sure I had ample resources for info, and also made sure to cite each one during my presentation.  Audience engagement is an important part of any speech. It is what drawls your audience in and creates an appealing environment. With something as simple as eye contact this environment can be created. I believe I did well in ensuring I was constant with my eye contact with the entire class. I made sure to rotate from left to right slowly to ensure I engaged the entire audience. On a scale of 1-10, I would give myself a 10 for eye contact.  As I mentioned above, I made sure to include numerous reference in this speech. I had a total of five citations during my speech. In conclusion, I deem this speech to be a greater success compared to my prior speech. I felt more comfortable in presenting. Furthermore, the grade I received, a 95 percent, also indicated that this speech was more successful.  

Discussion Question 3

3)    Prior the book had mention how important it is to understand the audiences and alter the speech to fit appropriately. This chapter focuses specifically on persuading different types of audiences. The Negative Audience, or sometimes called the hostile audience, is expected that these types of audiences are informed about the presenter’s subject matter and hold an unfavorable opinion on it. A negative audience can sometimes be intimidating. However, in many situations, simply exposing them to a few facts about the subject can begin to persuade and reduce the hostile environment. Here are a few steps a speaker can take to increase their chance of presenting a successful speech. First, establish your credibility with the audience. In any speech, this is absolutely crucial. This allows for the audience to become relaxed and more receptive to the speakers idea. Second, take a common-ground approach to the topic. Meaning identify some commonalities with the audience. Next, help your audience visualize your topic in a positive way. Next, prepare for negative reactions. Finally, keep your persuasive objectives within reason.

Discussion Question 2

2)    In today’s environment persuasion exists in every facet of our lives. With the introduction of smart phones, wifi, and other technological advancements people are more connected in ways that have never existed before. This, in turn, is an extraordinary advantage for those who intend to persuade. Just as people are more connected to different avenues of the world, advertisers and companies are that much more connected to the individuals. Thus, allowing them to stream their methods of persuasion, like advertising, directly to our years and eyes. In advertising, persuasion goes beyond the obvious. Meaning, when you see a commercial of a young, skinny, full breasted female eating a Calr’s Jr burger, you are not expected to turn into a robot and go to your nearest Carl’s Jr and buy a burger. Think for a moment about the female in the advertisement. There is an obvious appeal to men. But if you take it a step further, that female is painting a picture of what females today are supposed to look like. Therefore, contributing to the stigma of women and there appearance. Furthermore, encouraging males in our society to pursue those characteristics or persuade their significant other to alter themselves in efforts to meet those characteristics.

Discussion Question 1

1) In a persuasive speech the most difficult thing to accomplish is to motivate your audience in a manner in which the speakers desires. Monroe's Motivated Sequence is an organizational pattern in which the speaker takes the audience through a five-step process in order to motivate and empower them responds. The five steps are as followed: Attention, Need, Satisfaction, Visualization, and Action. The motivated sequence can be very effective due to the fact that it allows the speaker to take an audience-centered approach. Thus, engaging the audience, which makes the audience feel as if they are being referred to specifically. The problem/solution pattern infers that a problem exists and certain things need to be done to correct it. In my opinion, using the pattern bares the risk of losing engagement form audience members from the beginning. Simply this can occur when an audience member does not agree that a problem exists. Thus causing disengagement. For the final speech I would prefer to use the motivational pattern.

Discussion Question 3

3- Effective use of language in public speaking is a way for the speaker to invite the audience into an experience.  The power of words and the feelings they can invoke on an audience is amazing. That is, when the words chosen are the correct ones. The book defines language as the system of words people use when communicating with others. Language basics: Language is arbitrary, language is ambiguous, language is abstract, and language is active.  All these classifications of language are to be understood and applied differently with in a presentation. For example, language is arbitrary. Studies have identified there are over 6800 spoken languages in the world. This vast verity of languages suggests that words and what they represent to a group are different. Therefore, in relation to a presentation, prior to presenting a speaker should have an understanding for his or her audience to ensure the proper use of language.

Discussion Question 2

1-    “How do you respond to their comments in light of what your textbook says?” For me, this question can be answered from two different viewpoints, and each would have a different response. If I’m only to answer the question in reference to the book, than the language one chooses to use is extremely important. This is due to the context and environment in which we are speaking. We are in a communication class. We are to present speeches to our audience in effort to entertain, inform, demonstrate etc. all with the goal of earning a high grade for our presentation. In this setting, clearly the language you use has a direct impact on your audience.  Since our presentations are audience centered, the logical thing to do, in effort to obtain an A, you should use audience-centered language. Now, in everyday language, my opinion is different. I still believe language on chooses to use has in impact on people but to the extent argued in the discussion is a bit excessive. “"boy" is frequently used in the north-east England to refer to adult males, as is "lad"...as in "boys (or lads) night out "the boys" to refer to a group of adult males (as "the girls" is used to refer to a group of adult women).” I believe this comment makes a great point, which coincided with my opinion.

Discussion Question 1

 The first video discusses the use of language to engage your audience, referred to as, audience centered language. By using pronouns like: we, us, you and I are effective ways to engage the audience, in turn, this makes the audience feel as if they are being referred to specifically. Thus, enhancing the effectiveness of the speech from both the speaker and audience’s perspectives.  Using inclusive language is also another form of langue a speaker should use to ensure he or she is not singly any persons or group out. Non-inclusive language can be more than just not audience centered. It can sometimes be cause members of the audience to feel offended, which created disengagement. Inclusive language makes the audience feel like they are part of the group. It also shows that the speaker understands what we all, as humans, have in common. Thus, creating a more attentive and responsive audience. Which in turn created a positive experience for the speaker and the audience.