Communication is key!

 Getting to work with my peers during this course was enjoyable. Both the debate we gave not too long ago, as well as tonight's presentation gave me the pleasure to get to know my classmates. We have switched phone numbers and kept in contact throughout this course.  For tonight's presentation, Angel, Ruth and myself put in the right amount of effort to present. I presented to Ruth and Angel a list of topics to choose from. Ruth and Angel chose one each. Ruth made it easier for us and went ahead and chose the final topic as Angel's choice, drug abuse. She then broke it down in 3 sections which we split between us 3: 1. Statistics on drug abuse 2. How it effects people's lives 3. What could be done to decrease number and what is the U.S. doing wrong currently.  I enjoyed researching this topic, as this topic is also looked down upon in some areas in the world just like mental health (the other group's presentation, which I loved). I love that both groups chose topics...

 Giving a speech or presentation to an audience of people who speak various languages or have differing cultural backgrounds requires special consideration and requirements for the speaker. Some tips we learned on Monday's class and in our text book are: 1. Familiarize yourself with your audience and the difference in culture so we leave no room for stereotypes and racist/prejudice remarks. 2. Speak clearly 3. Do not speak too fast 4. Know the meanings of words outside our native language 5. Avoid slang, idiomatic expressions 6. Be mindful of body language and eye contact also known as Kinesic behavior 7. Be careful to not use terms that may mean one thing for you, and a completely different meaning for your audience.  8. Your message goes beyond words. Translation is not about words, but also about images you use too. Look at your audience again and see if your graphics match their needs, wants, and culture. 

In order to present an effective dissemination, one must match the means to the message and needs of the audience. The key is to adopt a method that will work for the target audience and for the type of content you deliver. There are many types of ways to deliver to an audience such as newspaper, email, or in person. I believe that press, speeches, radio, and television are an effective way of reaching a wide audience.  In chapter 6, we touch base on critical thinking and how one must analyze and evaluate information in order to determine the best course of action. We are also given an example on lack of critical thinking and how detrimental it can be to an audience. In the example, Shonda was researching information for her persuasion speech on how drinking wine on a daily basis has its health benefits. Shonda goes on to use an article that stated it was healthy to have 4 or more glasses of wine a day. Her professor gave her a D on her speech for not thoroughly looking into this s...

  I have had several conversations with a certain person that irks me from time to time. He does not fail to make a female feel like she is less than. We definitely do not see eye to eye when it comes to culture, language, or a woman’s worth. This person constantly makes jokes that only he laughs at, which obviously makes them sound like insults to others. I believe that his actions and the way he looks down upon people a certain way says a lot about his culture rather than the religion of Islam, as different Arabic cultures do not in any way define Islam.     Islam holds women in highest regard in every phase of her life. Islam states, “when she is a daughter, she opens a door of heaven for her father. When she is a wife, she completes half of the religion of her husband.  When she is a mother, heaven lies under her feet.” Men are required to treat women with honor and respect in all circumstances. The Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him said, “None but a no...

 I have listened to quite a few speeches, live-in person, and online, but one always seems to be my go to when I feel like I need a pick me up, or a reminder to do and be better. Dr. Rick Rigsby gave an inspirational commencement speech at a graduation that teaches us so many lessons. He uses humor, and a tough time in his life to share with his audience the lessons he has learned from a third grade drop out who happens to be the most intelligent man that he had ever known, his father. He spoke in such a way that heightened the power of his message. His presence was abundant, and he used the volume of his voice to strengthen how his points reached his audience. Dr. Rigsby also had great eye contact with the audience which I believe helped him connect with his audience. There was no need to use notes since he was very prepared and passionate about his speech. Any person that listens to this speech can can walk away feeling inspired wanting to do more in life no matter how rough the ...