Week 9 - Final Reflection

My last post to my blog! How quickly nine weeks went, it feels like I just posted my introduction post in week one!

These activities have been beneficial for my speech and script development. Specifically that activities that I mostly enjoyed and found helpful where week two – ‘What makes a great speech’. This activity I enjoyed because it made you think about and consider what you enjoy about speeches and what speech over time whether they where from Barack Obama or your school principal that you enjoyed and why you enjoyed them. This activity allowed me to identify why I enjoy and believe these speeches are great speeches. It also contributed to my speech writing as I considered these elements. Another activity I found beneficial was week 5. Noticing how I talk. This was interesting, as you really don’t notice how you talk until you are asked to. It makes you consider how you speak and the way your speaking is received. Week 7 activity to do a piece to camera I also found to be very beneficial. As mentioned in my review of this activity, I found it very confronting to do a piece to camera as it made me feel uncomfortable to be followed with camera and watched by people that really didn’t have any idea of what I was doing. This activity was a good step towards feeling comfortable with doing a piece to camera. Finally weeks eight and nine activities where beneficial for the completion of assessment item two. These activities made me begin to think about the final assessment and begin working and drafting it.

At this stage I do feel that my speaking, writing and presentation of speaking has improved. In week one I read quickly and with little pause. Now, I feel that my speaking is clearer and appropriate pause is used to deliver the news story or speech. This improvement has come from the week’s activities. Particularly, from the practice of week ones news story on SBS World News. When I first read this news story it all blended into one and it was hard to determine the break of each topic. After reading again and evaluating the pause the journalist had when read my reading of this developed. This activity helped my speech overall and helped me to determine where pause is appropriate and where it is not. Looking over news story like this one and listening to other news stories over the nine weeks helped my writing of speeches and news stories.

I enjoyed the whole blogging experience. At first when I read over the task of blogging each week I really didn’t see myself enjoying it. However it was a good way to reflect on each activity and also a good way to practice the presentation of writing. I enjoyed formatting my blog layout and making it look good. Have to post each week’s activities onto my blog was useful as it made doing the activates weekly compulsory and when you have created a ‘pretty’ blog with layout etc. you only want to post information on there that you are happy with. This meant that I focused more on each weeks activates then I would have if I where posting to a forum. I wanted all my work there to be well done.

I feel relatively confident with the final piece of assessment. I feel that after completing week eight and week nine activates I have a better generally understanding of the task. The only worry I have is the length of the maiden speech. Initially before completing week eights activities I thought that there would be no way I would be able to write a speech with the max word count being 4000 words. However after writing week eights activities with what topics and information will be addressed in the speech I feel that my maiden speech for assessment item two may be able to have a large word count. Once identifying the key electoral points I feel that I can extend on these.

Overall I feel that the past nine weeks of activates have been a constructive way to develop my skills in speech and script. I feel that they have allowed me to now have the ability to effectively and professional write and deliver a speech. 

Week 9 - News Story Recording and Reflection

This week exercise was the write a draft a script for a news story stemming from my maiden speech for election as state parliament representative for the Capricorn Coast. I drafted and recorded my speech. On reflection I feel that as a whole it was ok. 

The dialog for the speech worked and flowed well. It could be found on a local news radio or television station. It introduced the story and highlighted the candidate’s values as well as used other people to support the candidate’s views. 

The reading of the script was good. It was clear and mostly well paced, however I did stumble over some words. I was originally having a lot of trouble pronouncing the work ‘electoral’ and focused so much on getting the pronunciation of this word correct it distracted me and mispronounced other words and didn’t pause as much as I should have. It was a good test run and draft and with these things considered should make the final speech run far better.  

Draft speech recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNL-4tsdQIY

Week 9 - Draft News Story Script

Draft news script:

VIDEO

AUDIO

PTC (Presenter) VTC: Mary Smith (Journalist) – Vision of Anna Bielenberg within community PTC: Anna Bielenberg Vision: Yeppoon beachfront PTC: Mary Smith (Journalist) Vision – Yeppoon beachfront  PTC: Bill Ludwig Vision – Speaking on Yeppoon beachfront VTC: Mary Smith (Journalist) Vision – Yeppoon hospital PTC: Anna Bielenberg Vision: Yeppoon beachfront

The next story is an introduction to local state parliament candidate Anna Bielenberg. Running for the position of state member for parliament representing the Capricorn Coast. For more, here’s Mary Smith (Example name for journalist reporting). Anna Bielenberg has been a local here on the Capricorn Coast her entire life. Growing up and completing her schooling and university degree in the region, Anna feels her electoral issues accurately represent the Capricorn Coast. The electoral issues Anna will be pitching throughout the campaign include five key aspects. Tourism, community development, liquor and hospitality industry boost, Capricorn Coast Health and the support for our local law enforcement.  I am passionate for the Capricorn coast and what it is all about. I feel that the Capricorn Coast is missing a draw card for our tourism industry and we need to change that. I feel that our representative for parliament needs to be passionate and know the community well and what it needs. My electoral issue address what the community needs and with your support we can achieve this together. Other community member’s have supported the electoral issues introduced by Ms. Bielenberg. Livingston shire Council Mayor Bill Ludwig, has supported the proposal to cut the red-tape on liquor and gaming laws to allow for more local business to be granted liquor licenses and give budding business owners the opportunity to be apart of the hospitality industry.   I think it is a great start in boosting our tourism here on the Capricorn Coast. It needs to be approached with caution and still carefully considered as to who and where these licenses are issued but these types of suggestions put us on the right track to putting the Capricorn Coast on the tourism map. Another issue Anna identified was the Health of the Capricorn Coast. Currently all major medical issues need to be referred to the Rockhampton Base Hospital. This puts further strain on the Rockhampton hospital when Yeppoon has the potential to deal with these issues itself. Yeppoon has a brand new hospital with all the same opportunity’s the base had. We need to take advantage of this new hospital and equip it properly with staff and facilities.

Week 8 - Reflection on week's activities

I found this activity very helpful. It made me think about the topics and construction of my maiden speech. It also helped for the timing of visual aids such as power point and made me consider what sort of information I should be including in these visual aids.

The speech written this week to inform the audience of the topic of the maiden speech was helpful as it made me identify five key electoral topics. This will now make it significantly easier to write to final assessment. Overall I found this activity helpful as a drafting process for the final assessment. 

Week 8 - My maiden speech topic

Good Morning. Today this speech is aimed to inform and outline the intention of my maiden speech for my proposed election for the state member of the Capricorn Coast. My maiden speech will aim to provide key electoral issues such as boost in local tourism, community development, particularly that of the Yeppoon foreshore, giving more support to the liquor and hospitality industry to operate more freely with the reduction of ‘red-tape’, the health of the Capricorn Coast and provide more support to local law enforcement to decrease criminal offences.

My maiden speech will begin with an introduction of my values and myself. It will allow the electorates to see whom I am and that my intentions for the Capricorn Coast are nothing but honest and have the community’s best interest at hand. The speech will use Clayman’s address points of service of other actions and speaking from the heart. This will give the speech a feel of formality but also of softness and genuine intention to relate to the audience. The speech will reflect my affection for the community and the region. 

The five key electoral issues mentioned above would all be delivered with detail and research to support the issue. The first electoral issue, boost in local tourism is an important one for the community. With the development of Great Keppel Island going ahead and the recent marketing exposure of Pumpkin Island being leased as four X island. Yeppoon needs to play a bigger part in this. It is important to myself, as I am sure it is important to nearly the entirety of the community, that Yeppoon and surrounding towns of the Capricorn Coast are not bi-passed and miss and exposure and tourism benefits these places have to offer. The speech will focus a lot on tourism development and the boost of the local economy tourism can have for our community.

The second electoral issue, community development goes hand in hand with boost in tourism. The Capricorn Coast needs a draw card and at this point in time it does not have one. To boost local tourism and ultimately the local economy the community needs to have a draw card and this comes from infrastructure development and development of the Yeppoon foreshore.

The third electoral issue I will identify in my maiden speech is the regulation of liquor and gaming industry to operate more freely. Currently in the community local business are struggling to gain liquor licenses. This topic is one that can be taken both in a positive or negative light and my intention for this electoral issue is to prove to the community that for further tourism in the region the community needs to support further development and approval of liquor licensing. This topic will be delivered with the upmost tact and with the intention not to have more nightclubs but to have more licensed restaurants and bars allowing the community an economic boost without having out of control licensed premises.   

The fourth electoral issue Capricorn Coast Health refers directly to health services for the community. Right now if you require an x-ray, ultrasound or any type of scan you are required to travel to Rockhampton . Along with this, the Yeppoon Hospital is under staffed with an extensive waiting period. In my maiden speech I aim to address these issues and develop a plan that eliminates them and allows the community to take advantage of this great new hospital.

Finally, the fifth electoral issue will be to support local law enforcement to decrease criminal offences. This electoral issue I feel will appeal to many members of the community. The speech will use examples of local offences and offer suggestions on how we as a community can assist the law enforcement agencies to decrease criminal activity. It will also suggest other aspect that can be looked at to re-direct those who consider offending or re-offending.

Throughout the speech I will incorporate Clayman’s research and include elements he suggested such as using lists and examples to relate to the audience. The conclusion of the speech will briefly summarize all electoral issue discussed and will re-enforce my passion for the community and its development.

Link to slideshow - http://www.slideshare.net/bielenberg_10/week-8-speech-pres-34187386

Slide Show Reference List:  

Coolwaters Holiday Village, 2010, image sourced 2 May 2014, http://www.coolwaters.com.au/

The Morning Bulletin, 2012, image sourced 2 May 2014, www.themorningbulletin.com.au

ABC, 2012, image sourced 2 May 2012, www.abc.net.au

Salt Yeppoon, 2013, image sourced 2 May 2014, saltyeppoon.com.au

Capricorn Queensland, 2014, image sourced 2 May 2014, www.capricornholidays.com.au

Queensland Health, 2011, image sourced 2 May 2014, www.health.qld.gov.au  

The Morning Bulliten, 2012, image sourced 2 May 2014, www.themorningbulletin.com.au

Week 7 - Reviewing Clayman

Chat shows and interview based programs fill our television and radio stations. Every station has a number of chat show based programs happening numerous times every day. These types of programs have changed the structure in which interviews take place. This changes the interviewee’s role and as Clayman addresses this in his journal article Address terms in the service of other actions: The case of news interview talk.

The main point Clayman highlights in this article are address terms. Clayman has highlighted two address points, service of other actions and speaking from the heart. Clayman identifies service of actions of being something that ‘often occurred in two-party interviews, leaving no doubt as to the intended addressee… (2007, pp.2).’ This type of action is what we see during chat and talk based shows, panel interviews and interviews involving multiple guests. Clayman also defined service of action as ‘the question-answer turn taking system that organizes interview talk usually leads all IEs direct their remarks via a gaze and body orientation… (2007, pp.3).’ This is exactly what we see when we turn onto a program from chat based news such as The Project to entertainment news programs like Sunrise.

To define speaking from the heart, Clayman used an interview from Hilary Clinton shortly after the infamous Monican Lewinskis scandal. The interviewee asks Clinton to reflect on the life choice she and her family made in pursuing the presidency. The interviewee then asks, ‘given five years of personal and political attacks, whether the whole experience has been worth it. That he is asking her to speak from the heart (2007, pp.5).’ This invites Clinton to share her thoughts and give a personal feel to her answer. This sort of address term is also used on chat-based programs and more specifically on ‘feel good’ programs such as Channel 7 Sunday Night. These types of programs feed of speaking from the heart type of interviews to engage with there audience.

Clayman’s article has highlighted two key interviewing techniques, service of other actions and speaking from the heart. These two techniques are found across nearly all talk based and chat programs and will continue to be used to relate to the audience.

REFERENCE LIST: Clayman, S 2010, Discourse & Communication, Address terms in the service of other actions: The case of news interview talk, 4: 161 DOI: 10.1177/1750481310364330 

Week 7 - Piece to Camera

This weeks exercise was to practise a piece to carmera. The folliwng is the narration of my piece to camera that took place during a check in for a Virgin Australia flight at work.

Good afternoon, I’m Anna Bielenberg. Today we are here at the Rockhampton Aiport for the check in of Virgin Australia flight 1245 to Brisbane. This aricrraft has a scheduled departure time of four fifty five pm. To my right I have four check in staff all very busy. I’m told this aircraft is a full boeing 800 so there is a large que of people consistenly flowing through the checkin counters. To my left, I have the self serve kiosk also with a steady flow of passengers checking through.

The crowd here today all seem very happy to be getting away on an Easter Break. The corwd consisits of a variety of people from family with children to young people and the elderly all eager to get out of Rockhampton on a holiday or returning home.

Reflection on exercise: I enjoyed this exercise and felt it was a good way to feel comfortable in front of a camera as well as feel comfortable talking in front of people around you. I felt that the biggest issue for me to overcome was the talking (what felt like to myself) in front of a whole heap of other people that I do not know. The people at the airport had no idea what I was doing, with just myself and one other following me with the mobile phone. There is such a difference to doing recordings  in front of you laptop webcam with the comfort of privacy then to actually doing them. This exercise was a good onefor me to begin to overcome this awakerward feeling I get when I have to talk away into a camera and have people around me have no idea what I am doing! I feel that I strated to get the hang of it after a couple of takes!

Week 7 - Performance to suit the genre

This week’s task was to look at Entertainment Tonight reporter Mary Heart famous interviews. The selection of interviews asked to review on Zimbio unfortunately where not accessibly, luckily there are plenty to see on YouTube!

Mary Heart is very charismatic and I think this is why she was so successful as a journalist. Her career spanned over 25 years and her portfolio of interviews consisted of some of the biggest entertainment names.

Mary Heart had this ability to make her interviewee’s feel confortable and secure during an interview. She interacts with them with such genuine intentions but still remains professional. Mary asks direct questions and because of this comfort she gives to her guests, she gets back direct and detailed answers. Her interview with Kate Gosselin shows how effective these techniques are. Gosselin is obviously comfortable with Mary Heart and gives detailed answers and talks freely. Heart uses changes her tone and facial expression to suit the answers given and questions being asked. This type of performance from Heart is also evident when she is the one being interviewed. Her performance as an interviewee is casual and chatty but still professional and strong viewed. Heart gives long and expressive answers and continues with her genuine interest and comfortable feeling. Her tone and facial expression are timed perfectly to suit the dialog. Mary Heat’s piece to camera also consists of these performance techniques. She is so certain on what she is doing, and the purpose of the interview she has one focus. Mary Heart can deliver any type of performance. She can be a serious journalist, conduct a light-hearted interview or be interviewed about serious topics. These performance techniques Mary Heart has allow her to deliver the best performance, tone and expression for any situation.

Reference List:

Youtube, 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m9ZDHo4nlg, accessed 24 April 2014. 

Youtube, 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTgJn3qxxkI accessed 24 April 2014.

Week 7 - Features of Genre

This week’s task was to record a 5 – 10 minute of chat-based program such as shows like Sunrise, The Morning Show and The Today Show. I am actually a big chat show watcher, so I did enjoy this week’s task! I find these shows lighthearted entertainment. I like to put them on in the morning or afternoon while I am getting ready for work or cooking dinner. I find them to be good background noise and entertaining but not something that holds my full attention.

Tolsen argued that ‘chat-based programming is oriented toward the personal, it features wit and humor, and the risk of transgression underlies talk (199).’ This is defiantly evident in chat-based programs such as Sunrise and The Morning Show. The Sunrise program on channel 7, I find uses wit and humor on each day’s program. The hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch let their personality feature on the program and their chemistry works perfectly to create an entertaining and witty show. The producers also allow for segments such as ‘Kochie’s Angels’, which is a serious segment, however always ends up being very funny and quirky with the opinions of the guests panelist. They are consistently trying not to offend or misbehave as they both have a strong opinion.

My recording for a chat based program I feel is very similar to the Sunrise program. It is casual and uses wit but still remains professional. I feel like my recording for a pretend chat based program is a good start. However I feel I have a lot more to learn about being a host of this type of program. I would need to further develop skills that allow others to feel relaxed and chat freely with me. Another skill that would benefit my chat based program would be the ability to produce a program that disused important and news worthy topics as well as light hearted entertainment. A skill that I feel is important to have is to be respected as a journalist and remain in control so that you can have a laugh and show your wit but also be taken serious when it is time for more serious news.

Week 6 - Formal vs Impromptu

Formal speech versus Impromptu Speech....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06zCz42D0tc

Week 6 - PAIBOC

Mapping out assessment item two using PAIPOC for my maiden parliamentary speech.

PAIBOC stands for Purpose, Audience, Information, Benefits, Objectives and Content. It is a planning system that can be used for almost any structure of writing. I was first introduced to PAIBOC in semester one, year one and have been using ever since!

Mapping out my speech for assessment item one, I will consider the length, aim of the speech, structure of the speech and the ultimate goal I wish the speech to achieve.

Breaking it down with PAIBOC:

PURPOSE: To persuade the audience to elect me for parliament.

AUDIENCE: The audience I will be targeting is my local electorate.

INFORMATION: Information my speech will include will focus on the audience’s needs and passions. Specifically it will include information such as local and community development, tourism boost and focus on the benefits the community will receive from my election.

BENEFITS: To let the audience know the benefits of my polices and the benefits of my election. The speech will be persuasive with the use of rhetoric language. It will appeal to the audience and relate to them and their needs.

OBJECTIVES: Objections may include worries from the audience such as how the benefits of my election may affect them. From the cost of the policies to the effect on the community they will have. These objections will all be addressed openly and honestly to allow the audience to see exactly where I stand and that there is no hidden agenda.

CONTENT: The context for my parliamentary speech will focus on the speeches benefits for the audience. Such as the policies proposed like local and community development and tourism within the area. These policies will be positioned to influence the audience on the positive outcome they can have from my election.

Week 6 - Formal Talk

The article ‘Facilitating learning and change’ from infed has many features of formal talk. Formal talk can be defined as a type of ‘speech that has rules, although these rules are different depending on the situation’ (Study Guide 2014). The main feature of this article that directs it to being of formal talk is its official structure and aim. Its purpose is to educate the reader on a selected topic and to provide factual and informative information. Formal talk is a non-casual form of speech and is generally well practised and not impromptu. This article carries these features and has an order of writing to create the formality.

The features of facilitation I can identify based on the reading are the article formal structure. The article begins with an introduction and contents of what information can be found through this article. The article then structures this information in order of the contents. This formal structure and aim of the article allows readers to gain the knowledge of the topic that is facilitating learning. The article is consistently formal and uses no causal language. Its visual elements such as font, colour, etc. is also formal. Using a regular easy to read font and black text for the body and red text to highlight a title. This structure aligns to formal talk.

Facilitation is based around a set of rules that the writer must know and understand as well as have a good knowledge of formal talk. Both facilitation and formal talk is based around a structure and has a particular aim and purpose. For example, the article ‘Facilitation learning and change in groups and group session’ has the aim at educating the audience about the benefits of facilitating learning and how to set about working as a facilitator in a group.

Although this article is not actually scripted as such it has been well thought out and planned. It follows and exact structure to achieve its aim and purpose. This is a feature of formal talk. The article uses appropriate language and follows a structured and logical order. Overall I would identify the article ‘Facilitating learning and change is groups and group sessions’ as a type of formal talk. 

Reference List:

Central Queensland University 2014, ‘COMM12033 Speech and Script Study guide’, Rockhampton

Interaction en Masse: Audiences and Speeches

This weeks exercise is to identify and reflect on key points in Chapter 18: Interaction en Masse: Audiences and Speeches in John Heritage and Steven Clayman’s Talk In Action.

The main focus of this chapter I found was the structure and contrast of speech. The key point identified where;

                 

- Hold the audience’s attention using eye contact. 

This is a vital part of effective public speaking. Holding eye contact with your audience allows you, the speaker to pick up on signs and feelings the audience is giving off. Such as smiling and other facial expressions and if the audience is listening to what you are saying oppose to just hearing it.

- Two way interaction

Public speaking does not just mean the speaker speaks and the audiences listen. It is important for two-way interaction between the speaker and the audience. The speaker needs to watch and listen to the audience’s response whether it is positive or negative. This could be shown through clapping and laughing or booing and people walking out. 

According to Heritage and Clayman, “applaudable statements were normally made prominent by being emphasized through language, rhythm, stress, intonation and gesture”.  This statements highlights the importance of audience interaction and the need to give the audience a signpost in which they can applaud at the same time.

           

A structure of a speech must have three main levels to be successful. These levels include, number one – the speech must incorporate arguments where the speaker’s position is evident. Number two – The speech’s points and arguments are made rhetorically and structured to build the audiences expectations. Number three – A microstructure level of tone, rhythm, timing and all gestures guides the audience to applaudability.

Week 5 - News Interview vs Entertainment Interview

News interviews and entertainment interviews can take a similar path but can still be totally different! I have specifically selected an entertainment interview and a news interview to identify exactly what differences they have. The entertainment interview selected was broadcast on morning television program Sunrise and Channel 7. It was an interview with Khloe Kardashian that went viral when the Kardashian producers pulled the plug. The news interview selected was also from Channel 7 Sunrise program on the 2011 Queensland Floods.

The entertainment interview introduced the interviewee by saying; ‘A lady who needs no introduction at all, Khloe Kardashian joins us live….’ It then went on to ask personalized questions in regards to the purpose of the interview, which was the launch of a clothing line. Questions asked included, ‘Tell us about the new collection?’ and ‘Is this what you always wanted to do?’ The interview was light hearted however there wasn’t any real humor from either the interviewer or interviewee. The interview ended very abruptly. With the producers of the interviewee pulling the plug on the interview. This interview had conflict management at all and was clearly evident as the first sign of potential conflict the interview was terminated.

The news interview was significantly more professional, well-directed and managed then the entertainment interview. It had two persons being interviewed the first a news correspondent reporting from the effected area and the second a representative from the weather channel. The interviewees where introduced formally with the lead journalist introducing them with, ‘Sunrise correspondent Michelle Tapper is on the ground in the center of town…’ Questions asked where formal with direct and informative answers. This interview had no humor and remained professional. There was no potential for conflict in this news interview as it was solely factual.

Both interviews where similar in their purpose to distribute information to the audience. However there way of doing so was different.

Entertainment interview - http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/soapbox/article/-/22033567/khloe-kardashian-cuts-sunrise-interview-short/

News interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm5NHRMUzVA

Week 5 - Noticing how I talk...

Noticing how you talk and how you say things and how you sound is an interesting concept, and when you begin to look into what you say and how you say it, it is actually pretty surprising!

I had to ask around just to confirm that I was correct in what I believed my greeting and goodbyes where like. When I great people both professionally in my job and privately, I say the exact same thing each time. ‘Hi, how are you going,’ the only difference is the salutation. It may differ from ‘Hi, Hey, Hello.’ The tone in my voice also changes to suit the environment. For example when I am a work it needs to remain professional and welcoming however when I great family and friends it is a lot more casual and friendly.

My sign off was harder to identify. I think that my sign off differs most times unlike my greeting. However it can often end with a joke or a silly remark. For example, yesterday when I left work, as I will not be back for five days, my sign off went… ‘See ‘ya’ guys! Try not to miss me to much!’ This sign off was light hearted and very informal. When I farewell people professionally at work, I believe my sign off goes, ‘Thank you see you later,’ or ‘See you next time.’

Dealing with an uncomfortable situation is a funny thing to think back on and try and recall how you deal with it and what noises and remarks you make. From what I can recall my way of dealing with uncomfortable situation never usually ends the uncomfortable situation such as silence or the awkward moment when you have run out of things to say. I usually let off a bug sign and say, ‘well…’ and hope that this opens up the flow of communication again. Sometimes it is successful but mostly not! I might need to work on my uncomfortable situation talking points! 

Week Four - News Read Reflection

This week’s task was to re-read the original news read from SBS world news. After re-reading, recording and listening back to the second news read and then comparing to my first, I feel that there is an improvement in the quality, technique and over all sound of the news read. The second recording has more emphasis on particular words that helps group each story together. There are less nerves and my breathing through out the news read is better. This creates a more professional sound and is far clearer then the first reading. The first reading of the SBS world news story did not flow and had the importance of the stories lacked as my read seemed to group it all together. However in this news read, this did not happen and each story was identifiable. Overall I feel that my second news read of the SBS world news story was significantly better then my first however could still be further refined to sound more professional.

 Reference List:

Central Queensland University 2014, ‘COMM12033 Speech and Script Study guide’, pp. 2, Rockhampton

Week Four - New Read revised

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_BQGIt0Gyw

Week 3 - In Defence of Rhetoric: No Longer Just for Liars

In Defence of Rhetoric –

The video – In Defence of Rhetoric: No longer just for liars discussed key arguments that make rhetoric, rhetoric. These arguments introduced the theory of rhetoric as a rhetorical speech used in many different ways and ways that we don’t even realize. Rhetoric is used every day and in nearly every decision.

The video defined rhetoric as a ‘study of technique using language effectively (2011).’ This language is used to persuade others and decisions made by others. The video introduced the idea that rhetoric influences our purchase decisions and is also ‘at the forefront of technology (2011).’ For example, when shopping our decisions are influenced by visual rhetoric to purchase this good. There has been something that has persuaded you to purchase this product, whether it is an advertisement of just the look of the good itself. You are being ‘rhetorically informed when shopping (2011),’ to ultimately be persuaded towards a purchase. This is a different and interesting way to think about rhetoric and how there are different ways it can influence people. ‘Rhetoric is a means of adjudicating between competing between knowledge claims (2011).’

Reference List:

Clemson University, ‘In Defnese of Rhetoric: No Longer just for Liars’, 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYMUCz9bHAs&feature=youtu.be&hd=1, viewed 14 March 2014

Week 3 - Aristotle's Rhetoric

Aristotle’s Rhetoric was an interesting dense and informative read. Although it was written some time ago it seemed very relevant to today’s society and directly related to events happening now. Over the two books, different terms, ideas and arguments where made to justify the reasoning and use of rhetoric. Aristotle’s made numerous arguments through the books in regards to rhetoric and his perception of the term.

One argument that stood out was his constant reference to men and their character. In part one, book one Aristotle’s writes, ‘man who makes a good at the truth is likely to make a good guess at probabilities (Aristotle, 1994).’ This statement followed theme throughout both books. Part two, book one, Aristotle’s wrote, ‘His character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion he posses (Aristotle, 1994).’ A remark that you can identify with in doing yourself and also watching others use rhetoric and being good at it, as it is apart of there character.

Aristotle also made arguments such as, ‘happiness as being desirable in itself and sufficient by itself (Aristotle, 1994).’ Remarks like these make you think how ahead of times Aristotle’s was whilst writing about rhetoric and how these two books are so relevant and relate to todays society. Aristotle’s also identifies three things that inspire confidence, to support his argument that ‘men’s character may be the most effective means of persuasion... (Aristotle, 1994).’ The three things Aristotle’s identified that inspire confidence are: ‘good sense, good moral character and good will (Aristotle, 1994).’ All these arguments put forward by Aristotle’s create a rhetoric that I think we can all relate to and understand.

Reference List:

Aristotle – translated by W. Rhys Roberts, 1004, Rhetoric,

http://classics.mit.edu//Aristotle/rhetoric.html, viewed 13 March 2014.

Week 3 - My Own Use of Rhetoric

The example I identified for my use of rhetoric, was a speech given in year 12 for the roll of house captain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFjMf0AvGBI

Week Two - Kate Stowell's News Read

Kate Stowell’s News Read for SBS radio is very well read. Stowell uses emphasis randomly on words through the news read. Such as in paragraph three – Stowell emphasis on the word finally to stress that it has been a long negotiation between the Federal Government and independent MP’s. In the next paragraph Stowell has emphasis on two words. Which sets a theme that the importance of this paragraph is about the new Prime Minister. Stowell’s random emphasis contributes to the news read by letting the audience know what the focus is for each topic. Stowell’s news read is different to my news read of the same story as she allows more pause between topics, particularly in the introduction. The emphasis on words is also different and more accurate then my take of the same news read. 

Week Two - What Makes a Great Speech

According to blogger Fletcher Dean, there are five key components to writing a good speech. These components are ‘first, focus on the audience for whom the speech is intended; second, use anecdotes to engage with the audience; third, give your speech a structure; fourth, don’t over-rely on PowerPoint; and fifth, edit the speech so it is simple and clear, while also exciting and fresh, and engaging  (2012).’ I agree with his steps and consider a good speech to be well thought out, tell a story and involve the audience. The speech by motivational speaker, Nick Vujicic, is a good and successful speech as it engages and involves the audience. The student audience, all seem to be engaging and enjoying his speech. Even though the speech is causal and doesn’t have an evident structure, it does use language and have a focus on the age group. These factors seem to work for Nick Vujicic’s audience. Another great speech that takes a totally different structure and formality, is Martin Luther King’s speech, ‘I have a Dream’. This speech is arguably the most famous speech of the 20^th century. This speech involves all of Dean Fletcher’s five components of a great speech. It focuses on the audience, engages with the audience, has structure, has no visual reliability, is simple and clear and most of all exciting and engaging. His speech tells a story and relates to ever-single person in the audience. It is read with perfect pause and emphasis. Martin Luther King’s speech – ‘I have a Dream’ is a great speech and that is why over 50 years later it is still being discussed and recognized as one the greatest speeches of all time. His speech is formal, dramatically powerful, and passionate and directly relates to the audience. That is why it is such as great speech. Both Nick Vujicic’s and Martin Luther King’s speeches use Dean Fletcher’s components of a great speech. Although each takes a different path in the way there speech is delivered. Both paths taken by Nick Vujicic and Martin Luther King are successful for their target audience. As discussed speeches can use these components and be great speeches, however still be entirely different.

Reference:

Dean, F. 2012, ‘5 Steps to a successful speech’, Speechwriting 2.0, [blog], URL:

http://thespeechwriter.typepad.com/onspeechwriting/2011/12/5-steps-to-a-successful-speech-part-1.html.,  accessed 06 March, 2014. 

Week Two - Professional Voice

A professional voice is ‘arguably less emotive, and possibly more deliberate speech (CQU, pp.2).’ I agree with this remark and consider a professional voice to be strong, clear and direct. A professional voice is one that should be used when delivering a speech, in a formal discussion such as a debate, during an explanation to a client and when making formal announcements such as those made over a PA system at the airport. A professional voice should be reassuring but at the same time asserted with authority.

Depending on the form and audience professional voice is being directed too would influence the language used and also affect the length of the speech. For example, a professional speech delivered by a politician in relation to natural disaster should sound strong yet considerate. It should be reassuring but in a sense that there is a plan. The speech should be of a length that addresses all aspects of the disaster but without worrying the audience further or loosing there attention. The language used should be formal and remain professional but also be language that most can understand. Where as, an announcement made at an airport, should still be delivered in a professional voice. However, it should be short and to the point. It also needs to be direct and address the audience promptly in an easy to communicate language. Their needs to be less emotion in this type of professional speech and sound more deliberate and planned.

Professional speech and voice can take many different forms as outlined above. The main aspects I consider to be of professional speech over any other type of speech is, a voice that is clear, concise, sends a direct message and addresses the audience in a way that captures there attention.

Reference list:

Central Queensland University 2014, ‘COMM12033 Speech and Script Study guide’, pp. 2, Rockhampton

Week One - SBS News Read

My first recording for speech and script! This recording is news read for SBS Word News Australia. I feel that overall the total news read is ok. My voice is clear and easily understood throughout the news read. My voice seems strong and mostly uses the correct tone to deliver the story. However, there are weaknesses such as the pronunciation of words and also the overall flow of the story. In some parts of the news read I didn’t allow enough break between topics and consequently this blended the issues. By not pausing and allowing a short break through the read between topics, makes it difficult for the listeners to follow and release a new topic is now being read. This also happened in reverse, where I allowed too much of a break between the same topic and made the news read disjointed. I also stumbled across a few words in the news read and this sounded clumsy and messy to the listener. Overall, I feel that this was not a bad first go, although there is still many elements that need improving. 

Week One - Julia Gillard's Voice

According to Mick Hurbis-Cherrier, 'If characters discuss the story they are in, rather then just being in it, then the audience has no reason to become emotionally involved in the unfolding tale. Believable and engaging characters inhabit, act and react within the world of voice and the events that swirl around them, (2012, pp.38).’ This remark from Hurbis-Cherrier, identifies with the comments made by voice coach Lucy Cornell and 2UE journalists Murray Olds and Murray Wilton during their 2UE radio program. Julia Gillard’s voice and her delivery of speech do not indulge nor involve the audience. It often comes across as just a sound and the content and value of the speech is lost. I some what agree with the comments made by the 2UE hosts and voice coach, in the sense that Julia Gillard has “a mind of a barrister and a voice of a bricky (2UE, n.d).” She is an intelligent woman probably with a lot of important remarks to make. However her voice, referred to as a ‘bogan’ voice, does not allow these remarks to be effectively heard. Her unusual voice that according to Lucy Cornell “lacks warmth and depth (2UE, n.d),” is often difficult to listen to. Voice coach Lucy Cornell asked, “If her voice where more like Cate Blanchett’s voice would it be more appealing (2UE, n.d)?” I think the answer to this, would be yes. Cate Blanchett’s voice is warm and intriguing. It is easy and soothing to listen to. Lucy Cornell also said that people like to listen to others “Opening and revealing that human part of them selves, and daring to be that brave and revealing and therefore it becomes inspirational (2UE, n.d).” Julia Gillard does not do this and her speeches often sound generic and repetitive.

Reference:

Hurbis-Cherrier, M, 2012, Voice and Vision, second edition, ELSEVIER, Sydney.

Olds M, Wilton M, n.d, Julia Gillard’s Voice, viewed 24 February 2014, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEybGzg1Nxs

Speech and Script at CQU

My first blog. Here it goes! I am a Bachelor of Professional Communication student, studying at CQ University. I live in the beautiful beach town of Yeppoon, studying externally and working full time. This is my fourth and final year of study with only four subjects left to complete! Through out this course I have focused on a speciality of marketing but have also throughly enjoyed the public relations and journalism background of the program. I aim to achieve a well balanced and broad background of speech and how the delivery of voice can change ones perceptions, views and ultimately the end result. I look forward to completing speech and script and am interested to explore the world of speech and voice.