Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Toasts for Tuesday, Dec. 22

AGENDA:

Today and tomorrow, we will present persuasive speeches.

Friday: Retest on persuasive speeches

Tuesday, Dec. 22   Cookies and cider and New Year toasts

Your toasts should be written in two sections:

First, toast the people and things in your life that have had meaning for you in 2015...

Then, offer wishes for the coming year 2016.

Examples: May this new year bring health and happiness to all my loved ones.

May this year bring me an acceptance at the college of my choice.

May this year bring me a good part-time job, etc.

Friday, December 11, 2015

Persuasive Speeches

AGENDA:

Week of 12/8-11 Presentation of Persuasive Speeches

Fri. 12/11  Test on Ch. 16 and logical fallacies

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Interviewing/ Senior Exit Interviews

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 is this year’s annual Senior Exit Interview day.  This is a mandatory requirement for graduation.  We take this very seriously here at SOTA.  We have over 35 volunteers from the community and various colleges, businesses, lawyers, judges, contractors, hospital representatives etc. who will be interviewing our seniors.  Below you will find information about the event:

·        All Seniors will be dismissed from 9th period at 2:30
·        Seniors will go to the Ensemble Theater
·        They will enter the theater through the door in the Foyer
·        Seniors will interview with a community volunteer who is best suited to their (Senior’s) future plans
·        Seniors will be dismissed after their interview
·        Interviews will begin at 2:45 – 5:30
·        Seniors have been told to be dressed professionally
·        Throughout the day Seniors will also be getting their picture taken with their cap and gown and sash – this will be done during advisement periods and lunches.

The 5 Worst Things to Wear to a Job Interview
Ill-Fitting Clothes 

If you haven’t worn your interview outfit recently, you might find it doesn’t fit the way it used to. Don’t try to pull it off, though. You won’t look your best and you won’t feel comfortable -- and it will show.

“Better to wear an outfit that is tailored to suit you, rather than anything that feels or looks too tight or too short,” says Stacy Lindenberg, owner of Talent Seed Consulting. “It may not only give the wrong impression, it may also be distracting. Tugging at your skirt hem, for example, is another distraction that takes away from the focus on you and your skills.”

Overly Casual Clothes 

Even if you’re interviewing at a laid-back workplace, it’s still possible to take the casual concept too far, says Trevor Simm, founder and president of OpalStaff. “Do not wear jeans, tennis shoes, shorts, t-shirts, hats, flip-flops, or any garments with messages or brands written on them,” he says. “For men wearing a suit, do not wear loud, obnoxious colors, busy-printed shirts or overly patterned ties.” Take the conservative approach, and save the fun stuff for after you’ve got the job.

Anything Distracting 

There’s a fine line between standing out and wearing something that’s just distracting. In the interview process, you should err on the side of caution and tone it down. “Better to choose subtle patterns over brighter ones, and dark or neutral clothing versus neon colors or anything distracting,” Lindenberg says. “You should be the focus of the interview, not your clothing.”

“Women should not wear anything too revealing or low cut,” Simm says. “No platform heels, no sun dresses, nothing too trendy. Make up and jewelry should also be toned down. For men
and women both, it's generally a good idea to stick with the basics: a black, blue, or grey suit and the associated conservative accoutrement."

Excessive Accessories 

You might like to make a statement with your jewelry, but the job interview isn’t the time to do so, says Annette Richmond, executive editor of Career Intelligence. “Stay away from jewelry that jingle-jangles, which can be very distracting for an interviewer.”

Experts advise against wearing perfume and cologne as well. “You may feel like something is missing when you refrain from wearing your favorite fragrance, but this is one more thing that can be distracting during the interview,” Lindenberg says. “In addition, many people have sensitivity or allergies to fragrances. Play it safe!”

The Obvious 

“Never attend any interview with ill-fitting, sweat-stained, smelling like smoke, dog or cat hair covered clothing that looks like something you slept in,” says headhunter Michael Mayher. “Never wear the same ensembles you would wear out to a bar or nightclub with your friends.” Mayher also says “ridiculously sculpted fingernails” on women and “pointy shoes and contrasting socks” for men are no-nos.

Interview etiquette

1. Greet your interviewers as Ms or Mr
Most people prefer you call them by their first name. When was the last time someone instructed you to call them by their last name?
So what's the big deal?
Well, it's really not a show stopper, and there is minimal risk you'll offend someone if you do call them by their first name; however, when you call someone by their last name you are showing them respect. In essence you are saying to them, I respect you and you are important.
Do you like to feel respected and important?
Again, it's a little thing, but in a world where there is too little respect going around, it will make you stand out from other competing candidates for this same position.

2. Make sure your cell phone is off...not on vibrate
The last thing you need is a distraction during one of the most important meetings of your life. People can still hear your cell ring in vibrate mode. 
Right now there is nothing more important than your interview. This could be a life changing moment for you and your family. BTW--How did we survive all those years without cell phones?
3. Look people in the eye...and smile
http://www.job-interview-wisdom.com/images/290xNxmangeekstaringacrossdesk.jpg.pagespeed.ic.srm5JpHPz7.jpg
Body language is an extremely important detail of proper job interview etiquette.
Communication experts tell us that 80% of our communication with others is non-verbal.
One of the best ways to connect with people and build trust is to look them in the eye. Eye contact is also important during a group interview.
Throughout my executive recruiting career, I've occasionally had candidates arrive at an employer thinking they were going to be in a one-on-one interview setting, only to be ushered into a conference room with 4 to 5 hiring authorities asking them questions one after the other.
Most people when they're under pressure, don't smile, and appear nervous and lacking in confidence. It's amazing how something as simple as a smile can project confidence and leadership...even if you're a nervous wreck.
Have you ever heard someone say, I didn't trust that guy. He didn't look me in the eye?! Your eyes are the windows to your soul and often convey to others that you are trustworthy and real.

4. Firm handshake
This is another non-verbal way to connect with people.
It seems ludicrous to be judged negatively by a limp handshake, but people do it all the time.
Even so, be careful with this advice.
You don't want your handshake to be too firm--especially if a man is shaking hands with a woman.
5. Let the company take the lead during your interview
Sometimes when your interviewer is soft spoken or laid back you may feel the urge to keep things moving. So, you start taking back some control and the next thing you know, you're rambling.
Resist this. Let the interviewer run the show.
If there are periods of silence...just sit there in the silence. If you are well prepared for your interview, relax, you have nothing to worry about.
One of the most common interviewing mistakes is talking too much. It's easy to ramble and over explain things if your interview is a person of few words and there are periods of silence. Resist this and simply let them set the pace of the interview.
6. Don't step on the last 3 words of someone's conversation
I've noticed a disturbing trend these days.
When I'm talking with someone, often times they will step on the last 2-3 words of my sentence and talk over me without extending to me the courtesy of finishing my sentence.
Has this ever happened to you? Annoying, isn't it?
Reporters and TV talk show hosts do it all the time. It is especially prevalent among Type A personalities.
Let your interviewer finish making their point, pause for 1-2 seconds; then, respond to their question or add to the conversation.

7. Sit up straight and lean slightly forward
http://www.job-interview-wisdom.com/images/253xNxjobinterviewslacker.jpg.pagespeed.ic.9T065CEt2t.jpg
 Good candidates can be rejected because  they were too laid back in their interview...literally
Disgracefully, job seekers are often prejudged as lacking in drive and ambition; be on guard against being too casual or relaxed.
Sitting up straight and leaning slightly forward sends the following non-verbal signal: I'm listening intently. I'm interested in what you have to say. I have a lot of energy and I'm ready to go to work.
It's hard to believe that in a few seconds you can make this kind of impression, but it's true. So ignore this slice of interview etiquette at your own peril.

8 Pursue even if your interview is going badly
You might be enduring an awful interview experience quietly thinking to yourself, this is the last place I'd ever want to work...get me out of here!
The best  advice is to be professional and finish what you started to the best of your ability. No one has a gun to your head to take this job. 
 As a general rule, wait until you have all the facts before making your final judgment about an individual or a company.
Pearl of Wisdom: You never know who you are going to meet or how a total stranger might positively affect your career downstream. Leave people with a positive impression of you. It could pay dividends in the future.  
In a few cases, I've known hiring managers to watch candidates from their office window as they exit the building and get into their car. People can do some pretty outrageous things like spitting, lighting up a cigarette, arranging themselves, yapping on their cell phones for 20 minutes while leaning on their car, chowing down on a sandwich in their car, and other things you would not believe.
So, stay in professional mode until your tail lights are out of sight. Also, you may also be observed arriving for your interview.

9 Arrive early, never late.

10 Promptly send a thank you note after your interview  (read below)
This is a MUST on your job interview etiquette list. Not only is this a common courtesy, but it also keeps your name in front of those who interviewed you.  No, you won't need to do that tomorrow, but make a point of saying thank you and tell them you appreciate their taking time.


Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Persuasive Speeches/Senior Exit Interviews

AGENDA:

Work on persuasive speeches and preparation for Senior Exit Interviews on Wednesday, Dec. 2!

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Week 10/26-10/30

AGENDA:

Finish informative speeches.

OUTLINES and WRITTEN SPEECHES DUE!

Work on College Essays and Resumes....due before end of marking period!

Read Ch. 9---Introduction and Conclusions in textbook

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Week of 10/19-10/23 Informative Speech Presentations

AGENDA:

This week we will be doing informative speech presentations.

DUE:
Your written speech and outline

Your resume for Exit Interviews

Your college essay by Friday (1st draft)

Friday, October 16, 2015

Common Application College Essay Questions

Below in the comment box, Avi has posted Common Application questions for your college essay.
Your essay should be 250-650 words long (500-650 is preferred).

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Informative Speeches

Work on topic selection and outline for your speech.

Research your speech.  Be sure your speech has 3 citations.

Use MLA style:

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Topics for Informative Speeches

http://www.myspeechclass.com/informativetopics2.html

Informative speeches

AGENDA:

EQ: What is an informative speech?  How does one prepare it?

Go to:
http://publicspeakingproject.org/webresources/informweb.html
https://suite.io/carol-rzadkiewicz/261j20v

Handout: Formal Informative Speech Outline

What are the kinds of informational speeches?

http://www.comprofessor.com/2011/03/4-types-of-informative-speaking.html
Informative Speaking
Major Types of Informative Speeches
In this guide, we focus on informative speeches about:
  1. Objects
  2. Processes
  3. Events
  4. Concepts
These categories provide an effective method of organizing and evaluating informative speeches. Although they are not absolute, these categories provide a useful starting point for work on your speech.
In general, you will use four major types of informative speeches. While you can classify informative speeches many ways, the speech you deliver will fit into one of four major categories.
Speeches about Objects
Speeches about objects focus on things existing in the world. Objects include, among other things, people, places, animals, or products.
Because you are speaking under time constraints, you cannot discuss any topic in its entirety. Instead, limit your speech to a focused discussion of some aspect of your topic.
Some example topics for speeches about objects include: the Central Intelligence Agency, tombstones, surgical lasers, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the pituitary gland, and lemmings.
To focus these topics, you could give a speech about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and efforts to conceal how he suffered from polio while he was in office. Or, a speech about tombstones could focus on the creation and original designs of grave markers.
Speeches about Processes
Speeches about processes focus on patterns of action. One type of speech about processes, the demonstration speech, teaches people "how-to" perform a process. More frequently, however, you will use process speeches to explain a process in broader terms. This way, the audience is more likely to understand the importance or the context of the process.
A speech about how milk is pasteurized would not teach the audience how to milk cows. Rather, this speech could help audience members understand the process by making explicit connections between patterns of action (the pasteurization process) and outcomes (a safe milk supply).
Other examples of speeches about processes include: how the Internet works (not "how to work the Internet"), how to construct a good informative speech, and how to research the job market. As with any speech, be sure to limit your discussion to information you can explain clearly and completely within time constraints.
Speeches about Events
Speeches about events focus on things that happened, are happening, or will happen. When speaking about an event, remember to relate the topic to your audience. A speech chronicling history is informative, but you should adapt the information to your audience and provide them with some way to use the information. As always, limit your focus to those aspects of an event that can be adequately discussed within the time limitations of your assignment.
Examples of speeches about events include: the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, Groundhog's Day, the Battle of the Bulge, the World Series, and the 2000 Presidential Elections.
Speeches about Concepts
Speeches about concepts focus on beliefs, ideas, and theories. While speeches about objects, processes, and events are fairly concrete, speeches about concepts are more abstract. Take care to be clear and understandable when creating and presenting a speech about a concept. When selecting a concept, remember you are crafting an informative speech. Often, speeches about concepts take on a persuasive tone. Focus your efforts toward providing unbiased information and refrain from making arguments. Because concepts can be vague and involved, limit your speech to aspects that can be readily explained and understood within the time limits.
Some examples of topics for concept speeches include: democracy, Taoism, principles of feminism, the philosophy of non-violent protest, and the Big Bang theory.



Informative Speaking

Monday, September 28, 2015

Presentation of Demonstration Speeches--Week of 9/27-10/2

AGENDA:

PRESENTATIONS (4 days):

Begin Demonstration Speeches today and continue during the week.  Step up to the podium so that we can begin the class right away.

Remember to focus on EYE CONTACT, PROJECTION, ORGANIZATION, and USE OF VISUAL AIDS OR PROPS.

PROCEDURE: Use only note cards for this speech. Poise is very important, too.  Don't move around too much and maintain "mountain" pose, feet firmly planted. If you need the projector, turn it on and pull down the screen! If you want the music stand, get it ready!

FEEDBACK: Classmates will provide verbal feedback at end of speech using the "warm/cool" comment approach.  Remember we are all trying to help each other get the basics down, become better speakers, work on specific strengths and weaknesses. Be honest and make your comments constructive.  Give each speaker something new to work on.

HMWK: Review Ch. 3 for TEST on Friday--ETHICS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

Friday, September 25, 2015

Last call for introductory speeches!

AGENDA:
Last call for Speech Assignment #1 Really, this is it!

Turn in Ch. #2 Quiz Questions--LAST CALL



HMWK:
Read Ch. 3 Ethics

Work on "How-to" Speeches for Monday

New Vocabulary:
Go over the vocabulary at the end of Ch. 3 Ethics in Public Speaking and Vocabulary handouts


Wednesday, September 23, 2015

How-to and Demonstrative Speeches

AGENDA:

Finish introductory speeches.

Work on "how-to" speeches for next week.

Go to  website:
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Demonstrative-Speech

HANDOUTS: Example "how-to" speeches

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

How-to Speech --Speech to Inform

AGENDA:

EQ:  What is a how-to or demonstration speech (PROCESS speech)

Objective:
Speech #2   Students will prepare and deliver a "how to" speech

Your next speech will be an easy speech to inform--a brief "how-to" speech or demonstration speech. Three minutes.  Use only note cards. In outline form, be sure to include an introduction, the steps needed to accomplish the goal or make the product, and a conclusion that reviews what you have said (the procedure or process).
http://www.write-out-loud.com/how-to-speech-ideas.html

http://www.write-out-loud.com/demonstration-speech-topics.html

HANDOUT: List of "how-to" ideas

Monday, September 21, 2015

History of Public Speaking Chapter review

AGENDA:

Read and review Ch. 2 in online text.  Answer the following questions in lieu of a test on Ch. 2!
Chapter review questions (Handout):

1. What historical events gave rise to Athens establishing democracy for its citizens?
2. Who was Draco, and what did he do in Athens?
3. Under whose reign did Athens enjoy its greatest glory, and why?
4. Who was Plato, and what form of inquiry did he advocate?
5. Who was Aristotle, and what is he most noted for?
6. What did the Romans borrow from the Greeks and how did they improve upon it?
7. Why was Cicero considered to be the greatest Roman orator?
8. What did Quintilian contribute to the art of persuasion?
9. What role did rhetoric play in education in the Middle Ages?
10. The Renaissance gave birth to the Humanists and Rationalists. Can you describe
the differences between the two and name two representatives from each and their
contributions to persuasion?
11. What is the “epistemological tradition” and who best represent this movement?

If time permits, work on your resume or college essay.

HMWK:  Read Ch. 3 in online text

Friday, September 11, 2015

Ch. 1 Test/Speech of Introduction

AGENDA:

Test on Ch. 1

Continue working on your Speech of Introduction and Powerpoint due on Monday

On Monday, turn in your typed copy of the speech.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

More Impromptu Speeches

AGENDA:

We will continue to present Impromptu Speeches.

Vocabulary:
Communication-an exchange of information that occurs anytime someone else sees and/or hears you
Coding: language, behaviors while communicating
Encoding
Decoding
Verbal messages
Nonverbal messages
Informal communication
Formal communication
Noise
Field of experience
Context

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Impromptu Speeches

Agenda:

Today we will be going over the course criteria sheet, logging on to the computers, and beginning our speech unit by doing an impromptu speech of about 3-5 minutes.

ACTIVITY:  Impromptu Speech

1. Draw a topic.  If you do not like the topic, you may draw again, but you must keep the second topic.

2. You will have ten minutes to think about and outline your speech as follows:

I. Introduction
State your name
State your topic or question
Provide a brief preview of the three reasons for your answer

II. Body
Reason#1 for my answer
Reason #2 for my answer
Reason #3 for my answer

III. Conclusion
Review the reasons for your answer
Add a final remark or clincher that concludes the speech

DEBRIEF DISCUSSION today or  tomorrow when everyone has gone

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Welcome/Introduction to the Course

Course Description: This course is designed as an introductory to the principals of oral communication; both the creation and receiving comprehension of verbal messages is emphasized. Particular attention will be placed on Informative and Persuasive presentations. The class will be structured to allow for as much speaking time in class for formal as well as informal exercises.
Course Objectives: The main purpose of this course is to improve the oral communications skills of the students and to aid them in applying those skills to their chosen profession. Among the subsidiary skills and anticipated outcome goals in this class are:
1. To reinforce each student’s confidence in his or her own speaking ability
2. To teach the ability to research and construct support for an argument claim
3. To teach the use of language eloquently, persuasively, logically, and honestly
4. To enhance he student’s ability to assess the validity of another’s arguments or presentations
5. To show the relationship between the written and the spoken word
6. To practice and explore the methods of adapting to presenting to different audiences
7. To develop and practice good organizational and editing skills
8. To develop good outlining and research source-citing or bibliographic techniques


Another online textbook:
http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/007313564x/student_view0/index.html