Final Assignment

                 

                For my final assignment in this class, I will use Facebook to make my argument. For my argument I think I would like to enter a conversation which invokes strong passion and really peaks my interest.  I have not finalized my decision yet, but I am considering commenting on a post that is quite controversial. 

                I saw a post on Facebook where a woman named Lindsey Stone, made obscene gestures to a sign located at the Arlington National Cemetery. The sign is located at the entrance of the cemetery and it asks all visitor for "silence and respect" while on cemetery grounds.  Ms. Stone took a photo next to this sign pretending to yell while making an obscene hand gesture.  This created a huge firestorm of comments, most of which were very negative.  In fact, this picture got her fired from her job. The fact that a Facebook photo can get someone fired these days is very interesting to me. 

                For me, I believe free speech should be protected at all costs regardless of how shameful and irresponsible I believe it is.  How does one have free speech when your speech can punish you?  So, with this type of commentary,  I assume I will receive a lot of criticism and negativity as well.  I will be called unpatriotic and possibly other vile things that might offend others, but  I am not bothered by this and I enjoy a good disagreement in general. 

                I know in order to have any credibility  with their readers, one must have a relatable stance on the topic.  I must be careful of how I phrase my comment and make sure I explain myself clearly.  If I fail to do so, I will fail to make my point properly. Given an issue as delicate as this, people will be quick to react disapprovingly to anyone who has an opposing view. 

11/14 Blog

In chapter 15 I was surprised to learn how much font and size of the text  in a slide affects a presentation.  After reading the chapter, I noticed how many presentations I have seen where the slides distracted me from the person speaking.  Providing a visual aid during a presentation is very important but it should support your argument and  not confuse your audience.  Unnecessary picture and quotes that don't relate to the topic hurt more than help a presenter. 

After reading chapter 15, I have determined I will use a simple yet classic style on my portion of the presentation. This is best done by using supporting images and short statements that is easy for the audience to remember.  Another skill I have learned is the importance of repetition in a presentation.  I was aware that it was important to restate your purpose to make sure it is clear, but after the reading I understand it is important to make sure the presenter hammers home the point of the presentation and why it should matter to the audience.  By utilizing these techniques, the presentation is more professional, remember able and understandable.  

I have noticed that good presentations don't involve reading directly from the slides.  The best presentations are when new information is offered on the slides or a summary of what the presenter is discussing.  The audience should not be able to read along with what the presenter is saying.  Also, the person speaking must engage the audience and attempt the make their presentation relatable.  For me, a presenter must be relatable to their audience or their argument becomes ineffective.    Also, a presenter's tone and delivery affect the perceptions of the presentation by the audience.  A presenter should avoid using filler words like, umm, you know, and like.  When a presenter avoids using these words and chooses instead to pause they seem much more thought out and insightful. Additionally, humor plays a big role in maintaining an audience interest.  Using appropriate humor in a presentation can relax the person speaking and endear themselves to audience much better.     

10-24-12 Blog

When discussing "flow" of a paper, I had a very hard time grasping the concept.  I understood when a paper didn't "flow" well, but I had hard time pinpointing exactly how I could improve the "flow" of a paper. Sometimes, I find myself more concerned with transitioning between paragraphs and making the paper seem seamless  rather than arguing my point.  I think Prendergrast's suggestions are helpful because I struggle with this process and I have a better understanding of the concept. 

During the workshop we didn't discuss style directly, but a lot of the critiques made by my peers were indeed on matters of style.  I realize that credibility as an author is defined by avoiding  grammatical  and spelling errors but style is what makes an article interesting. I do believe the workshop has helped me improve my style, because having my peers read my arguments gives me great insight on how relatable and  interesting my paper is. 

10/15/12

A rhetorical analysis  is a "close reading of a text to find how and whether it works to persuade" (97).  A rhetorical analysis does not debate the argument being made by the author, but rather how the author uses evidence and analysis in order to persuade the reader to the point being made. 

I realize I must effectively answer the questions: what is the purpose, who is the audience, what emotional appeals does the author implement, how facts are used to persuade, and who is making the argument?  By answering these questions I will have a better understanding of the argument being made, and then I can effectively provide my own rhetorical analysis.  

When the authors says "show readers where and why an argument makes sense," he means that the readers must first be informed about the issue.  Then, you must "show" the readers your evidence by laying it out in a clear and concise way that makes sense and persuades the reader to your position.  This is different than "telling" the reader because "telling" a position doesn't always mean that you were  successful in attempting to persuade.  By showing the reader an argument and why it makes sense, you have successfully provided sufficient material to make your claim believable.   As the old saying goes "seeing is believing."

10-10-12

The Axe ad analyzed by Josh I think in a lot of way s is way off.  The main focus of this ad is to sell cologne by using comedy.  In the ad, Axe uses sex to sell their product but that is a normal practice for ads catering to both men and women.  I also believe Josh is wrong when he claims the message of the ad " appears to be that if men use Axe Essence body spray, they will attract sexy women in lingerie, and will lust for those women over their ordinary girlfriends."  I think the message is quite clear, Axe believes men are made of two equal parts:  the upper half is a nice guy casually making small talk with his girlfriend.  The bottom half is the bad side craving sexual sex.  Axe's message is that the product is for both sides of you.  

Josh focuses his review only on sex and totally forgets there is a comedic point to the ad.  Axe often uses sex in an over the top manner to  be funny and gain attention for their product not with the intention to make a statment.  Josh is looking too deep into a very shallow ad.

 I would have added a negative expression on the woman's face as she observed his lower half looking at the mannequin.  Generally, people seem amused by  a male with a high sex drive getting busted by his girlfriend and I think that could have add another layer to this ad.