Monday, May 03, 2004

Here is my response for the final blog post. Here goes nothing.


After constructing and performing a deliberative piece over a certain piece of legislation, I feel that I can comment on numerous intricacies that go along with the entire process of constructing a policy speech. Writing a persuasive speech is most definitely far different from writing prose like a persuasive essay. In my opinion, it takes much more eloquent wording and clear oral messages that are very apparent to the listener(s). There are many tactics and different devices of rhetoric that are very important to be aware of when constructing a policy speech. Every single word counts.

A first step in constructing a policy speech that our group implemented is a social judgment theory map. As you can see, Kyle also believes in the social judgment theory. Before you are going to take a stance on a specific topic, it is important to see all possible positions on the spectrum of a selected issue. The audience to which you are planning on delivering the speech to must be considered in great detail. Where do they stand on this specific issue? Obviously not everyone feels the same exact way about it, so what are the different positions and how greatly do they vary from each other? The speaker must choose a stance on a specific topic that will please everyone. He must seemingly remain neutral to the audience. The speaker does not want to alienate anyone in the audience if at all possible.

After carefully selecting a position on a specific topic, then a speaker can start to actually construct the text of the speech. It is important to keep in mind the rhetorical figures that have been used for centuries that are offered at Silva Rhetoricae. These are rhetorical devices that are very effective in a policy speech. For the type of policy speech that we did, a very personal touch is important to make your audience feel included and special in the speech. The personal touch is very important to establish rapport with the audience as a speaker. I think that the speaker should definitely begin their speech light-heartedly and enthusiastically to draw in the audience write at the beginning.

I think something that I would advise a person writing a policy of a speech is to pay careful attention to the sound of each line that you write. We are not used to writing pieces that are solely for the purpose of being read aloud. Even though a line might look awkward on paper, it could sound smooth as butter when you say it aloud. It is very important to choose words and phrases that are pleasing to the ear. At some points, however, cacophonous sounding words or phrases may be strategically placed to make a point or a strong assertion. I think also that ideas and phrases can be repeated as Allison speaks of on her analysis of constructing a policy speech. An audience member will subconsciously lock on to certain ideas that are repeated. You want to make sure these are the most important points of your deliberative speech. They should sound eloquent and flawless.

These are only a few of the many tactics that I have learned to use in constructing this particular type of speech. There are so many ways that you can use language in a strategic way to help make a deliberative speech great. It really has been fun to look more closely at the sounds of language rather than just the literal meaning. This is definitely a very important piece of public speaking. For some more helpful hints in rhetorical strategies check out American rhetoric.

I also want to thank Dave for a great semester. I really have learned a lot about rhetoric and such. Good luck with everything in the future.

So I decided not to give my speech again today. I figured that we really didnt need the help and I really just wasnt in the mood to do it. Sorry everyone. I know everyone feels like they missed out. ha. I think that everyone's speeches got better though. I really have learned alot about the intricacies of delivering a speech just by listening to others speeches and hearing their feedback.

It was fun to see everyone having such a good time today. Everyone is really excited to be done, including me. This semester has flown by though. It really has been such a fast 2 years.

On a lighter note, what the fuck is this Thong law. This is the most ridiculous thing that I have ever heard. Really. It cant be constitutional to pass a law like this. Some uptight conservative prick thinks the world will be a better place if you cant see a girls thong? Come on, honestly. Thats about all I have to say tonight.
So I decided not to give my speech again today. I figured that we really didnt need the help and I really just wasnt in the mood to do it. Sorry everyone. I know everyone feels like they missed out. ha. I think that everyone's speeches got better though. I really have learned alot about the intricacies of delivering a speech just by listening to others speeches and hearing their feedback.

Sunday, May 02, 2004

I am working right now on my delivery of my speech. I am trying to cut down on the content. It was way too long the first time that I went. It was almost 6 and a half minutes, so I definitely need to figure something out. It is really hard to decide what I should keep or not. We will see how it goes tomorrow I guess if I decide to redo it.

I have to say that the party that Jordan is talking about sounds pretty sweet. Everyone will need a little release. Plus no one has class on tuesday. Gotta take advantage of the last week of college before I head home for the summer. On that note, I am out.

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Not too much to say today. I have been really busy with everything. Man do I have a lot to do in the next week. Insanity. So, I think that my speech went pretty well today. Other than some minor stumbles, I think overall it went smoothly. I was happy with the way that our speech turned out. I just cant wait to laugh at myself when I see myself on camera. haha. It is always an embarassing situation to see myself like that. I dont know if that is just me or if it is like that for everyone. Hopefully I will not have to redo the speech and I can just focus on finishing my last blog posting for the semester. I hope everyone has a great thursday.

Tuesday, April 27, 2004

Is anyone else playing IM softball? My team has only actually played one game and we have been scheduled to play like 5. We went down today because we were supposed to have our first playoff game but it turned out that they moved back the games to thursday without notifying us. It will be difficult now to even finish the tournament before school is over. Its been really shitty. Oh well.

I cant believe how crazy these last two weeks are for everyone. It is really crazy. I mean people are up all night doing work and running around from the libarary to group meetings to various other things they have to do. Everyone is just a little on edge and super stressed out. Not to mention that everyone is just ready to be done and have some time away from school. It is really a frantic time in the life of a college student.

I just have to mention that Ivan's story is absolutely hilarious. I could definitely see that being a... um... eye-opening experience. Maybe since, I will be living in crawford as a JUNIOR next year, i will have the privilege of experiencing some awkward situation like this in the community bathroom. Thats all for tonight.

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Hello to everyone in the blogosphere. Well I just got done with another long Wednesday and I am so glad that it is over with. Cant wait for school to be out. I am just getting really anxious to be home and make some money and not have to go to class everyday. Plus I am excited to go to Chile. It should be great.

I think that my speech went pretty well today. Although my stuffy nose made it quite difficult to annunciate my words. haha. It all sounded like a nasally mess to me. I just need to read it over more and get accustomed with the text. That should help alot. Well check out my fellow group member, Jordan and his blog. Enjoy.

Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Not too much to say today. I am not feeling too hot. I think I am coming down with something. I have an incredible amount of work to do as I am sure everyone else on this campus does also. It really is a stressful time for everyone involved. Professors and students alike. I was extremely dissapointed because my IM softball game got cancelled today. I was looking forward to playing. And on the topic of me having so much work to do, my roommate and I played virtual pool on the computer for hours and it was great. haha. Gotta love college. Thats all folks!

Monday, April 19, 2004

I have been real bad about my blogging lately so I am going to try and blog something everyday now because I know you are all so interested to hear what I have to say. I think I have been out of the loop because my newsfeeds are not working for some reason. I haven't been able to read anyone's blogs so I am really not into the new topics or anything. So I guess I will just wing it and see what comes.

I think the speeches went rather well today considering it ws just the first run through of it. Everyone seemed like they worked hard on the language and construction of their speeches. I think that I will have to read through mine a few more times before I feel more comfortable with it after watching some other speeches today.

In other news, I am so excited about playing IM softball. We had our first game yesterday and have another game tomorrow. It is just fun to get out there and be active. Not that I am not already, but I missed baseball a bit. I haven't played since highschool. I hope that we will do well. Yeah well I guess thats about all for today. Hope everyone is hangin in there.

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