Advertising 2-3:15

Thurs., February 27

We went to the Photoshop lab and worked on a print ad:

Download this folder to the desktop.

The assignment is to read the chapter on writing.  Do the outline as we have in the past.

Tues., February 25

The Tower adviser and editor came to talk to us today about the importance of The Tower and its support.

Students handed in their outlines.

On Thursday we will work on actually laying out an ad using Photoshop or Gimp.

Business & Prof'l Communication 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 27

Students went to individual rooms to practice. The instructor distributed a rubric.



Tues., February 25

Students worked in their groups on their presentations.

At the end of the class, the instructor said she would bring the rubric on Thursday. On Thursday, it is suggested that students practice their presentation . The instructor located numerous classrooms that will be available on Friday. The instructor said she would like to see a clip of the practice session and would also like to know the length of each student's presentation. This is not required of all students, however, as some groups are going after spring break.

On the day of presentation, students should bring one outline for the presentation and a summary of who produced the graphic illustrations and what software was used to produce them.

Our next presentation will be the sales presentation and projected dates are April 1, 3 & 8. Students may begin reading the chapter on sales presentations.

ENG 102 Writing & Research, 1:25 & 3:35

Wed., Feb. 26, 2014:

1:25 and 3:35

We discussed the play that we are attending tomorrow night. No class on Friday because of attending the play. The instructor had students read the sample drama paper that is posted in the links section at right,

We corrected the Works Cited page and handed it in.

We discussed the month-end grade, which we will do on Monday, Mar 3. Instructor is designing a worksheet.

Soon we will discuss writing summary and paraphrase (discussed in reading).

Lester Ch. 8, "Writing Effective Notes."




Mon., Feb. 24, 2014

1:25 and 3:35:

At our last class on Fri., Feb. 21, we visited the hard copy reference section of the library. Students were supposed to find a source there and write a citation on their table.

Today in class the instructor discussed two areas:

1. Setting up the Works Cited page (handout)
2. How to do internal text citations (handout)

Assignment:

Write the 5-6 sources you have done on the table as correct citations and in the format for which you received the handout in class.  Bring a perfect copy to class on Wed.  Check citations for models at writershelp.com before handing in.

Public Speaking 129 11:15 & 5:15 p.m.

Comments for all demonstration speeches.
Table of speakers/dates/topics
           
Fri., Feb. 28, 11:15 a.m.

Three students gave their speeches today:  Ariannis, Joel, and Gerry.




Wed., Feb. 26, 11:15 a.m.:

We went over feedback on speech outlines that were returned today.

Students volunteered for speech dates and the dates/speakers/topics were put on a table. Students who were not in class should be prepared to go on Monday, March 4.

Mon., Feb. 24, 11:15 a.m.:

We practiced speaking with a note card that held the screen content. The purpose was to give the speaker experience in knowing the content on the card/screen was identical so the speaker could subsequently maintain better eye contact with the audience.

The instructor reviewed three outlines for the speakers who are going Friday.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26,  we will write the introduction and conclusion of the body outlines that were turned in last Friday, Feb., 21.

Reading:  Introductions:  184-93

Mon., Feb. 24, 5:15 p.m.

Link to Powerpoint for assignment on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

We began the class with the assignment of a class activity for the upcoming Wed. class. Students will take one screen from the above .ppt and and produce it via the Powerpoint/Word method shown in class. The printout must be attached to card stock.

The instructor returned feedback from the introductory speeches.

In the last section of class,we discussed documentation systems. The instructor paired up students who have had experience with the system with those who have not. We will work with these small group teams in the future to do the documentation necessary for the informative and persuasive speeches.

She explained the Works Cited page.

At our next class, the outlines that students submitted will be returned with feedback. We will do the speaking exercise. There will be two handouts for the Works Cited section of the class ..

Public Speaking 129

5:15 MW class:

Wed., Feb.19

We heard a few new intros.

We did topic selection by breaking into small groups. Each person received their topic for the demonstration speech. Next we worked on the outline.

Students are to finish their outlines, type them and bring them to the next class.

Mon., Feb. 17:  Holiday




11:15 a.m. MWF class:

Fri., Feb. 21:

The instructor handed out some .ppt screens for an exercise we are doing next week. Each student is to look at the screen and speak from the card. The screen will have the same content as the card. Students are permitted to glance at the screen but the point of the exercise is to maintain eye contact with the audience. We will go by number of the screen.

In addition, the instructor looked at the outlines and critiqued a few in class. All outlines handed in today will be critiqued and returned next week.

We went over a handout for Microsoft 2010's process of making screen handouts. It is slightly different in 2013. We adjusted the handout as we worked through it on the screen.


Wed., Feb. 19

We matched up topics with students. Every student now has a topic.

We began work on the outline and did it through the first three points. Students are to write their three "how-to" points and bring it in on Friday. The instructor will look them over and return them on Monday,.

We will start speeches on February 28. Three students volunteered to go on that date:  Gerry, Arrianis, and Kyle.

To do for next class:

Write a 1-2 page outline of the how-to points of your speech. Bring it in on Friday for instructor feedback.

1:25 & 3:35 English Classes

Our date for the library was not approved. It was re-scheduled for February 21.

Go to our regular classroom for today.

Advertising

Tues., Feb. 18

Most students were able to make it, surprisingly. There were quite a few lates.

We discussed the ad sale project. First, however, we looked at The Tower, which has just come out. The instructor recommended that students read it so they know what the product is about in case someone asks about it when they are trying to sell their ad.

We then went through the class and each student told what account they were going to work on .

The instructor finished the last few screens on the Powerpoint about layout.

She advised students that the Tower editors and adviser will be talking to the class next Tues., Feb. 25.

She assigned students the photograph resizing assignment found in the Links section at right.

Assignment:

How to Resize a Photo

Images:

Cherries

Tree tomato

Pineapple

Business & Professional Communication

Thurs., Feb. 20

The instructor returned student outlines and we chose presentation dates.

Students were in their groups and the instructor worked with each group on what the students might choose for the two graphics that are required for the presentation. She also advised on the outlines.

The students requested that we use class time to work on the group presentations, so that is what we will be doing for the next two classes prior to the presentation dates.

The dates are on a table at the Links Section at right.

To Do for Next Class

Read all parts of the chapter on technical presentations that were not previously assigned.

Continue to work on outlines and the graphics for your speeches.





Tues., Feb. 18

The instructor handed out instructions for how to print out screens from a Powerpoint. The recommended method is to use the Word program to assist because it gives more control over formatting.

She passed out index cards for students to tape their screen on. Then students had a chance to review their screen. The objective was to be able to deliver their material without looking at the screen and to maintain eye contact with the audience.

We will finish the exercise on Thursday.

We will also deal with the outlines on Thursday.

Sebastian is checking out Google's presentation program for how to do this.

2/18 Note to students

Feb. 18

I am leaving with about 40" to spare to account for slowness due to road conditions.

I am posting this because in the event I not get there on time, you at least know I should be arriving.

Notice to 1:25 ENG 102

I am leaving at 12:30 and hope there are no problems getting there.

See you at 1:25 p.m.

Snow Movie

Here's a movie taken this morning of the street they always close when it gets snowy or icy. They haven't closed it down yet. I am close to Eagle Rock, the cliff-like area people go to see the NYC skyline. 

This is one block from my house and I can't even get to it by car because the private road hasn't been plowed yet. At about the .13 point is a guy who gets out of his car. I can't figure out what is on the street. Did part of his fender fall off?  Trash can roll into the street?  Don't know.

At the yellow diamond-shaped sign is where I turn to go back into the mountain on the private road that leads to my house--the road I have to pay to have plowed. :(

Notice how the vehicles are going very slowly up the mountain. It takes only one to slip and slide and then everyone gets stuck because they lose traction. That's why they shut it off.

This clip was taken about 8:30 a.m.

Advertising 2 p.m.

Tues., Feb. 11:

The instructor picked up layout chapter outlines. People whose book has not arrived will be able to turn their outline in after they get the book.

We discussed layouts and how they develop. The instructor put several layouts on the overhead projector to show students how they progress from thought to final form.

She also showed examples of layouts that are meant not to be read in order to trick the reader.

In the last half hour of class, we looked at a Powerpoint that showed Center of Visual Impact/Interest (CVI) and how there is only one CVI. Then we looked at examples of web pages that did not carry this off correctly. The Powerpoint discussed how eye tracking technology shows where the eye goes on an ad and how much time is spent on various elements of the ad (headline, etc.).

We discussed the phenomena of "Dumb Starbucks" and how they are using fair use to avoid litigation. Story on Dumb Starbucks, which is doing very well with $$$.

To do for next class:

We will finish the .ppt and discuss an ad layout for a potential client. Students are to visit the web page of their potential client for ideas on what might be appropriate for an ad.

Business & Professional Communication 12:30 p.m.

Tues., Feb. 11


We switched from research discussions to presentation. We reviewed presentation issues by going through a handout "The Quick Guide to Public Speaking." It was intended to review the points of public speaking that students have learned thus far.

Introduction speech feedback forms were returned.

Students turned in the point they wrote for the body of the presentation  for the technical speech. They were turned in as a group.

To do for next class:

Read:  "Understanding Your Nervousness," 10-17.

If we don't have another snowstorm, we will do an exercise in class where we practice focusing eye contact on the audience while talking about function in a technical illustration.

ENG 102, 1:25 & 3:35 p.m.

Fri., Feb. 14

The instructor provided students with feedback on their research paper topics, along with a source to get started.

For students whose topic was not approved, she went over a list of topics (see Links section at right).

Then we went over the ebrary book citation and corrected it in class.  Students are to bring both a magazine and newspaper source for their topic to the next class. This is in the form of an entry on the table (table was handed out in class but see previous post for link to download and print out a copy if you didn't get one in class).

To all students:  The links below are where students can go to record their research paper topic.  All topics must be approved by the instructor. If a student does not have a topic, they can look at the topics list prepared by the instructor. It is under the "Links" section.


Topics list for 1:25 class
Note:  a few class members will receive hard copies for their topic. If your name is not listed on the table, you will be receiving a hard copy.

Topics list for 3:35 class

Wed., Feb. 13:

Both 1:25 and 3:35 classes:

We played the drama game Q-Z.

The instructor handed out a table of sources to fill out in preparation for the research paper. We went over how to do a book using writershelp. Students who have not purchased writershelp should do so now, as you will be getting a list of exercises to do by date. Doing the exercises is essential to obtaining a passable grade in the class.

Just a little "aside" there. I hope it wasn't a soliloquy.

Students are to research an online book using the library's ebrary or Ebsco library, found in the databases at the library's web site. This should be written in the fourth column over on the handout, "Notes Converted to...." Also fill out the fifth column about where you obtained the source (which database).

Students who were not in class should do this assignment. The form needed is the first one on the Links section and the task only requires one to locate the ebrary in the databases at the library's web site.


Mon., Feb. 10:

Both 1:25 and 3:35 classes:

Students turned in 2 ideas for the research paper. The instructor will review and either OK or suggest new topic.

We played the drama game A-P.

We discussed a possible snowstorm that is predicted for Thursday. If this happens, we will simply change the date for the performance.  We would have class on Friday if the school is open.

To do for next class:

Study terms Q-Z. See drama glossary link at right.

Public Speaking 129

This post covers the 11:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. classes:


Feb. 12, 11:15 a.m.

The demonstration speech outline was completed and we also went over the topics people wanted to hear about. The top areas were gun-shooting and tattoos.

We had a few student introductions.

On Friday we will narrow down the topics but most students know which topic they submitted that is on the list, so they can get started on their outlines. We will work to find a topic for students whose topic did not make it to the top part of the list.

We will also discuss material from the reading on "targeting your audience."

Feb. 12, 5:15 p.m.

The instructor began the class with a discussion of the academic databases and the nature of academic research. She covered how the peer-review system works and we then went over a few of the academic databases such as LION, Lexis Nexis, and CQ (Congressional Quarterly).

We then had student introductions and worked on learning students' names.

In the final portion of the class, we watched "Death by Powerpoint," which tells how one go a little too far with Powerpoint.

There are two readings to be working on:
Read:  "Understanding Your Nervousness," 10-17.
and Ch. 4, Analyzing Your Audience, 79-84 (download book to read this one).
Students are also to think about a skill they have that can be a topic for the demonstration speech.


Feb. 10, 11:15 a.m.

The instructor passed out the feedback from the recent introduction speech. We went over five points from the "Quick Guide to Public Speaking."

The instructor will do the poll and email it to students. Students will take the poll online and this will help with targeting our topics for the demonstration speech.

We did not get to finish the demonstration speech outline.

Reading from book:

Ch. 4, Analyzing Your Audience, 79-84

Feb. 10, 5:15 p.m.

We read the syllabus in class. We discussed the book. The ISBN to order a hard copy is:
9780205784622

The instructor showed students around her blog.

The instructor passed out the assignment for the introduction speech. Students interviewed each other for content for the speech which will be given on Wednesday (3-4" speech).

The instructor told students what the grading criteria was. She also showed them what a good outline looks like.

The following criteria will count for the grade:

1. Does the introduction grab the listener's attention?
2. Did the speakers put their names on the board?
3. Is the delivery smooth through the use of transitions?
4. Does the speaker maintain eye contact with all sides of the room?
5. Does the speaker use index card(s)?
6. Does the speaker enunciate clearly and project so that the audience can hear?
7. Is the outline organized?
8. Is the outline double-spaced?
9. Does the outline have the title " ____ introducing ____?"
10. Does the speaker repeat the colleague's name in the conclusion?

To do for next class:

Write the outline and practice the speech.

ENG 102 Writing & Research 1:25 & 3:35

Choose teams.

Sample Drama Game

Discuss research paper topics and put up form.

Public Speaking 129 11:15-12:10

It should be noted that this was a week where we lost two days of class (Febr. 3 & 5) due to snow cancellations.

Friday, Febr. 7:

We went over two areas:  1) Communications apprehension over giving a speech; 2) Demonstration speech outline.

We talked briefly about the topics. Robert and Quema are going to transcribe the list on the board and send to the instructor who will put on a poll and mail out to students. Students will vote on the topics and the poll will tell us what the most popular topics are. We will then narrow down topics based on this information.

The instructor put up a chapter excerpt from the book on the overhead projector and we talked about three techniques to control speech anxiety:

1) transmute the energy from "nervousness" to "excitement" over the speech

2) preparation and sample practicing on one's own during waiting time or driving time; then practicing on friends and family in the form of a conversation

3) sound preparation. Begin the preparation early so there is ample time to practice and be comfortable with the topic.

To do for next week:

1) vote on the topics once you get the email for the poll
2) if the selection on speech anxiety has not been completed, please read it (see previous posts for this class)

On Monday students will receive their speech evaluation and grade. We will discuss areas to work on based on this evaluation.   We will finalize our demonstration speech topics and finish going over the demonstration outline.

Advertising

Thurs., Feb. 6

Instructor picked up completed layout assignments.

Potential clients for The Tower were discussed. Contact sheets for possible clients were distributed and each student took one or two. The information has to be recorded and the contact sheet returned to the instructor at a future class.

We watched about five Superbowl commercials.

Assignment:

Based on client selection discussion, think of a concept for an that would be success for this client in The Tower.  Instructor will provide ad sizes.

If you have not downloaded Gimp, please do so, as we will be using it to put together our print ad.

Read Ch. 8 and record the most important point of each paragraph (excluding the first paragraph and the Briefcase). This outline will be due on Tuesday, Febr. 11.




Tues., Feb. 4

The handout for next phase of layout assignment was to show how to do the graphic layout. We went through the handout and looked at various ads on the overhead projector.

We did a little additional work with the font ruler using a handout that explained picas, etc.

We did not get to watch the best Superbowl commercials because we ran out of time, but we may be able to do this at the next class.

Instructor checked in receipts for book.

To do for next class:

Read layout chapter in book (Ch. 8)

Think of potential client. The instructor will bring a file of potential clients to the next class.

Business & Prof'l Comm

First we talked about the research students did for the technology for which they are writing their presentation.

We then discussed technology that would assist in the making of the graphic for the presentation. This graphic can be a flow chart or an animated version of how something works. The instructor had software suggestions, but also asked students for their input. Together we came up with:

Instagram, Vimeo, Vine, GIMP, Photoshop, Photoshop Motion (for openings and closings, such as a youtube video), and Google Sketchup (changed to "Drawing").

In the last part of the class, the instructor distributed outlines for two communications procedures:  The Basic Principles and Taking on a New Assignment. We went through New Assignment but will discuss Basic Principles at the next class.

To Do for Next Class:

-get the name of the technology
-leaders in the field (Hoover's)
-find out about press releases and company report--where these companies are going?

Rough draft of outline: each person does one point.

Note:  students in the red light camera group should read this article.
(added Febr. 8, 3:40 p.m.)

At our next class (Feb. 11) , students will get their outlines and speech evaluations from the introductory speeches back. We will use them to go through some points on another handout entitled "Quick Guide to Public Speaking."

We will also get some material from which to practice speaking to the audience while a graphic is on the overhead. The objective is to maintain eye contact with the audience. This exercise will be performed on Feb. 13.

A reading on overcoming speech anxiety will be assigned:
Read:  "Understanding Your Nervousness," 10-17. (Feb. 11).


Tues., Feb. 4:

We read the new assignment and brainstormed technologies for the presentations. We broke into groups of three each based on interest in the technology.  We went through sections of the book to decided what format (cause-effect. chronological, etc.) was appropriate. We also went through another section of the book to review such parts of the presentation as definitions.

We discussed the graphic that will be required for the presentation.

To do for next class:

Read the two sections of the book discussed in class (pages 128-31 and 173-80). Find three sources for the technology that was chosen today.

128-31 is on "Structure the Main Ideas of the Body of the Speech" (chronological structure, spatial structure, etc.) and ends right before the example of the sample speech outline, Section 7:3.

173-80 is "Overcoming Obstacles to Shared Meaning" through the end of Figure 9.2.

February 3 Snow Day

Yippee!!

A few minutes ago, the black topiary stand on the right was full of fluffy little birds waiting to fly up to the bird seeder (which is to the right and unseen).

ENG 102 1:25 & 3:35

Friday, Feb. 7

1:25 and 3:35 classes:

We chose teams and played the sample drama game

Students are to bring in two ideas for the research paper.

Students turned in outlines

Note to instructor:  is at Dropbox under "Sample Drama Terms..."