Espresso Blog

Challenge #10

2020-07-06T04:07:00.000-07:00

Hello there! It is time for the last challenge #10.

And my final challenge is called "Find 5 penpals and learn as much information as possible about them"

This challenge was supposed to be the most difficult.
But when I set about fulfilling it, I did not experience any difficulties and, most importantly, no fear.

Is it a success?
Yes of course.

So, I’ll tell you how it was.
Firstly, I registered on the InterPals platform

InterPals is a friendly community of over 5 million friends, language learners, travelers and penpals.

After about 2 days, I met Michelle. She is from Melbourne. She is currently studying as a video game designer. And she loves sweets just like me.

Then I met Veris. He lives in Madrid. He raps and dances well. You won't get bored with him, he can always cheer you up. He is also a very handsome and sweet guy.

Next was Pauline. She lives in Poland, but is fluent in English. She is humble. We have different interests with her. She likes to watch anime, but I do not. She likes to sleep a lot, but I do not. Therefore, our communication was not long.

I also met Alfred, he is from Dusseldorf. And Jonathan. He is from London.

That's all I could find out about them, because they were very rarely online.

This challenge did not cause me feelings of anxiety or fear. But it caused a bunch of positive emotions !!! I have penpals. It's great!

Анкета "Ваш уровень ораторского мастерства"

2020-06-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

The next task for today is to do a questionnaire that we did at the beginning of the course and compare our results.

Следующая анкета поможет Вам идентифицировать особенности Вашего стиля общения с аудиторией, помогающие или мешающие Вам донести свои идеи до слушателей.

Задание. Вспомните те случаи из вашей жизни, когда вы успешно выступили перед собравшейся аудиторией. Представьте эти ситуации и прокомментируйте каждое из приведённых ниже утверждений как "да" "нет", "иногда".

Утверждение	Ответ
1. Во время выступления я обычно стараюсь «публично мыслить», чтобы слушатели следили за ходом моих рассуждений.	Иногда
2. В своих выступлениях я, как правило, сопоставляю противоположные точки зрения, факты, концепции.	Да
3. В процессе аргументации я обычно ввожу заведомо абсурдное утверждение, приписав его реальному или возможному оппоненту.	Нет
4. Я часто применяю проблемную подачу тезиса, например, в форме вопроса.	Нет
5. Для выступления я выбираю наиболее убедительные и красноречивые аргументы, отбрасывая все менее значительное (оптимальное количество аргументов равно 3).	Иногда
6. Когда я хочу донести свои идеи до слушателей, я свято верю в них сам.	Да
7. С самого начала я завоёвываю доверие аудитории.	Да
8. Во время выступления я чувствую лёгкое волнение и энтузиазм.	Да
9. Для того, чтобы вызвать эмоциональное сопереживание аудитории, я провожу анализ материальных и духовных интересов слушателей.	Нет
10. Я чётко ориентируюсь в системе ценностей конкретной аудитории и апеллирую только к весомым для неё ценностям.	Да
11. Начиная своё выступление, я использую зачин ("крючок") для актуализации внимания аудитории.	Да
12. Уже во вступлении я чётко формулирую основную мысль (тезис) моего выступления.	Да
13. В течение всего выступления я несколько раз повторяю тезис (основную мысль).	Да
14. Во вступлении я отвечаю на немой вопрос слушателей "А какое отношение это имеет ко мне?"	Нет
15. В выступлениях на историческую или биографическую тематику я последовательно перехожу от одной микротемы к другой.	Да
16. С целью активизации мыслительной деятельности слушателей я использую проблемную постановку вопроса.	Да
17. В положительно настроенной аудитории я приберегаю самый сильный и веский аргумент напоследок.	Нет
18. В заключении я чётко обобщаю всё вышесказанное.	Да
19. В заключительных словах моего выступления я эмоционально обращаюсь к аудитории.	Да
20. Я связываю конец моего выступления с началом.	Да
21. При перечислении фактов я использую слова-организаторы: во-первых, во-вторых и т.д..	Да
22. В начале своей речи я использую клише типа "для начала".	Да
23. В конце выступления я использую выражения типа "подводя итоги...", "суммируя вышесказанное..." и т.д.	Да
24. В начале моего выступления я называю основные положения, которые я собираюсь развивать в основной части моего доклада.	Да
25. В заключительной части моего выступления я ещё раз перечисляю основные положения моего доклада.	Да
26. Если моё выступление является частью серии выступлений по одной теме, то я делаю ссылки на свои предыдущие выступления.	Да
27. Если я собираюсь выступить по этой же теме ещё раз, то я непременно упомяну об этом в своём выступлении.	Да
28. В своей речи я прибегаю к различным повторам (тождественным, синонимическим, перифрастическим).	Нет
29. Во время выступления я пользуюсь выражениями типа "как мы знаем", "как мы помним", "что мы знаем" и т.д.	Да
30. Во время выступления я пользуюсь выражениями типа "забегая вперёд, скажу", "как будет указано далее" и т.д.	Иногда
31. Когда я выступаю перед аудиторией, я поддерживаю зрительный контакт со слушателями.	Иногда
32. Во время выступления выражение моего лица меняется в зависимости от эмоциональной насыщенности доклада.	Да
33. Я использую жесты для иллюстрации моих мыслей.	Да
34. Во время выступления я меняю положение моего тела в соответствии с тем, что говорю (я могу потянуться, сесть, нагнуться, повернуться к залу спиной и т.д.).	Да
35. Во время выступления я двигаюсь по сцене.	Иногда
36. Если я перехожу от одной подтемы моего выступления к другой, я меняю положение моего тела или своё месторасположение по отношению к аудитории.	Да
37. Если я хочу привлечь внимание аудитории к какому-либо предмету, находящемуся в зале, я использую указательный жест.	Да
38. Если я хочу активизировать внимание аудитории, я "иду в массы".	Иногда
39. Перед началом выступления я делаю паузу и, улыбаясь, окидываю взглядом слушателей, если это не противоречит теме моего доклада.	Да
40. Общаясь с аудиторией, я сохраняю "открытую" позу.	Иногда
41. Я моделирую громкость голоса в зависимости от количества слушателей.	Да
42. Я принимаю во внимание темп моей речи. Он не должен превышать 120 слов в минуту.	Да
43. Я замедляю темп речи на важных моментах своего выступления.	Да
44. Ключевые положения выступления я выделяю голосом.	Да
45. Для активизации внимания зала я варьирую свои голосовые параметры.	Да
46. Я могу говорить в разных голосовых регистрах с одинаковой лёгкостью.	Да
47. Если я хочу привлечь внимание аудитории, я делаю паузу.	Да
48. Перед тем как сформулировать тезис, я обязательно сделаю паузу.	Да
49. Я чётко артикулирую слова своего выступления, не позволяю себе проглатывать части слов.	Да
50. Если я замечаю, что слушатели начинают отвлекаться, я могу понизить громкость моего голоса с целью восстановления их внимания.	Иногда
51. Для подтверждения высказанных теоретических положений я привожу фактический материал.	Да
52. В целях экономии времени в течение выступления я подбираю яркие факты, которые могут заменить часть рассуждений.	Да
53. Я подбираю фактический материал таким образом, чтобы он был близок и понятен слушателям, соотносился с их образовательным уровнем и интересами.	Да
54. Я использую примеры из личной жизни, чтобы вызвать эмоциональное сопереживание аудитории.	Да
55. В своих выступлениях я избегаю таких общих фраз, как "некоторое количество", "очень многие учёные", "большая сумма".	ДА
56. Я всегда использую цифровой материал в сравнении, в сопоставлении с прошлым или планируемым.	Нет
57. В ходе выступления я не использую более трёх цифр подряд без применения наглядных пособий.	Да
58. Если я хочу раскрыть динамику анализируемого явления, то я использую график или диаграмму.	Иногда
59. Для того, чтобы цифры лучше воспринимать на слух, я их округляю.	Да
60. В выступлении я "рисую" словесные картины, чтобы аудитория не только слышала, но и "видела", как разворачиваются перед их мысленными взорами положения моей речи. Для этого я использую такие фразы, как "представьте себе, что у вас...", "предположим, что вы..." и т.д.	Да

Общая сумма ответов да/нет/иногда:

44/6/9

Интерпретация результатов: Добавьте 2 балла за каждый ответ "да", 1 балл за каждый ответ "иногда", 0 баллов за каждый ответ "нет". Подсчитайте общую сумму баллов для всей анкеты.

Общая сумма - 103 балла.

120-100 баллов. В Вашем стиле общения больше позитивных, чем негативных моментов, и в любых ситуациях у Вас возникает немного проблем при изложении своих мыслей. Используйте рассмотренные в книге приемы для совершенствования своих и так превышающих средний уровень навыков.

So, as you can see, my result become higher than it was at the beginning. Of course! But how could it be otherwise? After all, me, my classmates and my teacher did a great job !!! Thanks a lot! My life will not be the same after this course! I am full of inspiration and motivation.

And of course, not rest on your laurels, please.

Challenge #9

2020-06-15T08:35:00.001-07:00

Hello, my readers!!!!

Our course of Oral Speech comes to an end...and it is the last challenge...I'm sad. And you?

I'll try to lift your spirits. Because my last challenge was interesting...it was fail, but it was great experience. And I promise right now that I will definitely achieve the result that I expected from this challenge.

So, my last challenge wad called "Conduct a live broadcast on Instagram"

But I want to begin with the quote by Richard Branson

“Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”

This quote motivates me to complete my goals despite the setbacks.

So it was this time.
My challenge seems to be simple, but it’s not at all.
Conducting a live broadcast successfully with a large number of viewers is difficult.
At first I thought that I just start the broadcast and I will wait for my friends and acquaintances to connect and we will chat. But after 30 minutes 5 people went in, who after about 5 minutes left the broadcast.
It was a shame.
I realized that I won’t talk to myself, I’m not crazy.
And I completed the broadcast and with a sad mood went to do other things.
But this thought haunted me. Then I began to think how to interest people.

So there were a lot of ideas in my head. But I chose the simplest.
To begin with, a couple of days before the broadcast, I reminded friends on Instagram that 13. 06. there will be a live broadcast on the topic “Coronavirus true or false” (Yes, yes, this is the most discussed topic now), then I did some research and gathered some facts from the Internet. And then came the hour of live broadcast and "Hurray! SUCCESS!"
The live broadcast was very interesting and invigorating, I may say. There were about 50 viewers! And you know what is most important? The most important thing is that I was inspired and I want to carry out more such broadcasts.
The fear is gone. I have succeeded. That's all!

Useful YouTube channel!

2020-06-08T00:00:00.001-07:00

So, today I also want to share with you, my readers, a fantastic, beautiful, useful, devastating and so on, YouTube channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBYFP4mZLQovr7W6Si6sueA/featured

This channel calls MasterTalk, its creator is Brandon.

MasterTalk has one unique goal - to overcome your fear of public speaking so that you can use your voice to better communicate your ideas to the world. - it's the one reason why you should to use it.

The second reason is that Brandon explains the material very accessible and understandable way.

And the last one is that his channel contains a lot of information, that can really helps you to overcome your fear and to do your speech powerful.

Challenge #8

2020-06-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody! It's time to the Challenge #8!!!!

So, it called "Order food delivery and chat with the courier about different topics". How it was?

The other day I found the great quotation:

«Success is the child of audacity» by Benjamin Disraeli

With each new challenge it becomes easier for me to overcome them. I no longer think: is it worth to do it? what will happen if? and etc.
I just do it.
And so it happened this time.
But today the story will be told by the story participant (the courier)

"I am a courier. And this is another delivery of the day. Thank God I don’t have to go so far.
So when I arrived, a friendly girl met me and invited me into the house. She seemed to jump from happiness when she saw me. And she exclaimed: "Oh miracle! You are a girl!" That was weird.
After she paid, she suddenly asked me a question: "Tell me about the restaurant you work in, please?"
It seemed to me veeery strange. Maybe she just has no one to talk to?
After a while, we talked about different topics. It was not a long conversation, because I had many more orders. But we managed to talk on such topics as: favorite food, favorite job, salary, current situation in the world (coronavirus). It was a wonderful.
I thanked her for the order and left her house in a good mood for continuating work! Thanks her for this."

Frankly speaking, it was easy for me. I don’t know, maybe the person was talkative and easy to talk to.

But no.
I know.
I have overcome many fears and I am on the right way. I proud myself!

And remember :

«The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence». (Confucius)

The last performance fron our group!

2020-06-07T22:02:00.001-07:00

Hello there! On this week, it was the last performace of informative speech. The speaker was Anna. She sent us the script and the presentation of her speech.

1. Introduction: ( 10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the introduction? The speaker used the technique "Giving a quotation" and also she used a rhetorical questions.

· Any link-element? Yes. "The ability to persuade is an art that can be developed. Persuasive speech, if ethically presented, will benefit both the presenter and the accepting audience. That is why a public speaker needs to advance their persuasive speaking skills in order to help the listeners accept an idea, an attitude, or an action presented."

· Was the thesis statement given? "This leads me to my thesis statement: The knowledge of certain influential techniques can significantly increase the chances that the audience will be persuaded by your speech."

· How effective was the introduction?

Very effective

10, 9, 8

Average

7, 6, 5

Not effective

4, 3, 2, 1

Max 10 pts

____10_____

2. Body: (10 points)

· How well structured was the information presented?

Highly organized

10, 9, 8

Some organized

7, 6, 5, 4

None

3, 2, 1

· What organizational structure was used in the body of the speech? The speaker used outlining. It was main headings, supporting materials and some details. Also the speech had a lot of transitions and signposts which showed how all the parts of speech fit together. Thanks for this! It was perfect!

· How understandable was the information (was it clearly explained)?

Very good

10, 9, 8

Had some problems

7, 6, 5, 4

Had major problems

3, 2, 1

· Quality of point-support (appropriateness, completeness, variety)

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5, 4

Almost no

3, 2, 1

· Use of facts, illustrations, examples, stories.

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5

None

4, 3, 2, 1

· Was it coherent?

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Max 10 pts

____10

3. Conclusion: (10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the conclusion? It was a quotation “Practice like you've never won. Perform like you've never lost.”

· Were all the steps followed (summary, action, emotional appeal?)

Summary: "To conclude, today we learned about the principles and two important aspects of persuasive speaking – the audience analysis and means of appealing to the audience."

Action: "Presenting your persuasive speech, appeal to the beliefs, morality and values of your listeners. Choose a topic you’re passionate about, connect with the audience and engage them in your thoughts and words."

Emotional appeal: "Believe in what you say and you will deliver a brilliant motivational speech. And don’t forget: the right word is a power - it can touch hearts, inspire minds or change lives.”"

· How effective was the conclusion?

Very effective 10, 9, 8	Average 7, 6, 5		Not effective 4, 3, 2, 1	Max 10 pts _____10
		Total points: 30	Given points: ____30

I want to thank Anna for her speech. It was powerful and clear enough.

Guy Fawkes Night!

2020-06-01T23:19:00.001-07:00

The final task for this week was to analyze one of the speeches given in our book. All of speeches were written by students of our faculty. I found it interesting. And I decided to read all the speeches.
But, I will analyze only one.

And I chose the speech 2.

Guy Fawkes Night.

Good morning, my fellow-students. We as the students of the faculty of foreign languages should know more about English traditions and history. Let's expand our knowledge with one more tradition of London city. As we know British nation is considered to be the most conservative in Europe. Englishmen are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. One of the most interesting traditional holidays, which is celebrated especially in London is Guy Fawkes Night. Guy Fawkes Night is kept alive because people remember and revere their history. It's like to tell you about this unusual holiday.

So, Guy Fawkes Night is annually held on the fifth of November. It is also known as Bonfire Night and it marks the anniversary of the discovery of a plot against the Houses of Parliament in London in 1605. The attack of the Houses of Parliament was planned by a group of Catholic conspirators, which included Guy Fawkes. The explosives would have been set off when King James I of England and many parliamentary members were in the building. The conspirators were later arrested, tortured and executed Hence many Catholics are more restrained in their celebration of this day.

Let's return to the present. What do people do nowadays during this day? Many people light bonfires and set off fireworks. As it is the end of autumn, it is the ideal opportunity to burn garden rubbish. Some light small bonfires in their own gardens, while others light larger ones in a communal space. Due to its proximity to Halloween, many people organize a combined party for Guy Fawkes Night and Halloween. These parties often include elements from both festival, such as a bonfire and dressing up in spooky outfits. Popular foods include toffee apples and potatoes baked in the ashes of the fire.

Guy Fawkes' Day is not a public holiday. Businesses, organizations and schools are opened as usual. Public transport services run to their normal timetables. Some organizations, communities and municipalities may organize public bonfires or displays of fireworks on or around the fifth of November. These tend to be very popular.

All in all, we spoke about a Guy Fawkes Day, one of the most bizarre holidays celebrated in London. In fact, there are a lot of holidays celebrated by Londoners. But if one day you visit London, don't miss Guy Fawkes festival to fell the spirit of English traditions and history.

1. Introduction:

· What technique(s) was used in the introduction? The author used a technique "Making references" This technique allows to be comfortable, congenial and conversational with the audience. It includes listeners in speaker's opening remarks.

· Any link-element? Yes,"Let's expand our knowledge with one more tradition of London city. As we know British nation is considered to be the most conservative in Europe. Englishmen are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. One of the most interesting traditional holidays, which is celebrated especially in London is Guy Fawkes Night. Guy Fawkes Night is kept alive because people remember and revere their history."

· Was the thesis statement given? Yes, "It's like to tell you about this unusual holiday."

But I'd add prewiew statement. It gives the audience an overview of the major areas that will be discussed. Today I will tell you about:

1. Origin and History

2. Celebrating and traditions

3. Public Life

2. Body:

What organizational structure was used in the body of the speech? The speaker used outlining. It was main headings, supporting materials. I want to say, that the speech had not any transitions and signposts. It is very importent to use them. Because they show how all the parts of speech fit together.I suggest to do it like this:

Firstly, I want to tell you about origin and history of Guy Fawkes Day.

The next and the most interesting part is about celebrating this Day.

Finally, I would like to mention that Guy Fawkes' Day is not a public holiday.

3. Conclusion:
Were all the steps followed (summary, action, emotional appeal?) Yes

Summary: All in all, we spoke about a Guy Fawkes Day, one of the most bizarre holidays celebrated in London. To conclude the speech effective, I suggest to summarize all statements that we've spoke:

Today we learned about the origin and history of Guy Fawkes Day, answered the question "What do people do on this day?" and indicated that this day is not a public day in London.

Action: In fact, there are a lot of holidays celebrated by Londoners. But if one day you visit London, don't miss Guy Fawkes festival to fell the spirit of English traditions and history.(Emotional appeal)

Draft of my persuasive speech #3

2020-06-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

The next task for today is to note nuclear tone, pauses, changes in the pace and pitch of the voice.

So, designations:

↗ - nuclear tone (rise)

↘ - nuclear tone (fall)

| - pauses

.... - fast pace

.... - slow pace

(h) - high pitch

(L) - low pitch

“↗Until we can manage | time (h),
↘we can manage | nothing else (L).”

↗Never is this truer than | when describing the importance (h) ↘of time management skills for people.

↗Effective time management doesn't mean doing ↗more (h) ↘things | or doing them ↗more quickly(h). ↗Effective time management means | ↗getting more (h) of the important work done ↘ in a day (L).
↗Good (h) time management leads to improved (h)efficiency and productivity, | less (h) stress, | and more (h) success ↘ in life.
↗Do you (h) ↘manage your time ↗wisely (h)? ↘Well (L),| ↗today | I introduce you some useful (h) tips:

↗Eliminate half-work and focus ↘ deeply.
↗Do the most important thing ↘ first.
↗Stick to your schedule and ↗build the habit, | ↗no matter how small (h) the accomplishment.

↗You start writing a ↘ report, | ↗but stop (h) randomly to check your phone for no (h) reason | ↘or to open up Instagram or Twitter.
↗Your mind wanders to your email inbox | ↘while you're on the phone (h) with someone.

↗Is it familiar to ↘you, | ↗right?
↘Regardless of ↗where and how | ↘you fall into the trap of ↗ half-work (h), | ↗ the result is always  ↘the same:
↘ First: | ↗ you're never (h) fully engaged in the task at hand
↘Second: ↗ you rarely commit to a task | ↘for extended periods of time
↗ And finally, | ↗it takes you twice (h) as long to accomplish half as much.

↗ The best way ↘to overcome it | ↗  is to block out (h) significant time | ↗ to focus on one (h) project
| and ↗  eliminate everything else:

↗ We carve out a few hours | ↘ (or even an entire work day)| ↗ to deep dive (h) on an important (h) ↘ project (L). ↘ We'll leave phone in another room (L) | ↗ and shut down (h) email,| ↗ Instagram,| ↗ and Twitter.

↗ This (H) | ↗  complete elimination of distractions | ↘  is the only(h) way | ↘to get into (h) deep, | ↘focused(h)work | and ↗   avoid fragmented sessions (h) | ↘ where you're merely doing half-work (L). ↗ How much more(h) could you achieve if you did the work you needed (h) to do, | the way you needed (H) to do it, | ↗  and eliminated the half-work (h), | ↗ half-wandering (h) |  ↘ that we fill most of our days with (L)?

↗   Disorder and chaos | ↘  tend to increase as your day goes on. ↘  At the same time, |↗  the decisions (h) and choices (h) | ↘  that you make throughout the day | ↗   tend to drain (h) your ↘  willpower. ↗   Right?
↘ So |↗    there is the next(h) useful (h) thing:
↗   If there is something important(h) | ↘that you need (h) to do, | ↘ then you do it first (h).
↗   If you do the most (h) important thing first (h), | ↘ then you’ll never (h) have a day | ↘ when you didn’t (h) get something important done. ↗   By following this(h) simple strategy, | ↗   you will usually end up having a productive (h) day, | ↘  even if everything doesn't (h)go to plan.

↗   The final (h) and the usefull (h) tip | ↘  is stick (h) to your schedule and build (h) the habit, | ↘  no matter how small (h) the accomplishment.

↗ When it comes to doing important work over the long–term (h), |↗following a schedule (h) | ↘ is much more effective.
↗  To counteract the unplanned (h) distractions |↘ that occur |↗ and overcome the tendency to be pulled off track (h), | ↘try to put the schedule first | ↘and not (h) the scope. ↗ Finish something today (h), | ↘ even if the scope (L) | ↗  is smaller (h) |  ↘  than you anticipated (L).

↘No matter what the circumstance(L), | ↗ you know you're going to finish today's (h) task. ↗  That's how | ↗ little (h)goals become lifetime(h) habits.

↗ Remember!!!!↗ Habits that are learned when young(h) | ↘ are hard (h) to change the older (L) you become.

↗ To sum up (h) | ↘ I want you (h) to understand| ↗ that each (h) of us has the same (h) 24 hours in a day (L), | ↘ but some (h) of us(L) manage to get more (h) accomplished| ↘ because we use time more (h)efficiently. ↗ This is the difference (h)between successful (h) and responsible (h) people| ↗ and others (L) | ↘ who don’t value time (L).
↗ As I said before | - ↗Good (h) time management leads to improved (h)efficiency and productivity, | ↗ less (h) stress, | and more (h) success ↘ in life.

↗ Once | ↘ William Penn said a magnificent words:

“↗ Time(h) | ↘ is what we want most(h), | ↗ but | ↘ what we use worst(h).”

Challenge #7

2020-06-01T00:27:00.002-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm still quarantined. Nothing changed.

It's time for challenge #7. I'm nearing the end ... and in the end what? That's right, the most difficult (morally) challenges. But I will not give up! I'll do everything!

Social networks. Do you maintain a profile on Instagram or Tik-Tok?

I am. But it's hard for me to show my life there.

It was hard ... until quarantine came.

I will explain. When the crash of quarantine came, I, of course, sat at home every day. And the time for social networks has become more. At first I watched how others do it. And then I realized that I also want and that this, as it turned out, was not so scary. Now more and more I show my life on Instagram.

So my challenge #7 IS "Record a video with a recipe for any dish and share it on a social network (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, Tik-Tok)"

Frankly, it was not difficult for me. I already explained why above.

I would move this challenge to the top.

But still, I will tell you how it was.

I know a recipe for a miracle drink that will help in both heat and cold, and is also very healthy.

And I decided to share it with my friends on Instagram.

Firstly, I made a drink and showed it as a photo, and then I asked if my audience would like to know the recipe in order to taste it?

At that moment (at the moment of waiting for answers) I felt anxious and excited. There were thoughts in my head like “What if it’s not interesting to anyone ... what will they think ... and why am I doing this?”

But when I saw that most people want a recipe, I was very glad. With great pleasure, I rushed to the kitchen to record a video recipe.

And here is the recipe for you:

And in conclusion, I want to share with you magnificent words:

Social Psychology 13

2020-05-31T23:47:00.002-07:00

The Module 13 was about I-social formation and about socialization in general. I believe, this information is very relevant nowadays and therefore is very useful for everyone. But we had no test this time. Because....

This Module was the last in the course of Social Psychology. I really like the course! And I want to express my gratitude to the organizers, and Professor of Social Sciences Gulevich Olga Alexandrovna. Thank you for the really useful information that will help me in the community. And, of course, thanks my teacher for giving this platform. Because now we can to gain some knowledge online. It is a great!!!

The 13th performance from our group!

2020-05-31T23:25:00.002-07:00

The next speaker was Saiyyna Popova and she spoke about the methods that will help us to improve our skills of presenting informative speeches.

1. Introduction: ( 10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the introduction? The speaker used the technique "Asking a rhetorical questions"

· Any link-element? Yes. "Every day we share information with each other. It is one of the most widely used and important ways of communication. However, it is hardly possible to say that everybody knows how to present informative speeches efficiently and clearly."

· Was the thesis statement given? "And this leads to my thesis statement :Your goal is to give such informative speeches that all listeners would understand and become curious and interested about. You should share facts you have learned through experience, observation, listening and reading and show them in a new way. But most importantly, make sure that the audience will comprehend everything you speak about.

Today we are going to talk about the methods that will help you to improve your skills of presenting informative speeches"

· How effective was the introduction?

Very effective

10, 9, 8

Average

7, 6, 5

Not effective

4, 3, 2, 1

Max 10 pts

____6_____

2. Body: (10 points)

· How well structured was the information presented?

Highly organized

10, 9, 8

Some organized

7, 6, 5, 4

None

3, 2, 1

· How understandable was the information (was it clearly explained)?

Very good

10, 9, 8

Had some problems

7, 6, 5, 4

Had major problems

3, 2, 1

· Quality of point-support (appropriateness, completeness, variety)

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5, 4

Almost no

3, 2, 1

· Use of facts, illustrations, examples, stories.

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5

None

4, 3, 2, 1

· Was it coherent?

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Max 10 pts

____10

3. Conclusion: (10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the conclusion? It was a quotation “Practice like you've never won. Perform like you've never lost.”

· Were all the steps followed (summary, action, emotional appeal?)

Summary: "To sum it up, we talked about six techniques that let you create a successful informative speech."

Action: "When you provide listeners with information make them understand you. Always Follow this and you’ll get everyone become fascinated about your presentation."

Emotional appeal: "Always Follow this and you’ll get everyone become fascinated about your presentation. “Practice like you've never won. Perform like you've never lost.”"

· How effective was the conclusion?

Very effective 10, 9, 8	Average 7, 6, 5		Not effective 4, 3, 2, 1	Max 10 pts _____5
		Total points: 30	Given points: ____21

In the Restaurant !

2020-05-25T03:54:00.001-07:00

The next task for this week was to demonstrate one of the episodes from Rowan Atkinson - Going On Your First Date!

This is the original video:

I chose the scene "In the restaurant"
Look at what I did, it seems so funny to me. I tried so hard! 😂

Challenge #6

2020-05-25T02:42:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody!!! It is time for challenge #6!!! I'm in a good mood. But we are still on distance learning and it depresses. So, let's forget the bad stuff and start a new challenge! It called:

"Call a taxi and apologize for a fake call to a taxi driver"

Have you ever lied for the sake of kindness? I know one a qoute:

"- I never lie for the sake of kindness, he murmured, smiling. - One of my many flaws"

These words belong to Lisa Kleypas, she is one of the best-selling American author of historical and contemporary romance novels.

Do you agree with that? Early, I thought that I would never lie, even for the kindness..
But over time, life makes it clear that lying for kindness can sometimes help. As, for example, in my case.
So, I gained strength, thought that I would speak to a taxi driver. Then I doubted again: "Is it necessary?" I take myself up sharply. And finally, I called a taxi.
The driver was a man.
I dressed up. Do you know what was the main thing in clothes? It was as covered as possible. I put on a sweatshirt with a hood, black sunglasses and black protective mask.
I looked very strange. Imagine only.
Okay, the driver has arrived.
I went outside. I went to the car. I took a deep breath. I got into the car and immediately said, "Sorry, I won’t go. So, It happened. I am so sorry!"
I left him money for the trip, about 200 rubles. (Because it would not be good to leave a taxi driver without money, because it is his work for which I have to pay)
I got out of the car and ran home. Quickly. Very quickly.
As soon as I walked into the porch I screamed "yeah"
I screamed with joy.

I did it. I proud of myself! Do you proud of me? :) 😂
To lie for the sake of kindness is possible, but if you can to do something without a lie...please, do it.

And. please. remember:

The 11th and 12th performances from our group!

2020-05-25T00:48:00.002-07:00

So, in this week we had 2 performances and the theme was "Effective Speech Delivery. Kinesic Component". It consisted of 2 parts again. And the 1st part was presented by Alexandra. She spoke about:
1) Approaching the speaker’s platform;

2) Maintaining eye contact;

3) Good posture.

1. Introduction: ( 10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the introduction? The speaker used the technique "Giving a quotation" and and also she asked a rhetorical questions.

· Any link-element? Yes. "Through the use of eye contact, body posture, gestures, and facial display, you enhance your message and invite your audience to give their serious attention to it, and to you. You can control this visual factor by learning how to manage your body in front of the audience."

· Was the thesis statement given? Today we are going to talk about Approaching the speaker’s platform; Maintaining eye contact; Good posture.

· How effective was the introduction?

Very effective

10, 9, 8

Average

7, 6, 5

Not effective

4, 3, 2, 1

Max 10 pts

____9_____

2. Body: (10 points)

· How well structured was the information presented?

Highly organized

10, 9, 8

Some organized

7, 6, 5, 4

None

3, 2, 1

· How understandable was the information (was it clearly explained)?

Very good

10, 9, 8

Had some problems

7, 6, 5, 4

Had major problems

3, 2, 1

· Quality of point-support (appropriateness, completeness, variety)

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5, 4

Almost no

3, 2, 1

· Use of facts, illustrations, examples, stories.

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5

None

4, 3, 2, 1

· Was it coherent?

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Max 10 pts

____10

3. Conclusion: (10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the conclusion? It was a quotation by Anne Parillau “Body language is essential, just to be free, to use it like your voice. A body can be small and have incredible violence. A body talks.”

· Were all the steps followed (summary, action, emotional appeal?)

Summary: "To sum up, I want to tell you one more quote this one is by Anne Parillau “Body language is essential, just to be free, to use it like your voice. A body can be small and have incredible violence. A body talks.”"

Action: "Take the time to practice not just your speech and your presentation slides, but work on your body language as well. You’ll have an engaged audience, and your presentation’s message will be heard."

Emotional appeal: "Your body language says so much about you as a presenter. It can also make or break your presentation. Take the time to practice not just your speech and your presentation slides, but work on your body language as well. You’ll have an engaged audience, and your presentation’s message will be heard."

· How effective was the conclusion?

Very effective 10, 9, 8	Average 7, 6, 5		Not effective 4, 3, 2, 1	Max 10 pts _____6
		Total points: 30	Given points: ____25

The 2d part was given by Anastasiya Ostapenko. The speech was about When is the right time to move and how to do it effectively; How to keep an arms and hands free to gesture; How to keep face expressive.

1. Introduction: ( 10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the introduction? The speaker asked a rhetorical question and quoted William G. Allyn Professor of Medical Optics.
"Have you ever been in the situation you tried to listen to the speaker attentively, but his movements of the body and facial expressions distracted you? I’m sure you’ve faced it at least once in your life. “More than 50 percent of the cortex, the surface of the brain, is devoted to processing visual information,” points out Williams, the William G. Allyn Professor of Medical Optics."

· Any link-element? Yes. "We can say visual perception is leading. So, kinesic component of speech delivery is difficult to overestimate. That’s why today I would like to speak about our body language while we are speaking."

· Was the thesis statement given? "Well, we’ll find out: When is the right time to move and how to do it effectively; How to keep an arms and hands free to gesture; How to keep face expressive"

· How effective was the introduction?

Very effective

10, 9, 8

Average

7, 6, 5

Not effective

4, 3, 2, 1

Max 10 pts

____10_____

2. Body: (10 points)

· How well structured was the information presented?

Highly organized

10, 9, 8

Some organized

7, 6, 5, 4

None

3, 2, 1

· How understandable was the information (was it clearly explained)?

Very good

10, 9, 8

Had some problems

7, 6, 5, 4

Had major problems

3, 2, 1

· Quality of point-support (appropriateness, completeness, variety)

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5, 4

Almost no

3, 2, 1

· Use of facts, illustrations, examples, stories.

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5

None

4, 3, 2, 1

· Was it coherent?

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Max 10 pts

____10

3. Conclusion: (10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the conclusion? It was a quotation by Deborah Bull “Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words.”

· Were all the steps followed (summary, action, emotional appeal?)

Summary: "We talked about some rules and secrets of performing a speech, that will help you to catch and keep an attention of an audience, accentuate and reinforce your speaking. "

Action: -

Emotional appeal:"In conclusion I want to say one quote by Deborah Bull which I absolutely agree with “Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words.” Remember it."

· How effective was the conclusion?

Very effective 10, 9, 8	Average 7, 6, 5		Not effective 4, 3, 2, 1	Max 10 pts _____7
		Total points: 30	Given points: ____27

Social Psychology 12

2020-05-18T09:53:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Module 12 of Social Psychology!!!! And it was about "Intergroup Conflicts".
This module was informative and, as for me, one of the very interesting! I took a lot of useful notes.

And, as usual, here is my result of test:

13 out of 15. I think, it is good. I memorized the material and I may say, it could help me in future.

Do you like this Module? What can you say about it?

Activity Exercises!

2020-05-17T03:14:00.000-07:00

Since this week’s presentation was about Effective Speech Delivery, we were given activity exercises that can help us to deliver our speech effective! I made a video in which I did all of exercises. Something I did well, but something, in my opinion, is not very good. Anyway I tried to do all of my best, and I will to continue to do it.

1. CONTROLLING YOUR BREATHING

Task 1. Check your diaphragmatic breathing with the following exercises:

a) on the floor, lie on your back and place a book over diaphragm area just above the waist. As you slowly inhale and exhale, the book should rise and fall. Work for this same action when you are standing up. Put your hand where the book was, and rapidly pant like a dog. Notice that you hand should move out as you inhale and in as you exhale;

b) standing up, place your hands just above your waistline, with the tips of the middle fingers touching each other. Slowly take a deep breath through the nose, and feel your hands being pushed outward and your fingertips gradually drawing away from each other;

c) inhale deeply. Hold your breath for five seconds, and then see how slowly you can exhale it trough rounded lips, keeping the breath stream smooth and under control;

d) repeat the above exercise, but exhale with a clear “ooooh” sound, being careful not to become “breathy”. Repeat with other vowels;

e) place a lighted candle a few inches from your mouth, and repeat the above exercise. The flame should barely flicker.

2. GETTING RID OF THE DREAD ARTICULATION DISEASE

Task 2. Read the following so that a person standing fifty feet away can distinguish the two pairs of similar words.

Formally – formerly

Affect – effect

Conscious – conscience

Win – when

Statue – stature

Ladder – latter

Accept – except

Madder – matter

Ate – hate

Wandered – wondered

Adapt – adopt

Precede – proceed

Task 3. Do the following exercises for additional practice:

a) try the jaw waggling exercises;

b) practise saying tongue twisters.

3. PROJECTION AND VOLUME

Task 4. Try the exercise using this passage from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.

Say it softly in a whisper, to begin with. Then speak as if addressing an audience of about 20 people. Finally, imagine a hall full of hundreds – try and fill the imaginary hall with your voice. (Wait until you have an empty house and try shouting).

4. PLEASANT QUALITY. RESONANCE

Task 5. For an open throat, practice the following:

a) yawn: put the tip of your tongue behind the lower front teeth. Yawn and inhale deeply. Then stop and notice the open, relaxed throat as the air rushes in. Repeat until you have memorized this open throat feeling.

Now say “Ah” as you exhale, keeping the throat open and relaxed. Repeat with other vowels;

b) with an open throat from the above exercise count slowly from one to twenty;

c) with open, relaxed throat, repeat the following:

Alone, alone, all, all alone,

Alone on a wide, wide sea!

And never a saint took pity on

My soul in agony.

Coleridge

Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean,–

roll!

Byron

For resonance, work on the exercises below:

d) do the above yawn exercise, and then slowly closing your mouth, add “mmmmmmm”. Push with your diaphragm for a strong flow of air. Work until you can feel your lips vibrate;

e) with the lips closed, hum. Place your hand on your head, then your nose, chin, chest. If you are resonating properly you should feel these areas vibrate.

5. USING A GREATER PITCH RANGE

Task 6. For greater pitch range, practice the following:

a) take a deep breath and count slowly from one to eight, saying each number on a pitch higher than the one before. Be sure you take rather than sing the numbers. Then talk down the note scale from eight to one;

b) try saying these sentences concentrating on bringing authority into your voice. Avoid sounding apologetic and consciously try to lower the pitch:

I want you to listen very carefully to what I am saying.

Under no circumstances are you to go into that room.

You will do exactly what I tell you to.

Now try saying this passage, varying the pitch of your voice. Don't force your voice: the change should be subtle.

Higher and higher until it reached the very top.

Down, down, down into the depths.

Lower and lower until it reached the very bottom.

And then up.

c) read aloud the sentences below in a pitch pattern that conveys the suggested emotional meaning:

1. I am terribly tired and discouraged.

2. What a beautiful view.

3. Watch out! He's got a gun.

4. Get out of here. I hate you.

5. Well! What do you think you're doing?

6. I know. It's the tenth time you've told me.

7. I am so lonely I can't stand it.

8. My brother is the best pitcher in the league.

9. I am so excited. We're going to Bermuda.

10. I am absolutely positive that I sent the letter.

d) using the sentence: “Oh, yes, you don't say”, vary the pitch according to the following notations which indicate steps – ‾ _ , and rising /, falling \, and circumflex /\ \/ inflections:

6. VARYING YOUR TEMPO

Task 7. Do the following exercises for rate flexibility:

a) count from 1 to 20 beginning very slowly and increasing your rate until you are speaking as rapidly as you can. Then reverse: begin at a rapid rate working down to a very slow pace;

b) while counting from 1 to 20 stretch out the vowel sounds at a slow rate but allow no pause between numbers. Repeat with short, clipped vowel sounds and long pauses between numbers. Shift between these two methods every six numbers;

c) say the following sentence according to the instructions below:

“The snow is falling down”:

1) use short quantity as if excited;

2) use long quantity as if you are sad;

3) use moderate rate to state a fact simply.

7. AVOIDING MONOTONE

Task 8. Say the following sentence a) as a statement, and b) as a question.

You're going to France this year!

You're going to France this year?

Task 9.

a) exercise: no!?

Try saying the word NO in different ways to convey each meaning simply by changing the intonation.

NO (meaning definitely not)

NO (meaning maybe YES)

NO (meaning I'm afraid)

NO (meaning you naughty person)

NO (meaning I don't believe it)

NO (meaning I am angry)

NO (meaning I am really surprised)

NO (meaning YES!)

b) exercise: extracting the meat

Now say the following words trying to get as much “meat” out of them as possible. Draw out the vowels and over – articulate the consonants. Make as much as you can of each word. (Some you may recognize from Rowan Atkinson's schoolmaster character in The Secret Policeman's Ball).

Blob

Blaire

Higginbottom

Pringle

Plectrum

Dollop

Mole

Mollusc

Undermanager

Splot

c) exercise: varying volume, pitch, speed and intonation

Here is another exercise designed to encourage you to vary volume, pitch, speed and intonation. And don't forget to make maximum use of pauses.

“He crept into the room cautiously, looked around and took in every detail. The furniture was thick with dust. An eerie silence pervaded the atmosphere. On the far wall was an image of a woman with black hair and a ghostly white pallor. His heart began to beat faster, faster and still faster. He felt his legs begin to move towards the stairs. Suddenly he found himself running down the oak staircase and then he felt his legs beginning to give way. He tumbled down and down and down to the hall below. Where was he? In a state of semi – consciousness, his head spinning, he heard the distinct sound of a loud gong – clang clang clang, echoing throughout the house – until the silence returned once more.”

So, that's all! It was difficult, but interesting!!!!

How do you deal with activity exercises?

Draft of my persuasive speech #2

2020-05-16T02:28:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, people always talk about time flies. Do not have enough time to doing this and that. Time is gold. Time is money. But how many of us know how to use time wisely?

What is urgent in your life and what is important to your life are often very different things.

Is there anything we can do? If we all have 24 hours in a day, how do we actually use them more effectively?

The answer is a time management.

Social ecologist Peter F. Drucker once said:

“Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else.”

Never is this truer than when describing the importance of time management skills for people.

Effective time management doesn't mean doing more things or doing them more quickly. Effective time management means getting more of the important work done in a day.
Good time management leads to improved efficiency and productivity, less stress, and more success in life.
Do you manage your time wisely? Well, today I introduce you some useful tips:

Eliminate half-work and focus deeply.
Do the most important thing first.
Stick to your schedule and build the habit, no matter how small the accomplishment.

They can help you to develop good time management skills.
In our age of constant distraction, it's stupidly easy to split our attention between what we should be doing and what society bombards us with. Usually we're balancing the needs of messages, emails, and to-do lists at the same time that we are trying to get something accomplished. It's rare that we are fully engaged in the task at hand.
This division of time and energy may be called “half-work.”
I have some very often examples, and I'm sure all of us do these:

You start writing a report, but stop randomly to check your phone for no reason or to open up Instagram or Twitter.
Your mind wanders to your email inbox while you're on the phone with someone.

Is it familiar to you, right?
Regardless of where and how you fall into the trap of half-work, the result is always the same:

you're never fully engaged in the task at hand
you rarely commit to a task for extended periods of time
it takes you twice as long to accomplish half as much.

The best way to overcome it is to block out significant time to focus on one project and eliminate everything else:

We carve out a few hours (or even an entire work day) to deep dive on an important project. We'll leave phone in another room and shut down email, Instagram, and Twitter.

This complete elimination of distractions is the only way to get into deep, focused work and avoid fragmented sessions where you're merely doing half-work.How much more could you achieve if you did the work you needed to do, the way you needed to do it, and eliminated the half-work, half-wandering that we fill most of our days with?

Disorder and chaos tend to increase as your day goes on. At the same time, the decisions and choices that you make throughout the day tend to drain your willpower. Right?
So there is the next useful thing:
If there is something important that you need to do, then you do it first.
If you do the most important thing first, then you’ll never have a day when you didn’t get something important done. By following this simple strategy, you will usually end up having a productive day, even if everything doesn't go to plan. If you actually do the most important thing first each day, it is the only productivity tip you'll ever need.

The final and the usefull tip is stick to your schedule and build the habit, no matter how small the accomplishment.

When it comes to doing important work over the long–term, following a schedule is much more effective.
To counteract the unplanned distractions that occur and overcome the tendency to be pulled off track, try to put the schedule first and not the scope. Finish something today, even if the scope is smaller than you anticipated.

No matter what the circumstance, you know you're going to finish today's task. That's how little goals become lifetime habits.

Remember!!!!
Habits that are learned when young are hard to change the older you become.

Each of us has the same 24 hours in a day, but some of us manage to get more accomplished because we use time more efficiently. This is the difference between successful and responsible people and others who don’t value time.
As I said before - Good time management leads to improved efficiency and productivity, less stress, and more success in life.

Once William Penn said a magnificent words:

“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.”

For me, it is a best quote that makes me think of how we manage our time. I urge you to think about it and make an effort to change your life for the better!

Challenge #5

2020-05-16T02:09:00.000-07:00

When the time comes for a new challenge, I, of course, get nervous, think a lot, sometimes I don’t want to do it, because I need to step over my fear very much ...

I know one quote from the book "The Light in the Heart" by Roy T. Bennett's:

“Challenge is meant to help you know who you are. Storms hit your weakness, but unlock your true strength.”

This quote helps me to avoid some unnecessary thinks and motivates me to do the challenges.

My 5th challenge called: "Go to the balcony and read a couple of articles from my blog"

At first, I chose for a long time what posts to read . After all, they should be clear and interesting to people who accidentally passed by. (It sounds funny, but I would be interested in being a listener)

I chose 2 posts: "Who is the great public speaker?" and “When I think about something, I attract it into my life.”

Accordingly, I decided that I would read them in Russian, because only a few people would understand something in English ...

It was a sunny and hot day. When I went to the balcony, I saw many children, parents and old people in the yard.

Everyone was busy with something. Children played, parents looked after the children, and the old people discussed the latest news about coronavirus.

I live on the 14th floor, so I had to read loud enough to be heard.

I began with the words: "Good afternoon, dear neighbors! Today I want to read you a couple of notes from my blog on the topic Stage fright"

So I tried to get attention ...

But I only got funny looks.

I took a deep breath, repeating in my head only one phrase from the book.

And I began to read.

At first, no one paid attention to me. Then I decided to read louder and louder. Then I used different intonation and stress. Then people's attention was attracted perfectly.

There was a mess in my head. I understood that I could not stop, because I just started moving to the goal. And I read and read.

When the first post ended, I looked at the people and realized that most of them raised their heads and were waiting for the continuation!

This is a success!

I read the second post perfectly and you know what people started to do?

To applaud.

This is what I talked about in my informative speech, and I achieved this in life by simply reading a couple of posts from my blog!

How did I feel after this challenge?

I felt calm and peaceful. I smiled for the rest of the day and nothing could spoil my mood.

I am proud of myself! I believe that I have made a great achievement. And remember:

Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.

The 9th and the 10th performances from our group!

2020-05-16T00:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody! We had 9th and 10th performances from our group at this week! The theme was "Effective speech delivery. Prosodic Component" and it consisted of 2 part. The 1st part was presented by Marina Babich. She spoke about:
1. Proper breathing technique

2. Pronunciation & articulation

3. Projection and volume

1. Introduction: ( 10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the introduction? The speaker used the technique "Asking the rhetorical question".

· Any link-element? Yes, of course "And no matter how well-prepared and engaging your content is, if you are not able to deliver your speech effectively, it may lose its interest or even importance for the audience. "

· Was the thesis statement given? " So vocal delivery is crucial for getting your message across and I will tell you how you can work on it. Today I’m going to speak about: Proper breathing technique; Pronunciation & articulation; Projection and volume"

· How effective was the introduction?

Very effective

10, 9, 8

Average

7, 6, 5

Not effective

4, 3, 2, 1

Max 10 pts

____6

2. Body: (10 points)

· How well structured was the information presented?

Highly organized

10, 9, 8

Some organized

7, 6, 5, 4

None

3, 2, 1

· What organizational structure was used in the body of the speech? The speaker used outlining. It was main headings, supporting materials. I want to say, that the speech had not any transitions and signposts. It is very importent to use them. Because they show how all the parts of speech fit together.

· How understandable was the information (was it clearly explained)?

Very good

10, 9, 8

Had some problems

7, 6, 5, 4

Had major problems

3, 2, 1

· Quality of point-support (appropriateness, completeness, variety)

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5, 4

Almost no

3, 2, 1

· Use of facts, illustrations, examples, stories.

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5

None

4, 3, 2, 1

· Was it coherent?

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Max 10 pts

___5

3. Conclusion: (10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the conclusion?

· Were all the steps followed (summary, action, emotional appeal?)

Summary: Unfortunately, the speaker did not give summarizing.
Action:You have to work on your voice as it is the crucial instrument the speaker has. The success of the whole performance can depend on the work you’ve done on it. So keep working on it and never forget: practice makes perfect.
Emotional appeal: -
I didn't found an emotional appeal in this speech at all. And as for me, the speech was very interesting and effective but it hasn't a powerful conclusion resulting the speech will not memorable for the alltime.

· How effective was the conclusion?

Very effective 10, 9, 8	Average 7, 6, 5		Not effective 4, 3, 2, 1	Max 10 pts ___4
		Total points: 30	Given points: 15

Marina gave us the 1st Part of this theme and the 2d part was presented by Daria Romashova. It was a video, which was perfectly made. And Daria talked about:
1. Quality and tone
2. Pitch range
3. Tempo
4. Monotone of the voice

1. Introduction: ( 10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the introduction? The speaker used the technique "Telling a story" and also she asked a rhetorical question

· Any link-element? Yes, of course "I believe, effective speech delivery is an important part of public speaking. No matter how inspiring, informative or persuasive the speech you have written, poor delivery will leave your audience feeling flat, and your presentation will be less than memorable. "

· Was the thesis statement given? "So it’s a great opportunity to avoid the poor delivery of the speech, just use the features of the voice in the right way.

Today we’re going to speak about four main features of the voice: Quality and tone; Pitch range; Tempo; Monotone of the voice"

· How effective was the introduction?

Very effective

10, 9, 8

Average

7, 6, 5

Not effective

4, 3, 2, 1

Max 10 pts

____8

2. Body: (10 points)

· How well structured was the information presented?

Highly organized

10, 9, 8

Some organized

7, 6, 5, 4

None

3, 2, 1

· What organizational structure was used in the body of the speech? The speaker used outlining. It was main headings, supporting materials and some details. Also the speech had transitions and signposts which showed how all the parts of speech fit together.

· How understandable was the information (was it clearly explained)?

Very good

10, 9, 8

Had some problems

7, 6, 5, 4

Had major problems

3, 2, 1

· Quality of point-support (appropriateness, completeness, variety)

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5, 4

Almost no

3, 2, 1

· Use of facts, illustrations, examples, stories.

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5

None

4, 3, 2, 1

· Was it coherent?

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Max 10 pts

___9

3. Conclusion: (10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the conclusion?

· Were all the steps followed (summary, action, emotional appeal?)

Summary: Always control the quality and tone of your voice, chose the right pitch, watch the tempo and certainly avoid monotone. The voice plays a very important role in the effective speech delivery.
Action:And your task is to deliver them to the speakers, to make the audience listen to you, accept your speech. And your voice is such a powerful weapon to get people’ attention and control it then.
Emotional appeal: All in all, every action should have an effect. And your speech as well. You can’t just speak about something without thinking of its effectiveness. The words shouldn’t be empty, they must be filled with the essence. Remember it!

· How effective was the conclusion?

Very effective 10, 9, 8	Average 7, 6, 5		Not effective 4, 3, 2, 1	Max 10 pts ___10
		Total points: 30	Given points: 27

Effective Use of Language

2020-05-12T02:25:00.001-07:00

Effective Use of Language

Characteristics of Effective Language

There are six main characteristics of effective language. Effective language is: (1) concrete and specific, not vague and abstract; (2) concise, not verbose; (3) familiar, not obscure; (4) precise and clear, not inaccurate or ambiguous; (5) constructive, not destructive; and (6) appropriately formal.

1. Concrete and Specific Language.

Task. Study the examples below. Which is more concrete and specific? What effect is created?

He is a bad roommate
He is lazy and discourteous
He is untidy and unclean
He doesn't clean up his own messes
He leaves his dirty dishes on the kitchen counter
Your relationship with John is unacceptable
You do not get along well with John
You and John have a lot of arguments
You and John insult each other too much
You and John call each other derogatory names
The statement at the top is abstract, but the statements become increasingly concrete and specific toward the bottom.

2. Concise Language

Task. Shorten the sentences above to avoid wordiness.

(1) It is widely discussed by employees that many of them will be forced to change jobs and take on new responsibilities when the merger takes place between the two companies.
(2) Before making a decision about whether the person on trial is guilty or innocent in this case, the members of the jury should be sure to carefully think about, ponder and reflect on all of the important and relevant testimony in the case.
(1) It is widely discussed by employees that many of them will be forced to change jobs when the two companies merge.
(2) Before determining the defendant's guilt or innocence, the members of the jury should be sure to reflect on all of the important and relevant testimony in the case.

3. Familiar Language

Task. Consider the following examples. An assignment given to a class of business students by their philosophy professor. Paraphrase it using familiar language.

"The presently assigned paper necessitates an eloquently articulated analysis of the Existentialist perspective as it pertains to contemporary living. You should adumbrate the points which represent the sine qua non /ˌsIni kwɑː ˈnɒn/ of your analysis."
“This article requires an eloquently formulated analysis of the perspective of Existentialism, as it relates to modern life. You should list the points which represent the main part of your analysis."

4. Precise and Clear Language

Task. Consider the following words. What numerical value would you assign to each of them? If something is "probable what percentage of the time does it occur?, etc.
(1) probable 50%
(2) doubtful 30%
(3) certainly 100%
(4) unlikely 10%
(5) perhaps 40%
Consider the following example. The question "Is that Toyota an expensive car?" is best answered with a comparison: "Compared to that Honda, the Toyota is expensive. Compared to that Lexus, it is inexpensive."
Consider the adjectives below, mind their the potential ambiguity
expensive- it depends on people's salary
hot - it depends on the temperature
intelligent- it depends on unbringing people
good - it depends on people's opinion
spicy- it depends on tastes
Consider the following example. Note the potential confusion or ambiguity in this phrase. What is meant here by the adjective “interesting”?
He's an interesting individual.
To be interesting means having a perspective that's different from the usual. An interesting person is someone who can keep other people entertained. For example: some can be an expert in a certain field and can captivate that audience, some are great story tellers and etc.
Task. Each of the following are actual headlines printed in newspapers. Notice and explain their double meaning.

(1) Include your children when Baking Cookies - This sounds like you should put your children into the cookie dough – intended meaning: have your children help you when you bake cookies.
(2) Bank Drive-in Window Blocked by Board - Blocked by board means that the executive board refused to allow the window was put there to restrict access
(3) Killer Sentenced to Die for Second Time in Ten Years - This could mean that for the second time in ten years the same killer was sentenced to a death sentence, or it could mean that two separate killers were sentenced to death sentence within ten years

5. Constructive Language

Task. Consider the following examples. Constructive language phrases a potentially negative message in a positive way, whereas destructive language directs blame and criticism toward the reader, creating defensiveness. Change the use of language to make these examples more constructive.

(1) Student to instructor: "You have confused me so badly with your lectures that I don't know what to do. I am considering dropping out and taking the class next quarter from Dr. Johnstone, who can explain the information much more clearly. I don't want to drop out, but I have never been so frustrated with an instructor in my whole life."
(2) Instructor to student: "I have never had a student who was so confused with this material. Perhaps you should take an easier course from an easier professor. It makes no difference to me."

(1) Student to instructor: “I don't understand your lectures and don't know what to do with it. Could you help me?”

(2) Instructor to student: “Of course, I will help you with this material.”

6. Formality of Language.

Notice the difference in formality in the following.

Very Formal: Exceedingly large segments of the population are expressing their discontent with medical practitioners who appear more engrossed in amassing financial assets than in providing efficacious care to people with health disorders.

Formal: A large number of consumers are complaining about medical doctors who are apparently more interested in making money than in providing effective health care.

Informal: A lot of people are unhappy with their doctors who only seem to care about how much money they make, and not about giving their patients good care.

Task. Find synonyms to the following words. Notice the difference in formality between the two words in pairs. Either word might be equally appropriate, depending upon the reader and situation.

Utilize - use, employ, apply

transpire - detect, happen, occur

facilitate - help, promote, encourage

expedite - accelerate, hasten

impediment - difficulty, obstacle, barrier

comprehend - know, understand, grasp

erroneous – mistaken, incorrect, false, wrong

Draft of my persuasive speech

2020-05-12T01:01:00.001-07:00

Nowadays, people always talk about time flies. Do not have enough time to doing this and that. Time is gold. Time is money. But how many of us know how to use time wisely?

What is urgent in your life and what is important to your life are often very different things.

Is there anything we can do? If we all have 24 hours in a day, how do we actually use them more effectively?

The answer is a time management.

Social ecologist Peter F. Drucker once said:

“Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else.”

Never is this truer than when describing the importance of time management skills for people.

Effective time management doesn't mean doing more things or doing them more quickly. Effective time management means getting more of the important work done in a day.

Good time management leads to improved efficiency and productivity, less stress, and more success in life.

Do you manage your time wisely? Well, today I introduce you some useful tips:

Eliminate half-work and focus deeply.
Do the most important thing first.
Stick to your schedule and build the habit, no matter how small the accomplishment.

They can help you to develop good time management skills.

In our age of constant distraction, it's stupidly easy to split our attention between what we should be doing and what society bombards us with. Usually we're balancing the needs of messages, emails, and to-do lists at the same time that we are trying to get something accomplished. It's rare that we are fully engaged in the task at hand.

This division of time and energy may be called “half-work.”

I have some very often examples, and I'm sure all of us do these:

You start writing a report, but stop randomly to check your phone for no reason or to open up Instagram or Twitter.
Your mind wanders to your email inbox while you're on the phone with someone.

Regardless of where and how you fall into the trap of half-work, the result is always the same: you're never fully engaged in the task at hand, you rarely commit to a task for extended periods of time, and it takes you twice as long to accomplish half as much.

The best way to overcome it is to block out significant time to focus on one project and eliminate everything else:

We carve out a few hours (or even an entire work day) to deep dive on an important project. We'll leave phone in another room and shut down email, Instagram, and Twitter.

Disorder and chaos tend to increase as your day goes on. At the same time, the decisions and choices that you make throughout the day tend to drain your willpower. You're less likely to make a good decision at the end of the day than you are at the beginning.

If there is something important that you need to do, then you do it first.

If you do the most important thing first, then you’ll never have a day when you didn’t get something important done. By following this simple strategy, you will usually end up having a productive day, even if everything doesn't go to plan. If you actually do the most important thing first each day, it is the only productivity tip you'll ever need.

The final and the usefull tip is stick to your schedule and build the habit, no matter how small the accomplishment.

When it comes to doing important work over the long–term, following a schedule is much more effective.

To counteract the unplanned distractions that occur and overcome the tendency to be pulled off track, try to put the schedule first and not the scope. Finish something today, even if the scope is smaller than you anticipated.

No matter what the circumstance, you know you're going to finish today's task. That's how little goals become lifetime habits.

Remember!!!!

Habits that are learned when young are hard to change the older you become.

As I said before - Good time management leads to improved efficiency and productivity, less stress, and more success in life.

Once William Penn said a magnificent words:

“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.”

For me, it is a best quote that makes me think of how we manage our time. I urge you to think about it and make an effort to change your life for the better!

Outline of my persuasive speech #2

2020-05-11T23:57:00.000-07:00

Purpose Statement: The purpose of my speech is to help people increase work effectiveness and productivity.

Introduction:

1. Social ecologist Peter F. Drucker once said: “Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else.” Never is this truer than when describing the importance of time management skills for people.

Effective time management doesn't mean doing more things or doing them more quickly. Effective time management means getting more of the important work done in a day.
Good time management leads to improved efficiency and productivity, less stress, and more success in life.

2. Well, here are some tips to help you develop good time management skills.

Eliminate half-work at all costs.
Do the most important thing first.
Reduce the scope, but stick to the schedule.

Body:

1. Eliminate half-work at all costs

Usually we're balancing the needs of messages, emails, and to-do lists at the same time that we are trying to get something accomplished. It's rare that we are fully engaged in the task at hand.
Regardless of where and how you fall into the trap of half-work, the result is always the same:

a)you're never fully engaged in the task at hand;

b)you rarely commit to a task for extended periods of time;

c)it takes you twice as long to accomplish half as much.

2. Do the most important thing first.

If there is something important that you need to do, then you do it first.
If you do the most important thing first, then you’ll never have a day when you didn’t get something important done.

3. Reduce the scope, but stick to the schedule.

Finish something today, even if the scope is smaller than you anticipated.
That's how little goals become lifetime habits.

Conclusion:

Habits that are learned when young are hard to change the older you become.
The ability to manage your time effectively is important. Good time management leads to improved efficiency and productivity, less stress, and more success in life.
“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” William Penn

Social Psychology 11

2020-05-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

It's the 11th week of Social Psychology! And today I received answers to the questions: "How does collective behaviour arise? Is social psychology universal?"

The lectures was informative and understandable.

Here is my result of test:

Challenge #4

2020-05-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hello, my readers!!! Did you notice that I didn’t write to you for a long time?

Missed me?

Nothing serious, I had May holidays! And I had a good time, and you?

During the holidays, I found time to complete the Challenge #4! And it called:

"Go to the pharmacy and beg them to sell gloves and mask for protection"

Now we live in a difficult time - a terrible virus is walking around the world. The authorities ask people to go out only if it necessary, observing the distance and the rules of protection against the virus. Accordingly, it is very difficult to find a protective mask and gloves in pharmacies, but it is possible! As Joshua J. Marine said:

"Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."

After reading this quote several times, I went to the nearest pharmacies.

The first pharmacy was the one I go to very often and the staff know me. The pharmacists dearly refused me because they really do not have protective masks.

The next 5 pharmacies answered me the same. And in the 6th pharmacy I was able to buy a package of gloves. But I asked them so much to look for a protective mask that I annoyed them and got a sharp answer ...

After that, my courage disappeared and had no desire to go to the next pharmacy.

I decided to return back home. Along the way, I thought and analyzed a lot. Soon I realized that I have a challenge and I won’t return home until I completed it, because I have to do this to help myself overcome my fears.

So I returned to the next pharmacy, it was in a very inconspicuous place (maybe that's why it has the whole range)

I went in and politely with a smile asked for a protective mask and you know what answer was waiting for me?

"Of course, how many ?"

And I just jumped for joy !!!!

Of course, the pharmacists looked at me strangely ... I bought 10 masks and ran away happy home!

When I went home, looking at these Masks and Gloves I remembered the phrase:

Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.

The 8th performance from our group!

2020-05-11T08:20:00.005-07:00

So, we had one more performance that prepared by Katerina. She prepared the speech in a different way. She send us a perfectly-made video in which she told us about "Writing a speech"

1. Introduction: ( 10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the introduction? The speaker used the technique "Asking rhetorical questions"

· Any link-element? Yes, of course "Giving an original speech for a class, event, or work presentation can be nerve-wracking. If your speech is properly written that is the half way success. "

· Was the thesis statement given? "With careful planning and an eye for detail, you can write a speech that will inform, persuade, motivate, or entertain! So today we are going to learn: Steps of drafting And Golden rules of writing a speech"

· How effective was the introduction?

Very effective

10, 9, 8

Average

7, 6, 5

Not effective

4, 3, 2, 1

Max 10 pts

____7

2. Body: (10 points)

· How well structured was the information presented?

Highly organized

10, 9, 8

Some organized

7, 6, 5, 4

None

3, 2, 1

· How understandable was the information (was it clearly explained)?

Very good

10, 9, 8

Had some problems

7, 6, 5, 4

Had major problems

3, 2, 1

· Quality of point-support (appropriateness, completeness, variety)

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5, 4

Almost no

3, 2, 1

· Use of facts, illustrations, examples, stories.

Lots of

10, 9, 8

Some

7, 6, 5

None

4, 3, 2, 1

· Was it coherent?

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Max 10 pts

___7

3. Conclusion: (10 points)

· What technique(s) was used in the conclusion?

· Were all the steps followed (summary, action, emotional appeal?)

Summary:Today we discussed the steps for writing a draft and the necessary rules for writing an effective speech.
Action:Next time when you are going to write a speech, remember this information and it will be half way victory.
Emotional appeal: Remember you won’t write a perfect speech from the first time. This is work, changes and corrections. Writing an effective speech can help to boost your confidence. Give yourself plenty of time to craft your speech and practice it several times for best results.

· How effective was the conclusion?

Very effective 10, 9, 8	Average 7, 6, 5		Not effective 4, 3, 2, 1	Max 10 pts ___10
		Total points: 30	Given points: 24