Wednesday, November 19, 2008
pReseNtatiOn
today,I'm doing my English presentation about plastic surgery....my classmates is doing a title which is about "Ghost"...he really talk a lot about 'Ghost' make me feel scary...especially he is putting a video to let us watch the real ghost which he found from Cnn news...the ghost is look like a cloud and it is blue colour. The blue colour cloud can be fly and it really look unbelieveable...my classmates also talk a lot about how to prevent to get see ghost...after he told the presentation i learned a lot about ghost.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Learning to Make a Speech Easy to Understand
The main purpose of an informative speech is to teach, a good informative speech is one that's easy for the audience to understand. Thus, it's very important that students learn how to organize their informative speech well. This is a skill students often find difficult, and it's one instructors need to spend time teaching. Some organizational concepts students need to understand include:
* Speech outlining. Much as students dislike this, it's a very important part of the assignment-- and will help with writing skills as well.
* Thesis statements that effectively preview the speech.
* Transitions between points, including the use of "signpost" words such as "first" and "finally."
* Conclusions that summarize main points.
In addition, it's important that students learn to use language that's easy for their audience to understand. They need to learn to avoid jargon, or terms that are familiar only to people with a specific interest or profession.
Much of informative speaking is governed by common sense. The speaker needs to creatively find ways to allow the audience to learn something. Spend some time brainstorming with students about effective strategies that each of them can use to teach their topic to the class. Ask the students to think of useful examples that will make the topic easier to understand.
* Speech outlining. Much as students dislike this, it's a very important part of the assignment-- and will help with writing skills as well.
* Thesis statements that effectively preview the speech.
* Transitions between points, including the use of "signpost" words such as "first" and "finally."
* Conclusions that summarize main points.
In addition, it's important that students learn to use language that's easy for their audience to understand. They need to learn to avoid jargon, or terms that are familiar only to people with a specific interest or profession.
Much of informative speaking is governed by common sense. The speaker needs to creatively find ways to allow the audience to learn something. Spend some time brainstorming with students about effective strategies that each of them can use to teach their topic to the class. Ask the students to think of useful examples that will make the topic easier to understand.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Avoid Certain Foods Before Your Persuasive Speaking
A thin coat of mucus protects the nasal passages and the health of your voice. However, too much may cause you to clear your throat excessively, which irritates the vocal chords and leaves your voice sounding strained.
Fatty foods and caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and sodas, are dehydrating and are the major contributors of mucus. Avoid them on the days you are going to speak. This includes the days you will be making a lot of phone calls, giving a lecture, doing a recording session, or speaking in front of a group.
1. Forbidden foods for speakers:
a. Chocolate: candy, hot chocolate (caffeine in the cocoa dries vocal chords)
b. Mints: (menthol dries out the vocal chords)
c. Anything fried: French fries, chicken (high in fat)
d. Dairy products: milk, cream, cheese (causes more mucus)
e. Creamy foods: mayonnaise, cream cheese, butter (mucus forming)
f. Baked goods: pastries, cakes, and cookies (high in fat)
g. Coffee or latte drinks: caffeine combined with cream = deadly voice
h. Alcohol: never for obvious reasons
2. Recommend foods for speakers:
a. Salad with oil and vinegar dressing or lemon (no creamy salad dressing)
b. Turkey sandwich with mustard on whole wheat bread
c. Grilled chicken or fish with lemon only and steamed veggies (no sauces)
Your voice is your speaking tool - take good care of it.
Fatty foods and caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and sodas, are dehydrating and are the major contributors of mucus. Avoid them on the days you are going to speak. This includes the days you will be making a lot of phone calls, giving a lecture, doing a recording session, or speaking in front of a group.
1. Forbidden foods for speakers:
a. Chocolate: candy, hot chocolate (caffeine in the cocoa dries vocal chords)
b. Mints: (menthol dries out the vocal chords)
c. Anything fried: French fries, chicken (high in fat)
d. Dairy products: milk, cream, cheese (causes more mucus)
e. Creamy foods: mayonnaise, cream cheese, butter (mucus forming)
f. Baked goods: pastries, cakes, and cookies (high in fat)
g. Coffee or latte drinks: caffeine combined with cream = deadly voice
h. Alcohol: never for obvious reasons
2. Recommend foods for speakers:
a. Salad with oil and vinegar dressing or lemon (no creamy salad dressing)
b. Turkey sandwich with mustard on whole wheat bread
c. Grilled chicken or fish with lemon only and steamed veggies (no sauces)
Your voice is your speaking tool - take good care of it.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
History of Diwali
Ravana India is a land of festivals. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with fervor and gaiety. The festival is celebrated by young and old, rich and poor, throughout the country to dispel darkness and light up their lives. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way.
The celebration of the four-day festival commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
'Puranas' have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a severe penance. He soon unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing celestial beings with his invincible might. Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture.
But Naraka could not be easily killed as he had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.
When Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Satyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The slaying of Naraka by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.
The second day is Amavasya when Lakshmi puja is performed. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in her benevolent mood and fulfill the wishes of her devotees. One version says that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) when the Gods and demons were churning the sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit)
The other version is that when Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana, sought three feet of land from the generous demon king Bali, the latter had to surrender his head as Vamana had conquered the earth and the sky in two strides. Lord Vishnu banishes Bali into the Pathala Loka (netherland) by keeping his third stride on Bali's head. Later, pleased by his generosity, Lord Vishnu grants him a boon and he in turn requests the Lord to guard his palace at Pathala Loka.
Meanwhile, the Goddess is unable to bear the separation and her grief affects the functioning of the entire universe. Brahma and Lord Shiva offer themselves as guards and plead with Bali to relieve Vishnu. So, on the Amavasya day, Lord Vishnu returns to his abode and Goddess Lakshmi is delighted. It is believed that those who worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day would be bestowed with all the riches.
The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami." On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami".
The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
However, in the northern part of India it is celebrated as the return of Ram along with Sita and Lakshman from his 14 years of exile after killing Ravana. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. For the Gujaratis, Marwaris and other business community Diwali marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and also the beginning of the new financial year.
For Bengalis, it is the time to worship Goddess Kali or Durga. The Goddess Durga continued her "Vilaya Tandava" even after killing demon Mahishasura.
The history of deepavali is very unic for me....by the way i wish all the people who celebrate deepavali 'happy deepavali'.
The celebration of the four-day festival commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
'Puranas' have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a severe penance. He soon unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing celestial beings with his invincible might. Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture.
But Naraka could not be easily killed as he had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.
When Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Satyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The slaying of Naraka by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.
The second day is Amavasya when Lakshmi puja is performed. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in her benevolent mood and fulfill the wishes of her devotees. One version says that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) when the Gods and demons were churning the sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit)
The other version is that when Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana, sought three feet of land from the generous demon king Bali, the latter had to surrender his head as Vamana had conquered the earth and the sky in two strides. Lord Vishnu banishes Bali into the Pathala Loka (netherland) by keeping his third stride on Bali's head. Later, pleased by his generosity, Lord Vishnu grants him a boon and he in turn requests the Lord to guard his palace at Pathala Loka.
Meanwhile, the Goddess is unable to bear the separation and her grief affects the functioning of the entire universe. Brahma and Lord Shiva offer themselves as guards and plead with Bali to relieve Vishnu. So, on the Amavasya day, Lord Vishnu returns to his abode and Goddess Lakshmi is delighted. It is believed that those who worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day would be bestowed with all the riches.
The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami." On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami".
The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
However, in the northern part of India it is celebrated as the return of Ram along with Sita and Lakshman from his 14 years of exile after killing Ravana. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. For the Gujaratis, Marwaris and other business community Diwali marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and also the beginning of the new financial year.
For Bengalis, it is the time to worship Goddess Kali or Durga. The Goddess Durga continued her "Vilaya Tandava" even after killing demon Mahishasura.
The history of deepavali is very unic for me....by the way i wish all the people who celebrate deepavali 'happy deepavali'.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Nominal Group Technique
Nominal group technique was developed to involve all members in determining group goals. The technique is termed "nominal" because much of the work is done independently by group members. Though conducted in a group setting, a good deal of the discussion that is part of normal group meetings is avoided. Since members work individually and are not influenced by group discussion, a broad range of ideas may be suggested.
By involving all members in a highly structured exercise, the technique tends to reduce the influence of dominant individuals. No one is permitted to lobby for a particular position. Criticism of others ideas is prohibited. Thus a safe group climate is created in which all members feel free to express themselves.
Involvement of all members in the goal setting process acts to motivate the members to accomplish the selected goals. Because everyone had a hand in determining the goals, they are more likely to work toward accomplishing them.
The technique is not a magic solution that will solve all the problems of a struggling group. High power individuals may object to a technique that reduces their influence. If significant interests are not represented at the session, the validity of the results will be questionable. The technique does not use in-depth discussion of recommendations nor careful analysis of background information. It does involve all members in generating a large number of alternatives and then reducing them to a manageable number of priorities in a minimum period of time.
Steps:
1 . Break group down into groups of 6-1 0 to facilitate discussion and recording.
2 . Participants write on note cards all the ideas they can think of in response to the task question. The task question needs to be carefully worded to focus thinking on the proper issue. Members work individually and silently.
3. A recorder for each group writes down all the ideas on newsprint and numbers them. This is done in a round-robin fashion, taking one idea at a time from each member until all ideas are recorded. No lobbying or criticism!
4. The group examines its list to see if any ideas can be combined.
5. Individual members vote for the ideas they feel are most important by writing the numbers of the ideas on their cards. The number of ideas each selects should be based on the total number of ideas; choose three ideas from a total of up to 15, four from a total of 15-25, five for a total greater than 25.
6. Recorders tally the number of responses for each item.
7. Results from each small group are reported back to the whole group.
8. A second round of voting on the top priorities is done by the group as a whole.
9. The total number of ideas to be acted upon depends on the number of priorities the group feels it can pursue.
By involving all members in a highly structured exercise, the technique tends to reduce the influence of dominant individuals. No one is permitted to lobby for a particular position. Criticism of others ideas is prohibited. Thus a safe group climate is created in which all members feel free to express themselves.
Involvement of all members in the goal setting process acts to motivate the members to accomplish the selected goals. Because everyone had a hand in determining the goals, they are more likely to work toward accomplishing them.
The technique is not a magic solution that will solve all the problems of a struggling group. High power individuals may object to a technique that reduces their influence. If significant interests are not represented at the session, the validity of the results will be questionable. The technique does not use in-depth discussion of recommendations nor careful analysis of background information. It does involve all members in generating a large number of alternatives and then reducing them to a manageable number of priorities in a minimum period of time.
Steps:
1 . Break group down into groups of 6-1 0 to facilitate discussion and recording.
2 . Participants write on note cards all the ideas they can think of in response to the task question. The task question needs to be carefully worded to focus thinking on the proper issue. Members work individually and silently.
3. A recorder for each group writes down all the ideas on newsprint and numbers them. This is done in a round-robin fashion, taking one idea at a time from each member until all ideas are recorded. No lobbying or criticism!
4. The group examines its list to see if any ideas can be combined.
5. Individual members vote for the ideas they feel are most important by writing the numbers of the ideas on their cards. The number of ideas each selects should be based on the total number of ideas; choose three ideas from a total of up to 15, four from a total of 15-25, five for a total greater than 25.
6. Recorders tally the number of responses for each item.
7. Results from each small group are reported back to the whole group.
8. A second round of voting on the top priorities is done by the group as a whole.
9. The total number of ideas to be acted upon depends on the number of priorities the group feels it can pursue.
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