Critique of How To Speech

I thought that in my “How To” speech I did a good job of demonstrating the task I was presenting. I felt that I spoke clearly and explained the steps of the process I was instructing to the class. I felt my presentation was well organized and easy to follow, addressing the steps of taping a stick and showing how to do it.

In my presentation I think I could have done a better job looking at the audience. I was occupied with taping the stick and feel I could have done a better job making eye contact while speaking. I also think that saying “um” and raising my voice at the end of some of my sentences took away from the speech. I feel that by eliminating those errors from my presentation the speech would have flow a bit more naturally and would have made the presentation sound more professional. I think that when speaking the delivery of ones speech is highly important in keeping the attention of ones audience, and by eliminating those blunders from my speech the presentation would have gone more smoothly.

Overall I believe that my presentation was well organized and I did a good job connecting with my audience. I feel that I picked an interesting topic and did a good job in explaining the steps and process to help one successfully tape a stick before a hockey game. I think my speech was informative and helpful for people interested in learning to tape and stick, and I think that people learned how to be successful if they would like to tape a stick at some point. In the future I would go about presenting in the same manner, but eliminate a few bad habits from the speech. When presenting next time I will focus more on the delivery of my words, and my eye contact with those who I am speaking to.

Response to Greg's Blog

         I found Greg’s blog to be interesting and educational. I thought the video link included in his blog was very informational and well put together. I would agree with everything he says about the demonstration video. The questions posed at the beginning of the video are important in the investing process and keep you interested throughout the process. The other thing that Greg points out is the fact about the online stock websites, which is also pointed out in the video. I think this is maybe the most important suggestion in the “how to” film, and one that many people may not consider without the guidance provided in the short video. The final point Greg agrees with that is pointed out in the video is how many shares a person should invest in. This is a good point and a key idea to point out because I personally would not have known what to do from that standpoint without the guidance from the video. Greg does a good job of pointing out money management while still being able to purchase a share if they want one.

         Lastly, I agree with Greg’s point about the monotone voice in the video. Although the video was interesting and informational, it was somewhat boring, mainly because of the tone of the speaker. I think that had the speaker been a bit more engaging and had he spoken in a more enthusiastic manner, I think the video would have been more intriguing to the audience. I think the tone of the speaker is extremely important when trying to get through to one’s audience, and in the case of this video, I believe the speaker fell far short of delivering in that department.

         Overall I think Greg’s video was a good example of a demonstration speech, and it is one that I would suggest if someone were looking to learn more about investing in stock.

How To Play Guitar

The topic I chose to write about for my “How To” video discusses playing guitar and teaches the basics to those who are just starting. I felt this was a good topic because guitar is a popular hobby, one I enjoy myself, and it is something that is not particularly difficult to pick up. Playing guitar is a great skill to have, for relaxation and entertainment purposes, and after watching this video clip, I think many people who are not already involved in playing guitar would potentially be further interested in taking it up.

         The video begins with the basic parts of the guitar. The speaker describes the strings, their placement, and a simple acronym to remember them. She then proceeds to teach how to play a basic note, and the various ways to play the simplest notes in music. She shows how to position ones hands on the strings and down the neck of the guitar to play the notes being described. The video shows little boxes of what the notes look like on paper, while the guitarist is also playing the notes, making it easier for one trying to learn to play to follow along. This video provides the simplest notes in the musical world that can also allow one to become acquainted with the hobby and feel confident about exploring guitar further.

         This video has a great deal of positive qualities as I have listed above. I think the one thing that is a bit discouraging is that the speaker herself wasn't an experienced guitar player and wasn't able to complete all of the demonstrations herself. Although that is a tiny flaw, it is one thing that I did notice; however, I would still recommend this video. This is a great video for anyone interested in playing guitar, and I believe it is very well put together.

Response to Nicole's Blog

            I agree completely with the opinions voiced in Nicole’s blog. Organs should not be sold on the market, and cannot be given a price. The market for selling organs would become a madhouse, and people would be constantly competing to get something that saves their life. People should not have to worry if they have enough money to buy the piece of flesh that could save them; it simply seems unethical. Nicole points out that people would be more willing to simply sell their organs than do actual work, and this is not a point that I had really considered; however, it is a valid one. Once society begins putting a price on organs people can simply sell for the highest bid, and the price of organs would begin to skyrocket, leaving the wealthy at a huge advantage and the poor without a chance. I agree with her that perhaps allowing people to sell would increase the number of organs, but that should say something about our society. What ever happened to doing a common good because it is that right thing to do? Helping people because we are able to do so should be something treated and valued as an act of love for human life, not a love for the price tag attached. I agree completely with all points presented in Nicole’s blog and I think that those who are in favor of allowing organs to be sold should reconsider the door they are opening. The buying and selling of organs can become a messy situation, one that does not need to be presented at this time. I think the donation process is somewhat suffering right now, but awareness and education on this issue can be much simpler and more logical answers to the problem then opening ones wallet.