group general journal
DESCRIPTION
Group Members: 2291336 Duo Duo Lin 2278476 Xiao Peiyu (Vanessa) 2250509 BruceTRANSCRIPT
Group Members:
2278476 Xiao Peiyu (Vanessa)
2291336 Duo Duo Lin
2250509 Bruce
Duo Duo Lin 2291336
Week1
What is academic culture in Australia?
Academic culture refers to the attitudes, values and ways of behaving that are shared
by people who work or study in universities. But the academic culture is different in
each country likes its culture.
What is research? Why do we write reports?
Research is a careful and detailed study into a specific problem, concern, or issue using the
scientific method. It’s a process of septs used to collect and analyses information to increase
our understanding of a subject or issue. There are so many research methods such as
reading, investigating, interviewing etc. but the steps are basically the same. We have to
identify the research problem first, then we need to either doing a review on that topic or
collecting the data needed. Finally we analyses all the data and information and creating a
report of research outcomes. So the report is mainly use to demonstrate the result and
outcome of our research. The reason we write report is because the report structure is much
suitable for research. We can add any amount of graphs or images in it.
Week2
I have learnt lots of things from today’s discussion. For the research topic, we can choose the
topic that we interested or find the topic that we want to do by reading relate information,
searching or discussing with others.
After we find a topic, we need to focus and question it. The good way to do that is work with
others who do the same topic as you do, because when a group of people have the same topic
to research, they will have more discussion about the topic and everyone in that group can
focus more than doing the research by yourself. Also because of group working, the questions
of that topic can be solved easier, and we can have more ways to question the topic, likes
group discussion, internet searching, and reading the books or newspapers.
Then we have to find the useful or credible information from our research and use it effectively.
For finding useful information, we have to use more sources not just one source. For example,
read more articles and newspapers and do more interviews. Then we can discuss what we
found with others and find out what the credible information are and use in our assignments.
In conclusion, find an interesting topic, work with a group and use more sources when we
doing the research are useful for research assignments.
Week3
A good report is based on some factors. Choose a good report topic; be interest with it and
work hard on it are the foundation of making a good report. Then the effective use of
resources and more type of resources that we using are also the factors that make the good
report. So to do that, we need to use more resources to get more information and choose
useful information from it. The use of suitable languages and the structure of the report are
important as well.
The effective reading is a reading skill that when we read the information, we can
understand every information and choose the useful information to use, for example, write
a report. So it is a useful skill when we writing report because when we writing a report, we
have to read lots of information and use some of them in our report. So it does contribute of
making a good report.
Week4
How are opinions and positions different?
Opinions and position are different. First of all, opinion is about what you think and
what your attitude of a thing or event, however position could be explain like what will
you do with an issue or a thing. A person’s opinion always comes first before position,
and different opinions can have different position. Position is always certain and it
may not change easier than opinion.
How can we use language to modify our position?
We can use some way to modify our positon. We can use examples and data to
explain your position and give a reason of each. Use more certainly language to
persuade others and describe your position.
Week5
How can we make our arguments flow well?
Firstly, we need to setting up our arguments and get some supportable information. Those
information will give us more evidences for our argument. The more evidence we have, the more
people we can persuade.
Then we have to organize our information to create a logical paragraph for our argument. In that
paragraph, it must content our argument point, stand, examples and evidences. So our argument
can be flow well.
How can we take a stand?
We have to be self-confident when we wake a stand, because we have to show to others that our
stand is correct. So to have self-confident is important in this case. Then, we have to give example
of why we choose this stand.
Week6
How is gender relevant to communication?
The genders different can affect the style of communication. For example, male are more likely to
be in a leader when communicating. They often use brief and direct language to talk.
During the conversation, men are more independent and unemotional. They would like to
improve social dominance by communication.
However, female are communicate in different style. The research shows that women use
communication as a tool to improve social connections and create relationships with others.
When talking, women use less powerful speech, they tend to speak more politely than men and
use more questions. Women also tend to interrupt less than men do.
How does culture shape our communication?
The ways that people communicate are different in every culture. A person’s way of thinking,
talking and hearing are based on their culture. Even the same word in the same language
speaking country could have the different meaning.
In different culture background, people’s conversation topic are always different. For example, a
person from America might complain about job pressure and social issue, but a person who is an
immigrant might talk about the opportunities and freedom.
week7
How can we link information together properly?
The information’s that need to link together must have some common points or connectives. No
matter the information’s are, we must find the common points in both information and link
together by using some suitable words. we also need to fully understand the information’s,
understand the meaning, the key points and then summaries the key points together by rewrite
them as a paragraph. The research could be helpful. We can research the information that we
can’t understand so it can help us to properly link information’s together without mistakes and
incomprehension.
What are the elements of a clear, convincing argument?
For a clear and convincing argument, there are some important elements that it has. First of all, a
convincing argument should explain the important points of the topic so the audience and
understand, then, it must contain strong facts and example to support our arguments and make
our argument persuasive. Secondly, when we presenting, we have to present the facts in a
manner that builds the argument from least important to most important. So the first issue of the
argument should be present first.
The organize of the argument is also an important element of a good argument. A clear argument
must be well organize such as topic of each parts, the support points and the conclusion.
A good conclusion can make the argument convincing. So the conclusion must be short but
persuasive. It can support your argument once again at the end of it and give the audience or
reader a strong remind of your point.
Week8
How can we write good introductions & conclusions?
To write a good introduction, we have to clear understand what we are going to write in the rest
of the paragraphs. We need to have a simple outline of it and introduce them in our introduction.
The sentence we use for introduction must be clear and attractive. We can’t write our
introduction like list all the content in the article one by one. We have to make a nice paragraph
to flow our introduction.
The conclusion is almost the same but instead of introducing, we have to sum up all the
paragraph in too few sentence and whether or not make a strong decision or suggestion at the
end of the conclusion. The conclusion must be link with the body and introduction and it can’t off
the point.
What are readers looking for?
There are lots of things that reader looking for. A fantastic story in a fiction, an important
information in the article or a useful suggestion. So different resources have different things that
readers want. However, one resource can provide many different things for different reader. For
example, two readers are reading the same book but they might looking for different things. But
for most of readers, they are looking for a sentence or paragraph that make sense to them.
Because when we doing the research, we only read part of the article instead of whole article.
Week9
How does the 'voice' change with the type of text?
Different type of text can affect the ‘voice’ of it. The topic we are writing with is the main factor
that make our text type changes. The text in the argument article will be persuasive. It give us a
feeling of a strong ‘voice’ when we try to argue with something. And the text we use are short,
active and convincing. It won’t have redundant phrases in it.
If we write a text to disc ripe something, the text we use must be in details. We might use long
phrases but still keep it simple. It shows a smooth ‘voice’ to us.
The passive language we use can express many information. The passive language can
emphasizes the action and can hide your responsibility for an action. That can change the feeling
of the ‘voice’.
How much and what are we communicating beyond language?
The communicating beyond language is mainly about the communication between different
cultures with different language.
In some case we use non-verbal language to communicate. When people first met they might
smile to each other or handshake. However in different culture, people might make a bow to
each other. So it shows the communicate beyond language, even if we don’t speak.
How much we communicating beyond language is depend on our relationship. We always get
close to the friends who we met long time ago and not that close to a friend who we just met. So
the amount of communication with those two group are different. We used to communicate
more with our close friends, no matter is verbal or non-verbal.
Week10
What makes good visuals in a presentation?
Visuals are things that we make for audiences to look at when we doing the presentation. It is a
very important factor that will directly affect the quality and effect of our presentation. So the
visuals must be good enough to use. There are some tips for making a good visuals. When we are
presentation, we must use the visuals as simple as possible. It’s hard for most people to do
reading and listening at the same time. So a visual with some simple words or images could be a
good visual. Also, we have lots of audiences, so the text or images on the visuals must be clear
enough and visible from everywhere in the room.
We will have large amount of contents when we doing a long presentation. So we must to clear
point out each topic or each key word on the visuals that audiences can read through and
understand it in a very short time.
Finally, we don’t have to use the visuals every minutes in a presentation. We have to short the
visuals and it only show up when necessary, otherwise it will be too complicated and redundant.
What captures the audiences' attention?
How good the presentation we made will immediately shows on the audiences’ attention. If
audiences are not concentrate on your speech, that means your presentation contents are bit
boring to them, rather than the topic itself.
so making a good and interesting presentation contacts can easily captures the audiences’
attention even if your topic doesn’t sounds interesting, because the topic is not too important to
the audiences, some people might forget it while they still listening. So the contents that we talk
about must be interesting and attractive.
Moreover, using series of body language or a good visuals can easily let the audiences
concentrate. The body language could be viewed as a visuals. Using suitable body language can
make our presentation attractive because we are actually moving. People will feel tire of keep
looking at a person who stand still. Visuals can include all the text, images, graphs or videos and it
can capture their attention.
2278476 Xiao Peiyu (Vanessa)
Week 1
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jDLnoNlSdHxaN43MOrHvwuXytghGcWfjqT1oKRTlHAg/ed
it
Q1. Academic culture refers to the values , attitudes and so on. the values in Australia are respect,
equality, freedom and so on. So the Australians prefer to respect others and show equity of
men and women, local people and foreigners and so on .
Q2 Research is a scientific way to study materials and sources in order to know more the facts
and make conclusions. It divides into qualitative and quantitative.
Q3 there are many reasons why we write reports because of many goals.
For example, if we want to know more about a thing which we are interested in, we can write a
report. Besides, for recording information, report is a good way to keep up with the process.
Lastly, the government write reports to evaluate and make a conclusions
Week2
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_Pi_f5GQnfh5PE-QUZqxbyfDTmsSwA_3qpu7bWrTtWo/e
dit
1. There are various ways we can have access to find a research topic ,such as newspaper s,
books ,websites and so on. With the development of the highway information, searching
materials is the most efficient way to us. First of all, we need to confirm the category
of the topic and search some concerned information. Besides, we need to make sure the
materials we find whether can be observed and verified That means the materials we
find should be rational and logical..
2. Firstly, we have to build up the connection between the topic and the question, which
enables us to focus the topics and the questions. Besides, we should highlight the
essential point of the topic and the question .Finally, we confirm the range of the topic
and question on the list and look up the information which we need.
3. we are supposed to search the information from authoritative reference materials. For
example, if we got available information from the books, we should use genuine version
and
Strict press to avoid mistakes.
When it comes to the high-efficiency usage, we have to pick up the most identical
information from the materials we search before to be coordinate with our topics, which
can strongly support our opinions.
Week3
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SqR-4dZypTjEjbOwxYDj5lvi-DIS4XbHNuZl_yi6rPU/edit
Q1 1.Structure
Introduction : briefly illustrate the purpose of report, clearly mention what you are talking about
and whom it is related
Body: indicate the information with concise paragraph and sentences. Besides, using the bullet
points or others are necessary.
Recommendation: in the section of recommendation , we add suggestion to improve needed in
the report.
Executive summary: we have to summarize all the key information
references ; If you are quoting any authentic website or any book , make reference of it in the
bottom section.
2.Quality Source: we have to find the references from the authorized website e.g. govt sites or
proquest
3.Use graphs , table or power points to illustrate clearly so as to present the information
Q2 1.Before reading, we need to understand
the purpose of reading. For example, we can ask ourselves “what we need”
2.Skimming : it involves skimming for key information like Titles, Years , specific dates. Besides,
we have to focus on the contents what we need
3.Scanning : for scanning we have to look headings of each paragraph and look for relevant
information we are looking for.
We have to use fully the notes that we did before and put them into the report effectively
Week 4
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rT0Zd2r44YJlJS38EpiUDxDIiFVEydWRvHz9okgKWcI/edit
Q1
Positions and positions are different, that means judgement is not coincide with the
circumstances. First of all, everyone can present their attitudes towards a fact, a event even
others’ manners or something else. Besides, position strongly convinced, which means the
majority of people agree with that and that position is appreciated by the trend of the public.
However, the brief we think does not always match with the public or authorized opinions.
Because everyone has different experiences, included different levels of education, daily habits
and so on. Hence, it results in the fact that opinions and positions are different.
Q2
Even though the positions and opinions are different, we still can use some ways to modify
our positions by language. The ways in the way of language are as follows.
1. Using transitional expressions is necessary. For expressing our positions articulately, we
can use some transitional expressions (e.g. to begin with, furthermore and so on).
2. Taking example to express your position or illustrating your reasons why you hold these
positions are good ways to convince others.
3. Lastly, paying attention to the attitude towards the audience. Be friendly and
approachable!
Week 5
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IapipAMVqUo_NMnw-f92_nmbMgDTc1rsKq8_bP-oY9c/e
dit
a. We need to set up arguments. By the means of looking through the required materials,
that means we have to skim the materials and put forward the questions that puzzle us.
b. Using transitions is helpful to illustrate arguments fluently. Such as to begin with, in
addition, last but not lasted and so on.
c. Representing your arguments with supportive evident necessary. With the purpose of
fluently presenting your arguments, we have to look for relevant materials (e.g.
research, text, statistics and so on) to support the opinions.
d. During the next parse, we have to evaluate the advantages of our points and other
evidence, which illustrates we are not relucent to engage with other beliefs and we are
willing to discuss with other points.
Over all, taking a stand means we should hold our ground against an enemy, so two elements:
stick ourselves, be opposite to others.
a. We have to make sure the reasons why our points have to be sticked, that need to know
the advantages of our points. By searching some professional texts and so on, we have
to understand the advantages of our points before holding our positions
b. With the purpose of avoiding suspecting our ideas, we have to find supportive and
convinced evident to make sure we can hold our points firmly.
c. Trying to listen to others. Being opposite to others need to know the differences
between ourselves and opponents. Only to know others views deeply can we be
against others and convince others.
d. Finally, to let others convince, we had better point out their problems politely and let
them know this the reason why we still our positions.
Week 6
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XTXIrzDwtPmmSwvU5Si3UFvwFcNoUy3BMGgNKF1NXik/
edit
Q1 different gender s has different styles of communication.
For females, they are good at listening so they can facilitate the whole communication and
conversation. Besides, they would repeat the questions and offer feedback to the speakers in the
indirect talking. Finally, females prefer to talk affectively rather than only focus the outcomes.
For males, the conversions are tending to be competitive and aggressive and there are more
discussions between males. They prefer to talk about the ways and outcomes with regard to the
tasks or questions. Thus, the conversions is more directed according to the topic.
Overall, there are many differences between the man and woman. Compare with the female,
males make more contributions into the public communication.
Q2 due to the different areas in the world, there are many different ways of
communication under different conditions of culture. For example, Australians prefer to wish to
have private room. However, in America, people are interested in getting along with a crowd of
people rather than staying alone. Thus, each cultures set potential rulers that their citizens take
for granted. When we were at early age, we were educated how to communicate under
identified culture. When we grow up, we cannot realize that but we still obey potential rules,
especially while talking with foreigners.
Week 7
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16OVpeZbgz12HcGPm-ViTLVLyVAr3KtaTJ8Yo4-fE9Wc/edit
A.First of all, a clear clue is necessary because it can help us to link the every paragraph. Such as
origin, development, climax and result.
Besides, linking information together properly needs to utilise heading and subtitles to connect
with the different context and the different paragraph so as to enrich different paragraph’s the
connection.
Lastly, transition paragraph and vocabulary helps to link information maturely and properly.
Such as besides, in addition and so on.
B. using boosters and hedges are two strategies to help us have clear and convincing argument.
First, Boosters such as clearly, obviously allow writers to express convinced opinions. To some
extent, readers can know deeper and greater from the article and so on .
Besides, hedge is like possible to express precisely. This statement helps to express opinions
rather than fact. So readers have more room to think about that.
Overall, boosters and hedges help the statement to communicate with the ideas, more
importantly, with the readers.
Week8
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Wo_251Gj2DTMoKEzywxOKO3IqoJ3Tae7JnHgcso_Cqk/ed
it
Q1 firstly, to write a substantial introduction, we have to clearly now the contact of the body and
every individual paragraph. Besides, considering about what the conclusion will b is important
too.
In addition, for writing a good conclusion, we have to conclude the points we have done before.
Most importantly, don not introduce the new ideas or discuss the body of the article again.
For easily understanding to readers, stop repeating the vocabularies and sentences that the
author has used before.
Overall, whatever the introduction and the conclusion, we have to have a clear outline to support
our passage.
Q2 Firstly, the majority of readers want to have gains (educational inspiration, useful data , the
ways to do something and so on)after reading a book, a magazine or a journal and so on.
For example, if a student has to do a survey, then he has to read a book to gain data and useful
information. Then put the information into their reports. Besides, if a man is interested in history,
reading a historical book is helpful to be close to the ancient time.
Overall, the demands of the readers varies with each individual because it depends on their
goals. Even though many readers read the same article, it is possible to look for different things.
Week9
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ojMeo4YOHLY5BB6XShwmrn_xL6jtVpz1NFUXxc9gJU/edi
t
There are four types of text and the tone would change with the types of text.
a. For descriptive text, when we write a travel book which describes a fancy country,
we have to use active tone to attractive readers. Avoiding redundant phrases and
use simple, direct language.
b. For informative text, it is a way to advise and tell the readers how to do. Most
importantly, stop repetition and avoid unnecessary expletives.
c. For instructive text, such as receipt book, the process is really necessary but we have
to use concise phrase (e.g. it, they and so on), that means to keep it simple.
d. For persuasive text, avoiding ugly English and keep formal is a good way to
persuade the readers seriously.
As the development of globalisation, we can meet people from different countries.
But we language is a barrier for us so we have to overcome it and achieve fluent
communication.
Firstly, in terms of what we communicate, it is a process from apparent aspect to
deep aspect. At the beginning , people may say greeting. As time goes by , they will
be open and try to talk their culture. Besides, if they have a same goal to work
together, they would discuss about that together.
In addition, non-verbal communication provides a good way to people with
different culture and ethic. For example, during the conversation, we can show
facial expression and posture to give receptor feedback.
Week10
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lXQjRTQKCgyw3JkIYQNSzNolc0H85nwfMoQj
7VqUNZQ/edit
Q1
During the presentation, Power Pont Slides is not always necessary. But good visuals
is necessary to attract audiences. For example, if we talk about the necessary to
wear helmet during riding motor cycles, we can use an egg to present the process
if we don not wear helmet, the head likes egg would break up. Thus , the audiences
would totally be surprised and they would know the importance if wearing helmet.
So, the good visuals can be clear and direct.
Q2
We have talked one point above.
Firstly, we can use visuals to help he presentation but it is creative and direct
Secondly, we can provide opportunities to let audiences ask questions.
Thirdly, interesting style and interact with the audiences.
Bruce (2250509)
Participation Journals
(Week 1)
QUESTIONS:
What is academic culture in Australia?
What is research?
Why do we write reports?
The trend of learning in the 21st century is through the globalization information,
and communicating with people with various backgrounds. Every country has
different cultures and trends in various aspects of its environment, one of which is
academic culture.
Studying the academic culture of Australia, it can be assessed that it is very
sophisticated and modern in terms of technology and structure. Students, from all
over the world, come to study here because of it is well known academic standards
and their global acceptance, making it multi-cultural and an international hub for
students.
If we look at the study pattern or culture of Australia in a bit more detail, we may
find that it is just not about the individual study but there is considerable focus on
group work/team work which makes international students interact and work
together, leading to extraordinary outcomes. Methods like, brainstorming,
multi-tasking and focus on validity, sensibility and relevance of work which are
appreciated and admired.
In general terms, ‘Research’ is done to establish a comprehensive understanding of a
scenario or a given case in order to make necessary evaluations and comparisons to
reach a rational outcome. My research, on academic culture of Australia, makes me
realize that these specific study methods with technological advancement, makes it
more convenient for students to study smarter way. Back in my country, the
academic culture is quite conventional, as compared to one in Australia, although,
the emphasis on basic concepts and ideologies are the same.
Basically, reports are written to represent an account of research on facts or a
detailed study on particular issue or topic. Reports on research of academics in
Australia, explain that it has added to the competence of international students
who come to study here because of its distinct and modern study techniques and
making them to tackle the saturation in market of 21st century.
(Week 2)
QUESTIONS:
How can we find a research topic?
How can we focus our topic and question it?
How can we find credible information and use it effectively in our assignments?
Each individual in the world has a wide range of known and unknown aspects to it.
Those aspects of it are interrelated to each other in various ways to form the
happening of that existence. To discover, to study and to understand the existence of
anything, there needs to be comprehensive research on it and its aspects.
For finding a research topic, there are several things that you need to consider about.
The first thing is that make sure your topic meets the assignment requirements.
Read it closely, ask your professor for feedback if you are unsure and choose a topic
that attracts you. It may seem obvious, but this will make the research process more
fun and engage you do it batter.
Consider the scope of your topic. If your topic is too broad it may be hard to find
information that is focused and relevant; if your topic is too narrow it may be hard to
find any information at all. Here's one strategy for developing a research topic once
you have a broad topic in mind:
Background research will help you develop your topic and hone or change it in more
appropriate ways. Though this seems like extra work, it is actually a vital, time-saving
step. Knowing more about your topic's background can only help you develop a more
effective topic, and therefore, research paper.
Brainstorm concepts, once you think of a broad topic that interests you, try to
brainstorm all of the words or concepts you can that might be related to that topic.
In conclusion, finding and searching new topics is not just easy one as we see above.
(Week 3)
QUESTIONS:
What makes a good report?
What is effective reading and how does it contribute to writing a great report?
A good report has several vital characteristics which provide its base and may include
analysis of facts and evidences. The particular topic of report should have relevant
and specific facts and evidences to provide an understanding of topic of the report.
Those facts and evidences are suggested to be analyzed logically and coherently. The
main problem or issue of the report should be evaluated properly to make necessary
recommendations and conclusion to fulfill the purpose of report. Additionally, a good
report requires the relevant and authentic sources of information so that the
recommendations made are practical, thoughtful and applicable.
Gathering the relevant and valid information requires effective reading. Effective
reading emphasizes on development of the learning process which means that the
reading activity must provide base for comprehension and understanding various
aspects of reading material so that the interrelating of facts and ideas can be done
and analogical deductions can be made.
Furthermore, a good academic report primarily requires coherence in itself to form a
presentable, logical and rational outcome. The effective reading enables to analyze
and evaluate scattered information critically and to combine them orderly to make
sense. For a good report, it must be taken in account, that all sources of information
are referred and cited.
Week4
QUESTIONS:
How are opinions and positions different?
How can we use language to modify our position?
Opinions usually mean how do you judge objectively, and how do you think. Position
is more about the attitude when people dealing with problem. Compare with opinion,
position is more macro, and the opinion is always based on their positions. Opinions
come up with people who are in the same position may be same, but people they do
not in the same position probably have different opinions for one same problem.
First of all, try do not hide any information from your audience share all the
information with them. Secondly express your position clearly which means avoid to
use some ambiguous word, and using logical language. In the end, once you want to
modify your position, just do it without any doubts, the more you hesitate, your
audience is more cognitive your position.
Using body language is another way to modify your position. One single eye contact
will make your audience more trust your position, a movement of your hands will let
them know the position where you are, the interaction with the audience will let
them accept your presentation. To modify our position, both language and body
language should be used properly.
(Week 5)
QUESTIONS:
How can we make our arguments flow well?
How can we take stand?
When writing for an academic purpose, one should master the tricks to convince the
reader about one's standpoint. To achieve this aim, one should be able to make
coherent arguments by having a clear idea with enough knowledge about the subject
matter. While writing, it is important to make arguments flow in order to make
reader capable of finding links in between one's explanation about that particular
standpoint. To do that, one should use analogies, examples and details related to it.
One should avoid logical fallacies and poor reasoning to avoid losing the interest of
the reader. The swift change in arguments is to be avoided as reader would probably
not be convinced of one’s approach without enough connection between two
arguments. The steady movement from one to another argument in an attempt to
prove a point, is a reflection of thorough knowledge. Relevance and evaluation of an
argument are the basis on which writer would be able to convince his reader. Avoid
repetitions. Effective yet simple vocabulary is used to make it more convincing for all
sorts of readers. All the arguments should be centered in the standpoint regardless
of it being a wide subject. Last but not the least, the strongest arguments should be
drawn out while writing which itself will make every argument relatable and
wrapped around the basic subject matter.
To take a stand, one always looks for what is logically appealing but the tough stand
is what might earn someone readers. The first step towards taking a stand is to write
pros and cons of a subject matter. The side which seems to be stronger and more
convincing to one's intelligence and knowledge is probably chosen to be argued
about. Then also some writers are farsighted and choose to differ. They might even
come up with very strong arguments against the most right and acceptable notions.
Strength of an argument is what matters rather than the number. Taking a stand
purely depends on the one's horizon and sometimes conscience. Most of the time, it
is about how easily someone is convinced and can convince than the matter being
morally right. Lastly, whether one chooses to take an easy or a tough stand,
convincing power depends on manipulation of words and reasonable amount of
knowledge about the stand taken.
(Week 6)
QUESTIONS:
How is gender relevant to communication?
How does culture shape our communication?
Generally speaking, male communication style is more direct and using brief and
commanding language, the possible motivation of this act is demonstrate
responsibility through decisiveness. And here is another behavior of male
communication which is moving in to another’s space and talking with authority, the
people with this action possible trying to impress and establish respect or leadership.
Here are some kinds of female communication behaviors: asking question not using
commanding language when in authority, using rhetorical questions to lead and
influence. This action just show a desire to create an atmosphere of respect and
team work, de-emphasize hierarchical relationships and build on intrinsic motivation
and team work. Or sharing personal detail and complimenting others to build
relationships, trust and cohesion.
Culture forms a paradigm through which a person views or experiences the world.
Someone in the Australia may communicate from a different perspective than
someone from an undeveloped nation, for instance. An Australian may complain
about job pressures and social constraints, while an immigrant worker talks about
opportunities and freedoms provided by work. Such different points of view can
make it difficult for the two workers to share openly.
week 7)
QUESTIONS:
How can we link information together properly?
What are elements of clear, convincing argument?
To be skilled at writing, practice is needed and there is no shortcut to make one's way
through it. Linking information properly of writing is developed by thorough practice.
The first step is always to make a draft of your writing. More the number of drafts,
better will be the sequence of events and linkage between developing arguments.
With the start of every paragraph, a strong word should be used in the first sentence
which connects the new paragraph with the last one and gives the idea about the
new one. Every paragraph should consist of logically well connected points,
concentrating on not more than one or two notions. Every paragraph should end
with the sentence, providing ground and need to start a new one.
Thorough study of a subject is the basis for giving a clear and a convincing argument.
Moreover, straightforward usage of language to avoid any shadow of doubt and
examples to support your argument makes is helpful to convince the reader of one's
intentions. While writing, when one starts a new paragraph which is intended to
address an argument, the opening sentence should directly reveal one’s aim along
with the usage of strong vocabulary to keep reader focused. Statistics, numbers and
scientific studies are another way of making your arguments convincing and sound.
Repetition is prohibited. Lastly, the skillful writer can make most of the arguments
sound apparent and appropriate. So, reading and writing, both are advised.
(Week 8)
QUESTIONS:
How can we write good introductions and conclusions?
What are readers looking for?
Introduction is the face of any piece of writing while conclusion is the eventual
impression of what has been written above. The face has to be appealing and
impression has to be impressive, to leave a mark. A good introduction always starts
with a great first sentence and is followed by a story, event, recollection or a
thought of the writer. All the creativity of the writer lies in the way he creates an
unimaginable yet a strong connection between the first few sentences and the stand,
which he takes and is going to argue about, in upcoming paragraphs. Last sentence of
the introduction paragraph should create space for the upcoming paragraphs.
Conclusion on other hand, tests the shredding skills of a writer. A good conclusion
consists on the best possible summary of what has been explained and argued in the
body. The last sentence of the conclusion should be food for thought to the reader in
the form of a question being asked from him.
As a reader, one always wants to convince but it is a job of writer to do so. Conflict is
in human nature and getting convinced is what everyone is looking for especially
when controversial subjects are to be read about. Writer on the other hand is under
immense pressure to put his skills at work and try to make a reader see what and
how he's looking at the things. Again, the one who writes has to be proficient and
clear because the readers could be of any age, race, experience and level of
intelligence. The number of convinced readers is directly proportional to success of
the writer and his ability to display the project an image his mind through words
(Week 9)
QUESTIONS:
How does the 'voice' change with the type of text?
How much and what are we communicating beyond language?
The emotion could be changed with different types of voice when the text being read
or the topic being discussed. When addressing the major issues, more passion is to
be channeled towards the audience with enough facts and knowledge to convince
them of its importance. Moreover, when the text is read to warn the audience, a
more alarming tone should be preferred to convey the underlying danger. At the
times of grief and pain, the text tries to unite the audience by providing them with a
cause, so the voice has to be motivating. While giving a presentation, it again comes
down to what is being conveyed through the text. The strength of vocabulary and the
way of conveying the text shows the importance of the text. The body language is to
be adjusted according to the need of the text and situation.
Beyond the language one speaks, the human, as a single race, is united by the
language of emotions, body language common human instincts and nature. When
reading a text or presenting, the presenter is channeling his perspective in the form
of emotions, through the help of words. He is creating the required tone for the
words to be uttered in order to leave an impression on the listeners. His movements
convey the feelings inside him such as people might start trembling when feeling
nervous. Language sometimes can behave as a barrier but human emotion is
beyond the boundaries of any nation which makes it easy for people to understand
each other. All the things mentioned above, helps us to communicate in a way
language alone cannot.
(Week 10)
QUESTIONS:
What makes good visuals in a presentation?
What captures the audiences' attention?
The “good visual” presentation consists more of captivating pictures than written
work. Even a formal presentation should have a touch of unusualness. It should not
be time consuming and information feeding in order to avoid boring audience. The
visuals, used in a presentation, should be examples from our daily life such as
internet memes, movies, thoughts and stories. This helps audience to find something
interesting to focus on. A sense of humor is one of the most intriguing human quality.
The first visual should have an element of surprise to set the mood. Along with great
visuals, presenter is required to direct the attention of audience towards the visuals
by calling them out.
To capture the audience's attention, one, without any doubt, has to be great a
presenter. The body language and gestures of the speaker, should be the reflection of
ease and confidence. Moreover, good visual presentation, sharing of important and
interesting facts regarding the subject discussed and myth busting (if some exists
about the topic of presentation) are necessary to set the environment for a little
serious discussion which is ahead. These little things secure the attention of the
audience beforehand. To further enhance the presentation and make it more
captivating, a presenter is required to use all the space he is provided with, to make
the eyes of audience follow him. The presentation should be short. The closing
statement should be great in order to receive a loud applause.