Post Evalution

Knowledge of Audience - I feel as if I had semi-knowledge of the time period of my audience, but I also feel as if I could have better elaborated and provided more equivalent examples.
Diction- Although, I feel as if I enunciated my words I also caught myself using two or three fillers. I also saw myself stutter one or twice, I need to gather my thoughts and project them clearly.
Body Language - My body language definitely needs improvement. I stood in place the entire time and did not demand the attention of the entire room. I could have use the space more efficiently. Although, I felt confident my face portrayed that I was somewhat nervous.
Preparedness - I do not feel as prepared as I needed to be. However, I did have to change my topic at the last minute since someone else presented on the same topic I choose.
Overall Effectiveness- I feel as if I was somewhat effective, but not as effective as I cold have been. If I could go back in time, I would use more metaphors and make more efficient use of the space.

ESL

   As the third marking period comes to an end, we are responsible for handing in a final project on anything that we choose refering to language, literature, or story. For my topic, I decided to choose the topic of ESL. As I completed my research, I found some interesting results. The number of ESL students is highly increasing within America. Many students struggle with the adaptation of the English language and culture. It is a reoccuring problem that few people have knowledge of or paying attention to. As Americans are we obligated to assists in the problem or is it not our responsibilty?

Speech

Recently in class, we had to do a public speaking exercise. We had to talk for forty five seconds on a topic of choice without using "filler" words such as, "uhhh.." "umm.." or "like." As adolescents, the moment we heard that we knew it was going to be a hard task. We have become so accustomed to using these words to fill in those awkward moments or as a way to gather our thoughts. But not only is it a flaw on my generation, but also of elder generations. There have been many times when adults have suffered from the same problem. It wasn't till now that I realized how distracting it could actually be. When I hear a lecture when a person is constantly using fillers, I find my self counting the amount of times he/she says a particular word rather than the content of the speech. It is something that we all need to work on. I wonder if this is a reoccuring problem from the past.

Emotions

  Recently, we began to read the book The Stranger. The main character of the book reflects a personality seen in few books. He is an emotionless person who takes life for what it is. He shows little attachment and interest in people and what they have to say. Although, he displays this emotionless persona to people as readers we have an inside look at to what he really is thinking. He seems to give people the benefit of doubt. Why shouldn't he help them? People seem to feel as if he doesn't care, but in reality he has no reason to. It makes us question our relationships with people. Does what we say always reflect how we are truly feeling? Some people rely on the words of others to reflect on certain people's opinions or feelings towards them. Words really have a lot more value than we depict.

Insanity.

 

  In class, we are discussing the Shakespearean play, Hamlet. With the sudden mysterious murder of his father and the marriage of his mother to his uncle, Hamlet falls into a deep depression. Many think he is mad with grief of the events that just occurred while others feel as if he is mad due to the rejection of Ophelia. We see two sides to Hamlet. At times, we see him display traits to those who are mentally unstable. He talks to himself, has sudden outbursts, and takes on weird behaviors. He also becomes isolated from his family and loved ones. However, on the other side we see a more intelligent side to Hamlet. He knows that he has to avenge his father by killing his uncle, but he also know that this is something that requires much deliberation and patience. He needs a just cause to kill his uncle rather than just acting on pure emotions. So, he devises a plan to guilt his uncle into confessing that he killed his father. As a reader, you question whether Hamlet is sane or insane? Where is the line drawn? Is Hamlet mad or is he tactful?

Rap or Poetry?

   When we think of poetry, we typically think of poets such as Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, or Ernest Hemingway. These are classical poets that we are exposed to in grade school and are well renown throughout the world. They are applauded by critics for their use of language, poetic devices, and are accredited for being the pioneers for the basis of poetry. Few people realize that they are not the only classic poets out there. Many times musical artists are poets also, but the difference is their art is said to a beat. These artists or lyricists are familiar to the people and more easily understood then say the works of Shakespeare which is written in Old English. A prime example of this would be the rapper known as Tupac Shukur. The rapper addressed issues within the community and made people aware of these situations. He his famous for his use of assonance and alliteration in his songs. His raps told stories. Artists such as him are famous for conveying urban issues by a use of a small anecdote.
      I feel as if as students we should not only be exposed to the classic poets, but also the more modern ones. Few people can relate to the diction and situations depicted within poems in history. Today, a lot has changed and a lot more issues have arose. Students should be exposed to both (of course, the less vulgar forms of lyrics for today's music).

Body Language

     Body language is something that few people discuss, but everyone pays attention to. The way people carry themselves helps distinguish who they are as a person. This is one of our first impressions when meeting a person. You can come off as welcoming or "stand off-ish." It also can depict certain traits of your personailty such as, confidence, self-conscienceness, or shyness. The use of body language as a form of communication is just as strong as using your words. It is your own personal form of silent communication. We see examples of this in everyday life. We even base our "next moves" off the body language of someone else. If a girl gives a guy, "the eye" you know she likes him. If she doesn't pay attention to what youe saying, she's not interested. We use body language sublimenly all the time. It is our way of expressing our emotions without physically saying them. It even provides emphasis to certain emotions or situations. Not every word, needs to be said.