I believe that I have learned a great deal during the past couple of months in English 112. We have had interesting discussions on a variety of important topics including oral communication, the appeals triangle, the writing process, critical thinking, how to gain a new perspective, and how to develop a good understanding of text. In addition, we also covered many important people that had a significant influence on the world, and, in particular, on the English language. These people include Benjamin Franklin, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Kurt Vonnegut.
When addressing others, I have learned that even the slightest movements and body language can make a big difference. For example, one’s stance is very meaningful. I have learned that I should not have any distractions in front of me like a book or crossed arms because these are signs that I may not be fully engaged in the conversation, and I could be closing myself to the person with whom I am speaking. Also, the way one stands or sits indicates whether the topic or the person is of interest. While talking with another person, it is important to be attentive and completely engaged in the conversation. Interacting in the conversation can be accomplished by repeating what was said and by turning the statement into a question. For example, if a person states, “I’ve been reading The Hunger Games,” one can respond with the question, “You’ve been reading The Hunger Games? I’ve heard about that new movie, but I don’t know anything about it. What’s the storyline?” By asking this type of follow up question the speaker is given an affirmation that the topic is of interest, and the conversation can be continued. The focus of one’s gaze is also important. It should always be on the other person in order to indicate attention and involvement. Being a good listener and giving the other party a chance to speak are fundamental to a meaningful discussion.
I have also learned about conversation goals which include: 1. Better understanding of: the topic, the people around you, and the world you share, 2. Being honest and open, but also balanced, 3. Enjoying oneself, and 4. Practicing skills. In addition, I learned the rules of the art of conversation consisting of give and take, actively listen to what others are saying, and think about what lessons can be learned, mirroring or paraphrasing what the person said, literal level, and emotional level, and lastly, be calm and confident.
My oral communication skills were put into action last weekend when my family and I traveled to Arizona for a family reunion. When addressing the elders I made sure that my stance was respectful. I did not cross my arms like I normally do when speaking in an informal setting, and I actively listened to what they were saying. While talking to my cousins, I kept my attention on them so they would know that I was interested in what they were saying. I also tried not to get ahead of the conversation and think about what I was going to say next. Rather, I actually focused and listened to what was being said.
In class, we also reviewed the writing process. The writing process consists of six parts. First is pre-writing which is the discovery and organization of a paper. Drafting follows. After drafting comes the revision stage. This part is when some information is added or deleted. Next comes proofreading or editing. Next is publishing which is also called delivery. The final stage is reviewing which completes the cycle. We also learned that good writing is writing that helps to meet an agenda with one’s intended audience. This goal brings us to the topic of the rhetoric triangle. The rhetoric triangle recommends that an author craft his or her message with specific goals in mind and an agenda that will meet the audience’s expectations and needs.
We also covered the appeals triangle which includes ethos, pathos, and logos. Ethos deals with one’s reputation, credibility, trust and identification. An author needs a good ethos to ensure to his or her reader that what the author is saying is true and competent. Logos deals with logic and facts. The effect of logos is that it evokes a cognitive and rational response. Pathos deals with persuasion by using one’s emotions. In order to communicate successfully, a rhetorician must know who his audience is, the purpose of the message, and which types of appeals to use.
I know my audience with this essay is my English professor. The purpose of this essay is to explain what I have learned in English 112 and to prove why I deserve a high mark. This essay is mostly logos driven because I am stating the facts that are discussed in class to prove that I deserve to get an A. Ethos is also important in writing essays, especially research papers. The author needs to state his source to gain credibility from the audience. Pathos is usually used in advertisements to persuade people to buy a product being advertised using an emotional appeal.
What are the beliefs that are involved with gaining a perspective from someone else? 1. One must have a vested interest in gaining the perspective of others, 2. The opinions of others are rational, and 3. Others have some additional knowledge to be shared. We know that people make irrational decisions at times, so it is up to us to decide if they are wrong.
We also learned that there are two methods to understand text: Analysis and Synthesis. Analysis is the practice of breaking the text into parts or features to understand its meaning. Synthesis is bringing together parts of the text into a whole to understand its meaning.
How to Write with Style by Kurt Vonnegut. Vonnegut gave us specific steps to write with style. He began by instructing the author to select an subject that was important and had personal meaning. He then told cautioned us not to ramble. Kurt Vonnegut also said to keep it simple and have the guts to cut. He then continued by telling the author to be individual and write what is meant to be stated. Lastly, he reminded the writer to pity the readers.
By stating all of the ideas that I have learned in class and citing specific examples of how I have applied them in my everyday life I believe that I deserve an A on this assignment.
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