Exam Problem - How Pass Them Well - Assignment Example

Question I think the article was pretty good. They alternated very well between small and large words, like using “thriftiest” instead of “cheapest”. The sentences are brief and plainly written, but dont seem stupid or too simple. Of course, the entire article is based on extensive research. Their arguments are all based on dollar figures, such as $610,000 that Craavack spent, or on a per-vote cost for each candidate. And the whole point of the article is that unlike what normally happens the people who spent less won. That establishes some points about the Tea Party and lets the reader know that something new is happening. They might have spent a bit too much time establishing the point and not getting the forest for the trees. The things I liked the most about the article and what I took from it is that they mixed the research in with the actual points. They would drop some big number then explain why it mattered and give me some analysis. Then they added quotes from people, showing how important this all was. Because they had quotes from people besides the guys at the Washington Post, I believed them more. Question #2 First, I have issues organizing my thoughts. When I cant organize my thoughts, how can my reader follow me? On this question, for example, I am trying to avoid going off on a tangent and just sticking to each point in turn. That way, the reader knows where to go next and is never confused. Im also going to work on parallel structure, like Im doing here. That way, I get a rhythm that I can understand and that the reader can get into. Second, I have spelling and grammar issues. I used a spell-check on this assignment, but I think I need to change my approach too. Ive done two things to make my attitude better. Ive made looking for spelling and grammar a fun search like a scavenger hunt. I do it after Ive written, because Ive found that after Ive had some time away from the page, I can see mistakes more easily. In the past, I got frustrated having to go back and change what I knew was still clear, but after being in this class, I realized that spelling and grammar errors add up: Yeah, my friends may know what I mean, but someone who doesnt know me is going to get more and more confused. Third, Im going to work on better metaphor and simile. Even in an essay thats not a story or entertainment, its important to keep the reader entertained and use images that make people think about the issue in a new light. For example, I realized that my quest for improvement is like polishing a gem: Whats underneath is not any worse than any other ruby, it just has some things that need to be worked on. Finally, I need to mix up my language. Using the word “cheap” over and over again is bad: Why not “thrifty”, “efficient”, or “miserly?” And I can then add in metaphor and comparison too, like “Scrooge-like”! Question #3 McDougalls presentation has a great advantage: Its incredibly easy to follow and bright and fun. Lots of pictures, maps and diagrams communicate her points. Then she moves onto excellent points. The design is elegant and simple: A nice color of red, a nice sign, nothing making it hard to read. But the weakness is that she has so many things up front that look nice, which require her explaining and the audience paying attention, then so many dry points that let the audience follow her but reduce their attention. She needed to mix them more holistically. She also covered far too many topics: She covered Vietnams whole history, global warming, ecological issues and business issues! Theres no way someone sitting through it would remember it without extensive notes, and even then they might not get why things are important or what things matter. She needed to be less ambitious. Question #4 First, I would emphasize eye contact. A friend of mine saw Bill Clinton speak. He swore it was like having someone look at him the whole time. Bill would sweep the audience over and over again. He didnt repeat a pattern. That made everyone feel like they were in a room alone with him. Its a great technique. People are shy, but doing this actually makes everyone more comfortable. It makes people think theres a connection. The problem most people have is that they look away, or look down, and that makes it really hard to hear them and makes it so we cant care about what theyre saying. Second, I would emphasize: Prepare, prepare, prepare. When were flustered and unprepared, we trip up. But when we know something, have practiced it, worked on potential responses, and know it inside and out, then we can mess around with it. If something goes wrong, we can keep going and not get lost. If Im unprepared, I start up and cant think. I feel panic close up on me and then I just sort of lose it and reemerge having said nothing. But when I have the materials I need on hand, have prepped out the space, and have practiced, then its like talking to my friends. Im saying something I know, and it becomes actually fun to share! Third, I would say to pick things that we care about. Weve all seen projects where one person in the group just sort of mumbles through their PowerPoint slide because they have nothing interesting to say, because they dont care about the topic. If you dont care, how can you expect the audience to care? Good presentation design is a great way to solve that. Finding a way to make the stakes clear to the audience makes them clear to you too. Just drawing out the argument, splitting up duties right, and doing research will get someone interested. Read More