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The S.T.E.P. Process (Day 16)
Continuing the 31 day series on communication, today we will explore a process called the “S.T.E.P.” system. Dr. Jeff Myers, in his book, Secrets of Great Communicators, explains that he learned this method from Dr. Lee Polk, professor of speech at Baylor University....
The Core (Day 15)
In writing cases for Team Policy Debate, I encourage students to be able to explain their entire 8 minute case into one sentence; or better yet, an even shorter "bumper sticker" phrase. It is quite a challenge - but not impossible. Once they are able to identify that...
What Motivates an Audience? (Day 14)
What motivates an audience? As a speaker or writer, your motive is not what compels your audience; it is their motive. So, what is their motive? Dr. Jeff Myers, in his book Secrets of Great Communicators, says that research has found that people are motivated by...
October Elegy (poem)
October Elegy October enters surreptitiously Calmly separates leaf from scion Trees relinquish clasp— and foliage Obeys the call— scatters asunder Browned, crunchy, dispersed— Elegy upon the grass Rest in peace. 10/16 ©Prasanta (Acrostic poem) *...
Keep Calm… and carry on (Day 13)
Keep calm… and carry on. That is the communication tip for day #13 of this series on 31 days of Communication Tips. One of the most important things a communicator, leader, or speaker can do is to stay calm. A calm person is confident, not swayed by every emotion or...
Delivery (Canon Five)
So far, we have considered the canons of Invention, Arrangement, Style, and Memory, and today we reach the final canon in this mini-series: Delivery. (The series began here.) Delivery is how you choose to communicate your message. It includes the following elements:...
The Memory Phase (Canon Four)
So far, we have considered the first three canons of Rhetoric: Invention, Arrangement, and Style. Today, we will examine the fourth canon: Memory. Memory simply refers to memorizing one’s speech. By memorizing, you free yourself up to employ other parts of delivery...
Autumn by Rainer Maria Rilke
AUTUMN The leaves are falling, falling as from far, as though above were withering farthest gardens; they fall with a denying attitude. And night by night, down into solitude, the heavy earth falls far from every star. We are all falling. This hand's falling too --...
The Style Phase (Canon Three)
We have just discussed the canons of invention and arrangement in the previous two blog posts, and today, we move on to the next canon: Style. Style refers to how you will get your message across. Two pupils of Aristotle developed the five virtues of style below;...
The Arrangement Phase (Canon Two)
After Invention, the next canon is Arrangement. Arrangement is the process of organization of a speech or piece of writing. Arrangement is divided into six parts: Introduction (Exordium) Statement of Facts (Narration) Division Proof (Confirmation) Refutation...
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