Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Chapter 4
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Reflect on the tips forwarded by the poem below entitled “Tips for Writers”.
Rewrite the poem following these.
Tips for Writers
- Anonymous
Engage Don’t use no double negatives.
Make each pronoun agree with their antecedent.
Join clauses correctly, like a conjunction should.
Verbs has to agree with their subjects.
Don’t write run on sentences they are hard to read.
Don’t use commas, which aren’t necessary.
Try not to ever split infinitives.
Correct speling is essential.
Proofread your writing to check if any words out.
A preposition is a poor word to end a sentence with.
Don’t be redundant.
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Introduction
Understanding the several foundations of successful
Explore communication as purpose, knowledge of audience and the
organization of ideas allows one to thrive whether in written or
in spoken discourses.
As a guiding question, “why are you writing or speaking?” One may wish to
entertain the audience, to inform of something he or she feels should be known or
understood better, or to persuade audience members to change their viewpoint on
how they feel about a certain issue. One’s purpose however may overlap, depending
on the intended meaning; this may cover entertaining, informing, and persuading
altogether. Notably, the same frames the vocabulary, language, and tone used to
communicate.
The level of formality and intimacy are also determined by the audience. This is
manifested by the vocabulary employed affecting tone- the attitude conveyed.
C. Organizing Ideas
Having known the purpose for writing and/or speaking and to whom the
process is directed (audience), one also has to consider another critical foundation
which is the organization of ideas. Organization basically refers to the way one puts
something together.
Consider creating an outline- a diagram that shows how the intended content
will be organized. The outline helps organize what one intends to write or say. It
helps ensure which vital information should be placed in the presentation further
ensuring that the content leads to the fulfilment of the purpose initially set. Finally,
this may literally serve as a checklist, crossing off items after inclusion in the essay or
speech.
Focused : address the issue, the whole issue and nothing but the issue.
Organized : systematically present your information and ideas.
Clear : communicate with clarity and make each word count.
Understanding: understanding your audience and expectations.
Supported : use logic and support to make your point.
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1. Be Clear
Make the meaning clear by using definite, specific, and concrete
language.
3. Eliminate Clutter
Make sure the sentences do not contain unnecessary words as the
paragraphs do not contain unnecessary sentences.
4. Stay Active
Write and speak in the active voice; note that this is usually more
direct and compelling than the passive voice.
10. Creating and distributing materials such as posters, guides, DVDs and the
like.
Explain
Brainstorming
Sub-sub-topic
1
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The main goal in writing (or speaking) is to share meaning, and in doing so, one
informs, persuades or entertains. It is important to communicate the message to the audience
clearly and without distractions that can occur from wordy sentences, incorrect spelling and
grammatical errors.
A. Making an Argument
Practice Task 2. Given an outline with the topic sentences in an essay prototype, you
may consider this:
Topic:
Brainstorming Results (summarized in three general statements):
1. ______________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________
I. Opening Paragraph
III.Concluding Paragraph
The first few sentences intend to grab the reader with an “unexpected or dramatic
scenario or story.” Reviewing the primary purposes of an essay which are to inform
(teach) and to persuade (attempt to change someone’s mind about an issue), efforts
should focus on taking the readers’ attention and sustaining this. Distinctly, the
opening paragraph should contain a thesis statement.
The thesis statement is the “central message” of an essay or the essay’s “main
idea” in general; this may be captured in a single sentence. Interestingly, this can also
be more detailed- giving the readers an even clearer picture of the essay. It can
contain a blueprint, which is a list of ideas in the topic sentences.
A thesis statement that starts with a general sentence and narrowed through
different points (topic sentences) is found to be ideal. It introduces the main idea and
directs to what will become the three topic sentences that begin the body paragraphs.
Comma Splice
Run-on Sentence
Note that a typical essay contains at least three segments (paragraphs), each
with different topic sentences but guided by one central idea. Transitions will be
helpful in connecting the main points so that the essay flows from one point to the
next.
Transitions tell the audience when one has finished relating one idea and is
switching to a new thought. These are phrases like “in addition to”, “however” and
“therefore,” which also indicate using logic or thinking in the presentation.
“Therefore,” for instance indicates having presented several ideas that, taking
together, lead to a certain conclusion.
In the end, writers show respect for others- even those who may oppose them- by
admitting that their thesis may not be flawless, but they can still use the objection(s)
to further their own cause.
F. Concluding
The conclusion reiterates the thesis/ thesis statement utilizing different words.
This covers restatement of the main points (topic sentences) in unique and memorable
ways to end the essay.
Argumentative essays, while these follow the principles of essay writing as specified
in the above overview, share some research processes.
Comparable with blogs which aim to entertain, instruct, inform and persuade with or
without research support, argumentative essays need research to support the writer’s claim or
position. Readers expect the presentation of a clear stand on an issue that has at least two
sides. The purpose is to present well-reasoned conclusions in order to persuade the audience
to accept or at least seriously consider a point of view.
Paraphrasing is done when one uses his/her own words in taking down
notes. Summarizing is taking the gist given that the information provided
in the source is lengthy. Taking the essential thoughts, may consider
copying verbatim or exactly what is presented in the source. Essentially,
whatever the type of noting done, don’t fail to cite the source. There are
different styles of citing references such as American Psychological
Association (APA) Style 7th Edition. Here is a link for your reference of
the APA Style:
https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples
a. In this essence, the thesis statement expresses the writer’s stand on the
issue/ topic.
b. Present strong position that is supported by evidence.
Opinions of experts.
5. Write an outline.
a. This should contain all the main points in the essay- for both the
writer’s arguments and opposing arguments. So that, given a guide,
refer to the table below.
Thesis Statement
Writer’s Arguments Opposing Arguments
Specific Support Specific Support
Sources for the Support Sources for the Support
https://my.uq.edu.au/files/10945/example-argumentative-essay.pdf
(Exploring the Typical Features and Structure of an Argumentative
Essay with a Simple Example)
Elaborate
Practice Task 3. For your exercise, write a 600-750 word argumentative essay on a pressing
issue in your field of specialization following the steps specified. Apart from explaining the
issue and providing research results in support of the arguments, solution(s) should be given
in your capacity as a student. The essay should contain the complete parts as introduction,
body and conclusion. The introduction and the conclusion should not be longer than two
paragraphs. To facilitate smooth writing of the essay leading to solutions to the issue, follow
the guide provided below.
Issue or Topic:
(Note that the issue or topic to be worked on should be a pressing concern in your field of
specialization towards a solution that you may offer as a student. Example: Bullying in the
Education Field and Managing Health Care Wastes in the Nursing Field.)
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List of Sources:
(Scout possible sources for the data to be used in the essay, may consider exploring Google
Scholar for research support. Meanwhile, the following are NOT considered: any religious
reference, work of literature, dictionary, personal blogs or diary entries, and Wikipedia.
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(Search on various sources until desired answers have been obtained. To insure complete
citation of sources, note on the complete bibliographical entry upon encounter of these. Use
extra sheet as necessary.)
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Thesis Statement
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Essay Outline
(This outline guides you in writing the argumentative essay.)
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Criteria:
Content 20 pts.
Does the essay have a clear stand or thesis?
Does the author provide convincing explanation and adequate research
support for the claims?
Are there evidences of in-text citations?
Organization 10pts.
Are the ideas presented in a logical and organized manner?
Does the author employ appropriate transition statements?
Citation Conventions 5 pts.
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Does the author provide a complete and accurate list of sources used in
the essay?
Language and Mechanics 5 pts.
Does the essay account for correct grammar and mechanics?
Speaking in front of a group may result to stage fright- an anxiety everyone feels at
one time or another when speaking in front of people.
Since likely the worst thing is to go up to a podium and not know what to say, it
makes sense that by adequately preparing the speech, one can decrease stage fright up to 75
percent.
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Express your thoughts on the following images. After writing your
ideas on each, practice delivering these extemporaneously on your own.
(1) Notes:
Engage
(2)
Notes:
(3) Notes:
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Explore
Explain
I. Presentation Skills
Among the key aspects of a successful oral presentation are: having a firm idea of
what the audience already knows, careful presentation and rehearsal, making the presentation
structure clear, and dealing effectively with questions.
The organization of the speech begins with an outline that differs slightly from
that of the essay earlier presented.
3. Introduction
8. Plan the exact words for the opening, transition points, and the
conclusion.
a. Consider writing the introductory and concluding sentences on a
card (palm card).
2. On dressing appropriately.
20 Minutes
The challenge in limiting the presentation to 20 minutes lies within the
speaker focusing on important details of the message. In case more time may be
spared, this may be devoted to discussions and questions on the presentation
thus involving the audience.
30-size Font
When designing the presentation, keep in mind that anything shown
must be visible to everybody in attendance; depending on the room and screen
size, most will be able to see texts that are at least at 30- size font.
Associated to this is the 6 x 6 Rule, where the presenter limits any text to 6
words per line and 6 lines per slide; others however adopt the 7 x 7 and/or 9 x 9.
Slides visually less cluttered allow audiences to see the main ideas immediately.
To keep the audience engaged and to help them follow the arguments,
effective speakers use signposts – brief verbal cues indicating progress through an
outline.
The restatement is a type of signpost that speakers use to emphasize their key
points. If someone says something twice, you know that it must be important.
5. Transition
Having considered … let us now move on to …
So, these were our methods …
About the results, …
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6. Contrasting
By contrast … However, … … but …
Nevertheless, … On the other hand, …
8. Rephrasing
That is … To put it in another way, …
In other words, …
9. Giving an Example
For example, … For instance, … … such as …
Say … … like … … including …
To give an example, … An example of this is …
Here is an example, … Let me give an example, …
10. Emphasizing
Actually, … In fact, … Indeed …
Importantly, … Surprisingly, … Interestingly, …
It is clear that … Clearly, … Obviously, …
I’d like to underline … Highlight … Emphasize …
It is important to bear in mind … Remember …
11. Defining
By …, we mean … We can define … as …
E. Non-verbal Considerations
1. Posture
Stand straight but not stiff.
Balance weight on both feet.
Note that standing well allows the diaphragm to adjust when
controlling breathing and voice production.
3. Facial Expressions
Facial expressions must match the message.
Relax facial muscles- looking nervous makes the audience feel
uncomfortable.
4. Voice
Speak a little louder than necessary projecting the voice at the back
of the room.
Use diaphragm to do this not the muscles of the throat.
Otherwise, the voice loses resonance and power and
becomes less pleasant to listen to.
Speak a little more slowly than normally done, especially if feeling
nervous (keep track however of the time of presentation).
A useful rule-of-the-thumb is: the larger the audience, the
more slowly one should talk.
Use voice as a communication tool.
Vary the speed- speak more slowly in the introduction and
the conclusion.
Use stress for important points and contrasts.
A short silence can emphasize a point or a transition
5. Eye Contact
Eye contact creates a relationship between the speaker and the
audience.
It encourages the audience to listen.
It helps to relax the speaker.
Start and end with direct eye contact, looking around the whole
audience.
Look at your visual aids (and notes if you have them) only
when necessary; don’t stare at them when presenting.
Look at the audience as much as you can.
Don’t look always at the same section of the audience, or at one “victim”. Focus
on one person or group for 1-2 seconds; then look at another person/ group, then
another.
Confidence in Delivery
Elaborate
Practice Task 4. For your practice, write the actual statements to be delivered to introduce
and close the presumed presentation on the issue chosen in Practice Task 3.
Introduction:
Conclusion:
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Evaluate
Task: Make a slide presentation of the topic you have chosen in Practice Task 3. Follow the
10-20-30 Rule by Kawasaki (2005), but disregard the 20 minutes oral presentation.
Also, include the 6x6 Rule in making your presentation. Do not forget to consider the
rules of preparing ppt presentations. Submission link for this output will be sent
through Google Classroom.
Content
All required slides were included with correct information. 10 pts.
Topic is presented clearly in organized manner. 5 pts.
PowerPoint Graphics
Text is eligible. Font size is appropriate. 3 pts.
Graphics enhances the presentation. 3 pts.
There is balance in terms of color, text and graphics. 3 pts.
The 10-20-30 Rule and 6x6 Rule were used. Add one slide for the 6 pts.
sources.
Language and Mechanics 5 pts.
Capitalization and punctuation are correct throughout the presentation.
No grammatical errors were found.
Sources
Sources of information were cited at the last slide of the presentation. 5 pts.
Follow the APA Style examples in the link presented previously in this
material.
TOTAL 40 pts.
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References:
Australia Center for the Moving Image. 2002. Film It: The Filmmaker’s Toolkit.
https://www.acmi.net.au/education/online-learning/film-it/. Accessed on July 2020.
Educational Technology and Mobile Learning. 2014. Tips to Design Effective Presentations.
https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2014/07/10-tips-to-design-effective.html?
m=1. Accessed on July 2020.
Estares, I. 2019. Three reasons why social media in the Philippines is huge. Eye on Asia.
https://www.d8aspring.com/eye-on-asia/3-reasons-why-social-media-in-the-
philippines-is-huge. Accessed on July 2020.
Faculty of Forest and Natural Resources Management. 2008. Handbook for Effective,
Professional Communication.
Rappler.com. 2002. Earth Day at 50: Lessons for the Post-Coronavirus World.
https://rappler.com/voice/thought-leaders/opinion-earth-day-lessons-post-
coronavirus-world.
Rowland, D. R. n.d. Exploring the Typical Features and Structure of an Argumentative Essay
with a Simple Example. https://my.uq.edu.au/files/10945/example-argumentative-
essay.pdf
Study.com. 2016. What are Communication Strategies: Definition, Types and Examples.
https://study.com/academy/lessson/what-are-communication-strategies-definitiontion-
types-examples.html. Accessed on July 2020.
The U.S National Archives and Records Administration. 2018. Analyze a Poster.
https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/worksheets/poster.html. Accessed on
July 2020.