Reflect on a recent discussion you've had in which you tried to persuade others to accept your point of view

The latest persuasive argument I’ve been having on and off lately is between me and my husbands separate views on discipline. Our son is eighteen months and is beginning to display emotions, frustrations and tantrums. We know he needs some discipline and plan to decide on how to do it but we do not agree. I am leaning more towards time outs. My husband is leaning towards spanking. I am constantly using logos to appeal to his logic and consider the pros and cons of spanking; He on the other hand talks about my experiences with spanking as my parents form of discipline. That’s when I use the pathos and credibility to say that I am opposed to spanking because of that. I appeal to his ethos many times because I know he does not like to see our son cry and does not want to make him cry by spanking him. I am using my best argumentative appeal while we are making considerations and am going to sway him my way no matter what. I have not won yet but plan to soon, because our little one needs some type of rules and discipline soon because he will need stable rules and disciplines in his life to help him as an adult.

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

The concept from chapter fifteen that I found useful was the re-discussion on types of appeals. There are four types. The first is termed Logos, this type of appeal is used when your have logical proof that accompanies your argument and you are appealing to the audience to use there logic when deciding on your view, you also use facts and statistics as your examples as stated in Coopman & Lull. The second type is termed Ethos and is used when the speaker has credibility with the subject. To sway his or her audience the speaker would use references to there own expertise on the topic. Possibly if you were a victim or have experience of being an advocate for a specific topic you could use Ethos.
Pathos is the third type and uses emotional proof to sway the audience, and as examples provides a humorous quote or story. The last type that is stated along with the latter by Coopman & Lull is Mythos. This appeal uses cultural beliefs and values to bring persuasion to an audience. Well know fables or cultural specific stories are used as examples to provide evidence. For my next speech I will be using Logos to make my appeal. Plenty of facts and statistics will help me to persuade my audience!

Speech Buddy: Review the following Interactive Videos, 15.1, "Schooling: Pro" and "Schooling: Con"

In video 15.1 I learned some integral elements that go into a argumentative speech. It reinforced my correct use of a thesis, claims, evidence and reasoning. I needed also to hear the language and verbiage that was used during this speech so I could use the correct terms when presenting my speech. “Schooling Pro” was an excellent speech, she identified with the audience using children as the common thread. Everyone could relate to wanting children to be safe. She used a pro and con argument and let the audience decide what they would rather have there child experience during their education. Her appeal was based on logos, but also I think some Pathos because it appealed to the emotions of parents. “Schooling Con,” was also a well argued speech. His claims were well thought out and had plenty of supporting materials; he cited books and studies as his evidence so that the audience knew he researched his speech thoroughly. He used Logos in his appeal and stated facts and statistics. These speeches helped me feel more prepared for my upcoming presentation.

Read the discussion on Flickr regarding sexist language

The Flickr article was right on. I don’t think that just because a blogging or tagging information is informal that sexist language is acceptable. I don’t think that many give it any though; they just think that as long as they are not using derogatory language than they are okay. Like the situation of calling a woman a girl, or a man a boy, on of my classmates mentioned that in some places of the U.S calling a man a boy is very derogatory and is meant to be that intentionally. I have experienced this first hand. A coworker was trying to be funny and while joking called me a “senorita” which is Spanish loosely means young girl. I reminded him that if he was going to attempt to speak to me in Spanish then he should have called me a “Senora” because I am a married woman. I think that in everything we do we should maintain respect,and stay away from sexist language, no matter the situation.

Speech Buddy Videos

Video 10.1 was extremely helpful to me. My next speech is on the need for affordable healthcare, by using audience centered language such as; we and us, I will be able to draw them into the subject and help them identify with the effects that the healthcare debate has it has on then personally and not just someone else. Language choices are mention in 10.2 and are extremely impotent so that the speech comes across clear and concise and does not offend anyone as stated in the video. In 12.1 I learned the correct terms for identifying vocal variety in a speech and how to use it. Avoiding long pauses or using the word “umm” are important for me to remember because when I get nervous I start scrambling for things to say. I am glad that in video 12.3 gestures were mentioned. I’ve been told by my peers that my hand gestures are distracting but thankfully it’s now been said that gestures can be used but should remain formal. Now if I could only find out what they mean by formal? I would be okay. Lastly as we have been learning a along video 12.3 stressed the importance of practicing our speeches, writing effective note cards and again… practicing our speeches!!!!