Advancements in Communication (Blog 3, Week 1)

The evolution of communication has played a significant roll in my life. Written forms of communication started with the printing press which is an example of advancements that has altered the world we live in.

The printing press was a start to a new era. The invention of the printing press has made so much history and literature available to the everyday person. However, in the twenty first century we do not solely rely so much on the printing press, but the technology has transferred to the computer. Many people search and easily find any information they desire on the internet taking away the use of mass printing. Some may believe newspapers and phone books are still more effective than going online for the news and phone numbers; however, if we were to all begin using these technological advancements instead of the traditional resources many tree's would be saved. Although I do not believe this would abolish the need for mass printing machines, because I strongly believe that people are more relaxed when they have a book in hand and are reading literature for enjoyment, rather than struggling staring at the screen of the monitor while reading. 

Furthermore, our technological world continues to veer away from printed material as e-mails and text messages begin to run our worlds communication. Conveniently, and unfortunately, almost no days goes by where I do not text, e-mail, or check my Facebook. These advancement in technology have made it easy to stay connected to our friends, families, employers, and educators, even though they restrict humans to develop the five communication skills Aristotle preaches. 

Through the centuries many advancements have been made with the means of communication, but it is evident that Aristotle's foundation for speaking will always be desired traits to be a personable person. 

Obama's Inauguration Speech (Blog 2, Week 1)

On Tuesday, January 20, 2009 President Barack Obama created history as he became the first African American president the United States has ever elected. Also, Obama is one of the best public speakers America has heard; he excites, empowers, and enthralls all audiences. Through the development of communication studies the sophists and Aristotle have presented ways for one to achieve the art of public speaking, and President Obama has mastered their requirements. 

To begin, Obama employs several of the sophists teachings while he presents his speech. Most apparently, Obama displays Gorgias founding that public speeches should excite and inspire people. This was evident through the number of people present at his speech since Obama has spoken with authority that energizes the crowd throughout his campaign. Also, The sophists were known for studying persuasion, and President Obama relays his promises to the audience as he persuades them they will come true. A specific quote that caught my attention (because I was persuaded and in awe by everything Obama was saying) was when Obama asks the audience the question it is, "Not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether is works?" Additionally, I noted that Obama persuaded the audience as he stressed that America should want to have their children and grandchildren live a beneficial life in the states, so everyone must take responsibility and be self-giving in all their actions.

Moreover, Obama applies all of Aristotle's requirements to be successful as a public speaker. First, his generation of ideas and disposition within his inauguration speech were impeccable. Obama was able to discuss all important stances in our government (economy, schooling, welfare, health care, and the war) without making the speech sound choppy or confusing. Also, Obama's style of delivery for his speech was one of a kind. Obama's various tones during his speech  genuinely excited the members of the audience because they were lead to believe they felt his compassion behind his words. Finally, Obama's inaugurational speech illustrated perfection through the memorizing of his speech; even though, while he was getting inaugurated he stumbled a little, but this was actually nice for the audience to see to prove that he was a human with nerves. 

In conclusion, President Obama must have examined the foundation of communications to help him create and present his powerful speech.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjnygQ02aW4

The Art of Aristotle (Blog 1, Week 1)

Everyday people have discussions. Whether one is simply talking to themselves, to a friend or family member, to God, or to a group of people, most human beings do not go a day without speaking. However, after we speak our first words "Da-Da" or "Ma-Ma" the act of communication becomes effortless, and most people do not stop to think about where communication, the sharing of an experience, comes from. Not only do most people talk in a day, but "research tells us about 75 percent of the average person's day involves some form of communication" (Boxing Plato's Shadow xv). So if we commit so much of our time to communication, how come people do not take the time to stop and learn about its foundation?

Aristotle was an essential figure within the development of communication studies. Aristotle brought new ideas to the foundation of commutation. Even though he was an educator in Plato's school, Aristotle did not agree with Plato's discipline of communication. Instead, Aristotle derived his knowledge of communication from multiple sources; he was even daring enough to learn about the sophists who Plato did not agree with. Also, Aristotle's observation to the outside environment offered new logic about people and nature. Consequently, Aristotle invented formal logic, in which ideas discovered through observation combined with universal principles created conclusions. 

Furthermore, since Aristotle examined all ancient works he redefined rhetoric as "the art of discovering all the available means of persuasion in a given situation " (Aristotle, 350 B.C./1991). Moreover, Aristotle suggested three guidelines that outline a humans desire for communication. First, "Communication is purpose," this idea illustrates that people speak to have some form of influence or affect on another person. Next, there are three common different situations in which people hope to speak with an effect: forensic oratory, deliberative oratory, and epideictic oratory. The last concept that Aristotle believes frames the study of human communication is persuasion.

Additionally, Aristotle created the "five canons of rhetoric" which explain how to practice the art of persuasion during the art of public speaking. To begin, one's ability to conform ideas is essential for the "invention" of the topic.  Then, needs to organize ideas and figure out what is essential for their "disposition". However, the "style" a person is employing needs to be recognized prior to speaking in order to get the correct message across to the desired audience. Most importantly, it is essential for someone to memorize the main concepts within the speech forces since memorizing is an essential skill in public speaking. Finally, the "delivery" of the speech is also significant because the speaker must sound committed to their words if they intend to persuade others. 

Overall, Aristotle illuminates many important factors of communication. If we intend to become powerful speakers, it is essential to study communication beyond our first words. 

First Post!!

First post!!! Not positive I am doing this correctly, but figured it'd be a good test run, and hopefully I can become better acquainted with how to use this sit!