Communications- Principals of Public Speaking
Instructor: Raymond Bingham
Fall 2011 Semester
Our signature assignment that was assigned to be placed in our ePortfolio was our persuasive speech. In this assignment, we were asked to choose a topic of our choice and to prepare and give a vocal speech in front of our classmates. We were to choose something we were passionate about, and to create a persuasive presentation including visual aids. I learned a lot from this project, especially about myself and what my passion can do in regards to persuading someone. My subject of choice was, "Paper or Plastic? Or Neither?". I chose this subject because it is something that effects the mass majority of Americans on a daily basis. It was something my peers could relate to, and a subject that may have been touch on before, but not explored more in-depth.
My call to action was to take control of the products you use and re-use. I urged people to choose "Neither" in the paper vs. plastic war. Bring bags you have readily available at home. Use, then re-use. If you insist on using bags new from the store, re-use them over and over until there is nothing left.
I learned a lot from this project, the foremost being that paper isn't necessarily better than plastic. Plastic takes less energy and less resources in production, and also rivals the decomposition time in a landfill compared to paper bags. This was something I was blown away by, because we always hear about how paper is better for the environment, when really it is diminishing a slowly renewable resource.
I researched all sides of the age old question of , "Paper or Plastic?" and came to the resolution of "Neither." Most all of our food and products are pre-packaged to keep bacteria and dirt away from what we eat, so disposable bags aren't necessary for healthy living.
I have learned great public speaking skills in this Communications class, and have become multi-facited in expressing my ideas vocally in a group of people, in a way that the things i express can be received in a professional and meaningful manner.
