Monday, March 24, 2014

Chapter 8, Taking Notes, Writing and Speaking, March 24-30




This week read the chapter on taking notes, writing and speaking and then make two comments on any of these topics: 


Psychologist and philosopher William James said, “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.” How can you take steps toward being a genius by being selective at school, at work or in your personal life? 

Many students have difficulties with writing assignments because of writer’s block. Read the section on writer’s block in the text and comment on some ideas that you can use to overcome it. 

Write some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.

Do you have any ideas about how to relax while speaking in public?

Ask a question or discuss any aspect of college success that is relevant to your college experience at this point.     

Make a comment on another student's post. 

43 comments:

  1. Growing up in middle school and high school I was terrified to speak in front of people. As I've grown older I've learned to care less of what other people think. I have also been a server for the last five years which has help me talk in front of people. So the best advice I can give is practice, as much as you don't like it it will help you in the long run to get better. If it is for a class presentation, just remind yourself that after this semester you will most likely not see these people again so what does it matter to talk in front of it.

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    1. I was scared to speak in front of people to because I was embarrassed that they were going to laugh at me. When the teacher gave us an assignment that we had to present I usually didn't do it. As I got older I was more confident in my public speaking. I learned that being scared to present in class was normal and everybody was nervous. Its better to be one of the last one's to present because thats when everybody is tired and doesn't care anymore. I didn't feel comfortable with everybody judging my work and how I speak.

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    2. It's not easy at all to talk in front of people or during a class presentation, because each person will stand there he/she will feel nervous, but if just think that this 5-7 minutes will not affect my life at all , it just will make me stronger and it will be easier next time for presentation or in a public speaking . As you said next semester I maybe will not see anybody or no body will remember what each person said in his presentation, but I think the main thing to make the presentations easy is the instructor , if the instructor use his/her experience to make it easier for students , that's mean at least 90% of students will take it easy and do it very well .

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    3. The key to making a good speech is practice and preparation. I like your ideas for relaxation.

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  2. I was the same way growing up, always kept to myself, even if I didn't agree with what was going on. It wasn't until my senior year in high school until I really felt confident to speak my mind and stick up for what I believed in. I got a job as a greeter, which really helped me through it, because I HAD to talk to people all day long. I have definitely grown from what I was back then, and I'm much happier this way. And yes, so many people don't speak up in class because they'll feel embarrassed, who cares, you will probably never see these people again!

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    1. As someone who got thrown into a public speaking job, I also overcame anxiety by being forced to interact with strangers, and not being uncomfortable because of not having a choice. I agree you shouldn't be afraid to ask questions, you are there for yourself, do what will benefit yourself and you probably are asking questions others are too afraid to ask.

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  3. I still have writer's block, every time I go to write a paper. I never know where to start, and I really dislike writing papers so I wait until the last minute to do it. Taking it one step at a time, and planning out each section of the paper will be very helpful. Starting early and finishing one page at a time will be way less overwhelming than trying to bust out the whole paper in a day. The paper will be more efficient with the topic and I will have time for someone to review and revise the paper. I tend to read it, print it, then turn it in the way it is. Reading up on the topic a little more than what I got in class will help me to be more educated on the subject to start writing when I want to.

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    1. I hate writing papers too. My English class this semester is really pushing me. I have a writing assignment due each week of 250 words, then every 2 to 3 weeks I have a four page paper due, and on top of that on my own I must do a 10 page research paper by the end of this month. I was like you in high school and beginning of college, but I don't Think procrastinating will help me out with this class. I am going to try to do the assignments ahead of time so I can revise them and get other opinions on them.

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    2. The best idea for writing papers is to start early. If you read up on the topic, you may actually get interested in it and then it is easier to begin writing. To get started, just write anything that comes to mind and then revise it later.

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    3. I agree, writing or atleast preparing for an essay early before its due date would be a wise decision. The faster you comeup with a couple rough drafts the easier revising and editing the final would be.

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  4. To be a better writer or note taker initially should attend every class with my notebook, pen , paper and I can use laptop as an alternative to a paper notebook.Begin my note book by the date of the lecture and write notes on the front side of each piece of paper.Write notes neatly and legibly , so I can review easily. Also, I copy down everything displayed by the instructor as notes and copy the main points from the power points. The most important thing that , I use key words , abbreviation, phrases and leave unimportant words and don't worry about the grammar.

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    1. Hi Sahar! Your opinion on this is really thoughtful and well put. I myself have troubles with being a good writer or note taker, so this information is definitely useful. Normally I just bring in my highlighters and colorful pens to class, and spend my time highlighting what I believe is important. Most of the time I even zone out and start coloring all over my page. It has become really difficult for me to actually try writing notes that would be useful and beneficial, and making sure that they will be good to have during the time of the test. Thank you for your thoughts on this! I really appreciate the help.

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  5. While speaking in public, initially as a college student I need to take a speech class to help me in the future job to present my information to my boss , colleagues, and clients or customers. Don't embarrass if I make any mistake because it's shows human like others.Tell myself that I'll do it and start my speech with a joke or quote . Made the body in main ideas with examples to illustrate them. Also, smile and make eye contact Summarize my conclusion by interesting and strong review. The most important thing that, p I have to practice my speech in advance ,keep my speech at the end and say good by at the door and finish my speech with the time allowed.

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  6. Being selective at school, work, or my personal life helps me by choosing what is most important. Writers block is so frustrating to me because I feel like I will never find something to write and it makes me feel like giving up. Ideas that can help me overcome these issues are writing freely. Instead of trying to be perfect, it is better to just write and then eventually new ideas will come in your head. Another tip is relaxing and do whatever puts you in a positive mood like listening to music. To be a better note writer or note taker, it is important to attend every class, have the proper materials, and use key words and phrases so its easy to review.

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    1. The same thing happens to me, and I do the same thing I just start writing things down and eventually new thoughts will arise and then eventually you got a rough draft being written. For me, it is the only remedy that can cure writers block, to just throw thoughts down onto the page and see where it takes you, this can be done more efficiently by doing it earlier and not procrastinating, by doing this late and procrastinating will only make this brainstorming process more stressful and you probably won’t feel as free to write down what is actually coming to mind.

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    2. Free writing is a great technique to get started on writing. If you feel like your writing has to be perfect from the beginning, it is too stressful and you may not even get started.

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  7. Public speaking, I find the best way to relax when I am preparing to give a speech in public is to practice the speech a lot. I still get anxiety before public speaking even though I may not show it, but I always am told that I did a good job. I find that it is important to enunciate your words, speak with a loud voice, make eye contact, and to smile. The best advice I can give when it comes to relaxing is to just practice your speech a lot and to practice in front of your family.

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  8. Do you have any ideas about how to relax while speaking in public?
    Everyone gets nervous before giving a speech. The times that I have had to give a speech I have unfortunately been very nervous and with plenty of butterflies in my stomach. Knowing how to keep yourself calm can make a big difference when giving a speech. Nervousness can interfere with that delivery, so the tips from Chapter 8 can help conquer your fears before any speech. First, definitely prepare your speech well before the deadline. Practice your speech until you feel comfortable with it. Prepare memory notes to help you deliver your speech. Don’t forget to make eye contact with the audience. Remember public speaking gets easier the more you do it, so take a deep breath, relax.

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  9. For public speaking, I was thrown into it during the military, and without any guidance. The most important aspect is being confident, mentally prepare yourself and relax. Have an idea of what you are saying and if you wrote it beforehand, practice giving the speech. Confidence and familiarity will go a long way, and stick to what is comfortable with you. Don't be afraid to make it personal, be rested, and make the best of it.

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  10. Write some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
    Every week when I have to write in this blog I suffer from writers block. I sit and stare at the screen and draw a blank. Moving forward after reading Chapter 8 I will try some new tricks. The first step in writing is to plan your time so that the project can be completed by the due date. Use the internet to gather information. Think about the topics and arrange them in logical order. Use an outline, a mind map, a flowchart, or a drawing to think about how you will organize the important topics. Set up a regular routine, get away from it for a while.

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    1. This blog is great practice with writing and dealing with writer's block. Good job!

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  11. Do you have any ideas about how to relax in public speaking?

    The ideas i have about relaxing while speaking in public would be like the chapter said. I would have to agree that being prepared is the most important step in speaking in front of an audience. have your speech prepared along with a few answers to questions you think you may be asked. Of course when speaking in public there will most likely always be some level of anxiety, so try not to make it worse by imagining what can go wrong, and be positive about what can go right, or that someone else will at least take the pressure off of you by making a bigger mistake.

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  12. Psychologist and philosopher William James said, “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.” How can you take steps toward being a genius by being selective at school, at work or in your personal life?

    This quote has absolutely moved to the top of my new favorites list. This saying applies to everything in life and especially school. there are many things that students stress themselves out about when it comes to school, me being one of them, to the point where I developed a gum disease due to stress. Since then, I have had to take a serious step back and re-evaluate needs to be over-looked. from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed I was worrying about every little thing, which was making it even harder for me to focus and retain the information for my classes. I'm still trying to work out the kinks but after years and years of wasted worry, I've learned to relax and remember that as long as I'm trying my hardest whatever will be, will be.

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    1. This quote has been one of my favorites for many years now. If you can stop and look at the big picture, focus on what is important and take action, your chances for success are improved. It is interesting that when you focus on the big picture the small details get taken care of with less stress. Sometimes, the small details don't even need to be completed if they are not important.

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  13. Topic 1 - Writers block

    I especially enjoyed reading about the POWER steps in writing because for me, getting overwhelmed thinking about too much at one time quickly leads to writers block. I have so much going on and great ideas however becasue I have not done the first steps its a bit tiring. I also think the atmosphere has been soemthing that I have been working on and it has helped. Being in a quiet area and allowing myself the time to sit and reflect. The editing and revising part is not so challenging for me. I am definitlley going to use the POWER approach!

    Topic 2- Any ideas to relax speaking in public?
    This one is a tough one for me as I am not very comfortable speaking. I try to avoid it at work when ever possible . I GET THOSE DARN BUTTERFLIES. It is also frusturating becasue afterwards is when I think of what I could have said. I think simply practicing and doing it more often will help. It will get easier each time. I see how easy it seems for some people and I wish it came easy for me, however like I said for starters getting out of my shell and practicing. It is important to be able to express what you want to say, therefore it is soemthing worth working on!

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  14. Do you have any ideas about how to relax while speaking in public?
    In terms of anxiety, I understand that fully. I'm an anxiety junkie but I certainly don't want to be that way, in relation to public speaking. It has been utterly frightening to me for the longest time. What I have personally learned to develop myself to calm down is tell myself, look at the others talk, they get nervous too and look at the audience, they don't care. There is nothing to be nervous about. You feel nervous but they feel just as nervous. Try to use more body language and deliver a speech with conviction rather than saying it mindlessly. Try to practice the speech many times before hand to the point you can say it with no problem. There is nothing to be nervous about when you're prepared.

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    1. Great ideas on relaxing for a speech. Some anxiety can even be motivation to prepare.

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  15. Psychologist and philosopher William James said, “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.” How can you take steps toward being a genius by being selective at school, at work or in your personal life?
    Being selective helps you over all to be a better note taker, writer and speaker by selecting key points and whats most necessary in what should you be understanding or telling others. To be selective over the material, you must know the material greatly to give a proper summary of the material. Being selective in your daily life keeps you from losing focus and doing the most important things you need to do and are at the top of the to do lists. William James is saying not every detail needs to be paid ever little attention to. Sometimes there are more important things to do than the small things.

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    1. I like your idea that there are often more important things to do than the small things.

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  16. Saralina Carman Do you have any idea how to relax while speaking in public?
    Chapter 8 has been an addition to new and valuable learning, I have taken many classes over the years and needed to make presentations, many times I talk to fast and leave information without said, even if I am well prepared I tend to speed the process because I do not want to forget, and run out of time, so after this class I have learned that professional speaker Lily Walters believes you can deal with 75 percent of your anxiety by being well prepared and the rest of the 25 percent you need to work on different things like admitting your nervousness , or it’s ok even if you make a mistake, just visualize you making the speech and be positive.
    Take three to five deep breaths; hold your breath for five seconds, and breath out slowly, focus on your breathing and this should calm you down.
    Picture yourself being successful in your speech once you start talking your anxiety will decline, practice your speech until you feel comfortable, and make notes to help you deliver the speech in the timely matter without leaving anything out.

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  17. To become a better writes it needs to read the lecture before the class starts, because there will be questions that will need an answer, these answers the instructor will talk about it during the class . So now the questions are answered in my notes book. Also the notes book will be more helpful when not only the not understood questions answers there , but also other students questions should be in the note book also , so now will be many notes and answers in the note book and it will be a great notes for reviewing before the exams or quizzes .

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  18. Saralina Carman Difficulties with writing assignments because of “writers block”
    I started using some of the tips for writing well, good writing reflects clear thinking, some of my thoughts are not so clear but I started writing the main idea, trying to use clear and concise words, instead of filling in with phrases that distract the attention of the reader, many time I find my self staring at the paper or computer trying to come up with the perfect words “writers block” so I just started practicing in this chapter writing about the topics without judging my ideas I wrote what came to my mind and did not worry about organizing until the end , one of the tips for avoiding writers block is to free writing, the expectation of perfection creates anxiety . Use brainstorming focus your attention on the topic and write, it works some how by thinking this way it all come easily to your mind, relax take a breath and write, organize and re-read your paper. I have a long way to go but all I have learned in placed in my long-term memory and will be practiced.

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  19. Write some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.

    I intend to come to all of my future classes well rested and alert. I intend to keep my notes organized and follow a form that fits me. I intend to be actively thinking about topics mentioned in lectures. I intend to take the main ideas of what is said and not copy down any unnecessary details. I intend to use more abbreviation to make me faster at note taking and help me keep up with professor’s speeds. I intend to review my notes immediately after class and on a regular basis in preparation for the future test on the material.

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  20. Many students have difficulties with writing assignments because of writer’s block. Read the section on writer’s block in the text and comment on some ideas that you can use to overcome it.

    The hardest part of a paper for me has always been getting started. I can never bring myself to put the first word down and wind up waiting until the bare minimum amount of time is left to get started. I could make writing easier by starting with a brainstorm. This will help me to at least get my ideas written down and organized. I can work on a rough draft first and not worry about how well it’s written. Once I get a good framework down I can work on adding details and complex verbiage in a later draft

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  21. Do you have any ideas about how to relax while speaking in public
    A good tip to remember about public speaking is to remain cool, calm, and collected. The reason why is that when some people get that kind of attention a wave of embarrassment blankets them and in turn causes the person to crumble under pressure. But for the rest of the public, when this kind of situation occurs make sure you dont feed off of it too much to the point where it will change you as a person or change your overall image. Just be yourself.

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    1. Patrick I have definitely felt that wave of embarrassment when when the attention is turned to me. I tell my audience that I am nervous so that helps almost right away. Ive also noticed in my classes that most people dont pay attention and are focused on something else. Even though this is something I can not count on in the future, it has helped me focus on fine tuning my public speaking skills.

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  22. As I've gotten older, ive found it much easier to speak in public. I have anxiety so public speaking makes it worse. The number one thing I do to instantly ease the stress, is to admit to my class or audience that I am extremely nervous. For presentations I make sure to to an excellant job so that at least if I bomb the speaking part I did well on the rest of the assignment. Doing well on the rest of the assignment also gives me confidence during the speaking part so normally it eases my anxiety and nervousness.

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    1. Public speaking is had on anyone, I've been reading all the comments that were left and seems as if we all deal with it somehow. When I have a presentation in class oddly enough I would rather volunteer than being called upon especially because I feel as if I have more control.. I don't feel AS nervous because its on my terms and not the teacher telling me to go up. Just learning in this chapter being prepared will help you immensely and you wont be as nervous and your speech will sound more smoothly.

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  23. Do you have any ideas about how to relax while speaking in public?

    I find it more common than not, that many people struggle with public speaking. Many times we think were the only ones struggling but don't realize that many of our peers in our class are feeling the same anxiety. Some of the ways to alleviate the speech anxiety is by practicing alone a few time, just to get familiar with with your speech is about and knowing what ket points you would like to talk about. After you are comfortable doing it alone share it with your parents or your household then go on to your friends. By this point you should feel very comfortable and knowing what you're going to say. I understand your still going to get the jitters but like I said before most of the people in the room are nervous especially if it's in a classroom.

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  24. I am a very shy person, I have problem speaking in the class for presentations sometimes or participating is the class even though I want to share my opinion or tell an idea about the class or a subject. I find it very hard to participate and talk all I can do just sit and listen to the lecture, but I want to change my habit for a better upcoming future because it's very good to appear confident in front of the whole class and be responsible about what I am going to say. Sometimes a professor wants to know my opinion and to know my personality better than just being silent, but it won't work with me I have to train for that or used to talk in various places so I can easily talk when I am in class. When I go to places other than school I don't find it hard to talk with people, but I enjoy meeting people and knowing the new cultures and diversities and discover the world in general to gather information for my education, living, or anything could ever benefit me for I am very happy to talk everywhere to joke around and challenge to reach my goals for better opportunities for my lifetime.

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  25. There are some overlaps between overcoming writers block and overcoming fears of public speaking. The first one is to not pass too much judgment upon yourself. When you are experiencing writers block, one technique to overcome it is to continue writing beyond the point that you believe you made some kind of “mistake”. This could be said for public speaking as well. Many times if we are speaking in front of an audience we might think we made some kind of mistake, when in fact no one in the audience was aware of this shortcoming. So in other words, the key to public speaking is confidence. Also, it is very important to be interested in the topic that you are presenting. If you cannot express interest and excitement about the topic, it will be hard for the audience to feel anything about it. Another very important thing when making a speech is to know your topic well. Knowing your topic will help you feel confident once you get up in front of a crowd. Much of the preparation for a speech comes not from the writing itself but the rehearsal. Whether this is in front of a mirror, practicing with someone else or just rehearsing the tone in your head, knowing how you will present your information will help your presentation run smoothly.

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  26. When I was younger, I used to be extremely shy. Standing up in front of the class and saying my name was about as scary to me as performing on a stage live for the entire world. Public Speaking was something really hard to accomplish to not be so nervous in, and it wasn't until my freshman year of high school that I was able to create a way so that I wouldn't be so scared. I was forced to be in a dance class where you are literally performing all the time, so being in that class actually unwillingly forced me to be less shy. From that point on I was able to speak publicly extremely well! Now I am not saying to go take a dance class to get rid of your fear of public speaking, but find something that will force you to open up in ways that benefit you ultimately.

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