How to Write an Awesome Speech

Contrary to a popular belief, speech writing isn’t difficult. Speeches are just too different from more conventional types of texts – unlike essays, theses, dissertations and suchlike, speeches combine the elements of both written and spoken word; and it is exactly what baffles even those who are good with words. This guide will help you get things sorted out and lead you through the process of writing your first speech. Basic Speech Structure As a speech is aimed to be perceived by ear, it is only natural that structurally it should be quite simple, so that audience doesn’t get confused and distracted. In most cases, it consists of three parts: Introduction – it catches the audience’s attention and prepares the groundwork; Body – the ‘meat’ of your speech, it contains the majority of information you are about to share; Ending – here you sum up what you’ve already said and draw conclusions. Source: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/59/4d/e7/594de761da031e5a2980da95835e6bb2.jpg As with many other types of writing, when working on a speech it is advisable to put off writing an introduction until the very end – we will touch upon why later. And now, let’s work on the content. Considering the Audience Taking the audience into account is important for any kind of writing; but it goes double for speeches. An essay, theoretically, can be read by anybody, whether you intend it or not. A speech, however, is read for particular people in a particular situation, and you usually have a much better understanding of who are you going to speak for, what they may be interested in and which points are likely to impress them most. Source: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/de/c8/51/dec851c1ecd2c5ea874b4fa1a923a9bc.jpg That is why you have to write the speech not from your own, but from your audience’s point of view. Try to imagine an average member of this audience, a person most likely to listen to you. There may be and will be deviations, but usually you have a fairly good idea of what the majority of your listeners are like. Now ask yourself these questions: Why did they come to listen to you? What do they expect to hear? What information do they want to learn? How can you present the information to best serve your audience’s needs? What type and style of language will be best suited both for the audience and the topic? There are no surefire methods and approaches in this area – every audience is unique, and your approach should be unique as well. Follow your common sense, and try to imagine yourself in the position of a listener – it may help. Writing an Outline Depending on how much time you are going to have, the number of points to cover may differ, but it is a good rule of a thumb to draw a line at three – it is better to keep your speech short anyway. However, this rule is not set in stone – if you have to deal with a number of small ideas, there may be more than three of them. Just make sure they follow each other in a logical manner and don’t jump at the listeners from nowhere. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4BkVmA0p6Y Your outline will include the following: Points to cover in the body of the speech, each with a couple of sentences of deliberation; How much time you are going to speak about each particular point; How you are going to link individual ideas to create a coherent whole; Possible ideas on introduction and ending (you may end up not using them). How to Write the Body of a Speech First of all, remember that you are not writing an essay. You are going to actually say everything you write, so make sure it is closer to oral speech than your usual writing. It doesn’t mean that it should be completely like normal oral speech, with all its repetitions and stuttering. But it does mean that sentences, on average, should be shorter, the language crisp and clean, sentence structure simple – otherwise you will be hard to follow. Nevertheless, make sure to build up strong argument: Source: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ac/48/6c/ac486c4e1ab5273177cf9875bcc1f620.jpg As for the rest, it is hard to give a plan that would help you write a top-notch speech in all situations, but there are a number of guidelines following which can greatly increase your chances for success: Say everything you write out loud. If it doesn’t sound right (too obtuse, too verbose or incoherent), try to word what you mean to say differently or drop it altogether; Use a stopwatch to mark how long it takes you to read each paragraph (which should roughly equal one point to cover). It is especially important if you have a time limit – it will be easier to cut certain parts down in size if necessary; It may be a good idea not to write down everything you are going to say. That is, you may write it down when you first prepare your speech to fix all the points and ideas in your mind, but later, when you are getting ready to give the speech proper, it may be better to just jot down the basic ideas and transition points. This way you will be less dependent on particular word combinations and more flexible – if you forget what exactly you were going to say, it will be easier to formulate the ideas in a different manner than if you tried to memorize the speech; Make sure to pay special attention to transitions or links and don’t rely on yourself to think about something on the spot. Nothing is more jarring than a speaker who forgets why one point is supposed to lead to another and simply changes the topic halfway through. Revising the Body of the Speech Speech, by definition, is a fairly short piece of text – even if you don’t have a rigid time limit, it is always better to be curt than long-winded. You may think that you have so much to say, so much to impart with your audience, but it is all different from the position of a listener. Just remember how you yourself usually feel when listening to someone giving a speech – nine times out of ten, after a couple of minutes listening to somebody it becomes painfully obvious that this person on stage is eating up the precious moments of your life, and the longer he keeps talking the more annoyed you grow. This is what you should remember first and foremost when revising your speech – and be ready to spend most of the time you work on it on this stage. Check your tone. Does it take audience, occasion and topic into consideration? Is it consistent throughout the speech? How long are your sentences? Remember, it is oral speech, and your listeners won’t have the luxury of going up a couple of lines to see what a sentence started with. Speeches with generally long sentences sound boring and sluggish – and you don’t want that; Do you use words everybody in your audience will understand? Do you yourself understand them? Again, shorter is better – a one-syllable word is better, quicker and more energetic than its 5-syllable synonym. Longer words may sound impressive to you, but when spoken from stage they create an impression of pomposity and cleverness for cleverness’s sake; Don’t be afraid of repetitions. Unlike in written texts, in speeches they are not only tolerable but very useful. You are dealing with a number of living people, most of whom are likely to be easily distracted. Even during the best speeches delivered by the famous speakers people tend to drift off from time to time – and if they are suddenly brought back from this reverie to discover they don’t have an idea of what the speaker is going on about, it may be a good idea to hammer the key ideas, words and images home every now and then. This way the gist of the speech will remain with them even if they spent most of it lost in thought. Writing an Ending Ideally, your ending should be a highly memorable and rousing call for action. You have been leading up to it for the entire duration of your speech, building up pressure – and now is the time to deliver a final blow. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyE1Kz0e0 It may be a good idea to think what the main idea of your speech is, what you want your listeners to bring home with them after listening to it. Boil it down to a short, snappy epigram 15-20 words long and place it near the end, where it is likely to attract the most attention. In order to decide what kind of call to action to choose, you should return to the very beginning and ask yourself: what was the primary purpose of giving this speech? To persuade the listeners? To impart information? To motivate them? In other words, you should ask yourself what you want the listeners to do as a result of listening to you – and call them to do so. Among other powerful ways of ending a speech are: Primarily used when you have to motivate the listeners; If you know a quote that covers the topic you’ve discussed and is sure to give your listeners some food for thought, go for it – thus you will not only end the speech on a powerful note, but call for the authority of a well-known person; Call back. Remember some event in the past you are sure all your listeners are familiar with. Always plan how you end the speech in advance – together with the opening it is probably the only part of the speech worth memorizing. Here are some common mistakes resulting from the lack of planning: Sudden ending – the ending jumps out of nowhere, without transitioning from the body of the speech; No ending – you suddenly realize there is no underlying thought to consolidate your ideas and mutter a helpless â€Å"That’s all I was going to say†; Prolonged ending – instead of being short and snappy, your ending draws on and on, turning into yet another body paragraph; Poor timing – if you are given a time limit, failing to time the speech and its different parts may lead to running out of time before reaching the ending. Shorter than necessary is acceptable, longer – hardly so; Sudden appearance of new information – ending is a place for conclusion, not for additional data. If you suddenly remembered something crucial when you are in the middle of ending, it is better to do without mentioning it rather than confusing your listeners. Writing an Introduction You ought to have the entire speech poised and ready before getting to this part, because introduction is by far the most important segment of any speech, and by the time you reach it you should have a good idea of what your speech is about. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAaSZ64P8pA Introduction is the part that defines whether the rest of the speech is going to be listened to – if you fail to catch the attention of your audience with the first couple of sentences, you may not bother going through the motions of delivering the rest. What you catch their attention with are called â€Å"hooks† – introductory parts that exist for the sole purpose of attracting attention and making the audience feel interested in listening to the rest. The most common types of hooks are as follows: Shocking or outrageous statement – say something that will make the audience wonder if they’ve heard you right; Humorous story related to your primary idea – humor is one of the best ways to attract attention, just make sure what you are saying is really funny so as not to make your audience cringe; Question – make the listeners engage with you from the very first second. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w82a1FT5o88 And keep it short – which is true for the speech in general. Don’t overestimate your ability to interest people. Human attention span is short, and every minute you spend speaking costs you the attention of a few – or many, depending on how boring you are – audience members. It is better to cover 3 most important points in seven minutes and end snappily than to drone for half an hour, making the audience want to gag you.

The Impact Of Media On The Public s Perception Of Law...

Policing the Media: A literature review of the Role the Media Plays in the Public’s Perception of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice System. The role the mass media plays in the public perception of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice System is potentially important in relation to the viewer’s attitude and beliefs. Does the general public support law enforcement or does the media create a negative perception of the police in the press and on network television? The CSI Effect has gained huge popularity among researchers, what is it; and how does it affects the public’s role in criminal proceedings? In relation to the mass media, how important of a role do common demographic variables such as race and age play a part in the public’s perception of law enforcement? What is the CSI Effect and does it’s effect have an impact on juror’s decision making? â€Å"The CSI Effect- defines the impact crime dramas, such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, have on juror’s decision –making process (Parker, 2)†. The Article The Portrayal of the American Legal System in Prime Time Television Crime Dramas; investigated how the legal system is portrayed in prime time network television. â€Å"Each week CSI drew in audiences averaging more than 10 million viewers (Parker, 109)†. These episodes portrayed forensic scientist using expensive and advanced equipment to do DNA testing and evaluate gunshot residue left at crime scenes. The article The Verdict on Television discusses â€Å"TheShow MoreRelatedThe Media And The Criminal Justice System Essay1260 Words   |  6 PagesThe media plays the role as entertaining and a source of information to its viewers, however, with the current crime trends, most viewers have the perceptions that our criminal justice system is lacking in areas of proper sentencing and protecting the viewers. All this is based upon what we see in the media is the information reliable or not? I say this because of hearing about news personality lying about their experience only to booster the networks rating. When the criminal justice system hasRead MoreThe Violence Of Police Brutality Essay1126 Words   |  5 PagesRecently in the media there has been an uproar about the treatments that citizens receive from the police in addition to how the citizens interact with police. Video footage has shown police brutality that is sometimes questionable, which often dictates on the how the community views them by causing tension. Accusations of Police brutality is nothing new but it isn’t until recently that it is being recorded and it is difficult to correct the actions of someone if there is not enough evidence providedRead MoreThe Problem Of Local Police868 Words   |  4 PagesDescription of the Problem Local police are being overly co-opt by federal law enforcement agencies. They are directing too many resources toward protecting the nation’s borders and other federal duties. It is a belief held by some that local police are becoming too militaristic in nature by using military-style weapons, tactics, training, uniforms, and heavy equipment. This notion makes local police no longer a benefit for the community. A number of attacks on American soil have demonstrated thisRead More Profiling and Police/Community Relations Essay1435 Words   |  6 Pagesprofiling of police officers, as completed by early intervention systems, in an effort to reduce complaints from members of the community. The literature on the attitudes which community members have about profiling states that race, personal experience, and media framing influence the public’s perception (Graziano, Schuck, Martin, 2010; Weitzer Tuch, 2002). The literature on early intervention systems is demonstrative of how such systems can become critical management tools, tailor-made for addressingRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System1321 Words   |  6 PagesThe Criminal Justice System consists of three main components; police, corrections, and the courts, which play a role in maintaining a proper and functional system. These three core functions have their own limitations and use of discretion. At times discrimination occurs within each individual function. Policing is law enforcement, which obtains the backbone and gatekeepers to The Criminal Justice System. This is where discretion takes place the most. Indeed, discrimination can start with policingRead MoreRacism And Discrimination : America s Just ice System1301 Words   |  6 Pagesof people in the United States alone. Whether racial profiling somebody is appropriate or not by our law enforcement, it is an action that many people of color fall victim to. America s justice system by our constitution intends to provide justice for all; however, I believe that racial profiling continues to deter from that goal because of its negative inflictions by our structural law enforcement, society, and cultural upbringing. Native American, Caucasians, African Americans, Asian Americans,Read MoreMedia and Crime2502 Words   |  11 PagesMedia and Crime What is crime? A normative definition views crime as deviant behavior that violates prevailing norms   Ã¢â‚¬â€œ cultural standards prescribing how humans ought to behave normally. This approach considers the complex realities surrounding the concept of crime and seeks to understand how changing social, political, psychological, and economic conditions may affect changing definitions of crime and the form of the legal, law-enforcement, and penal responses made by society. These structuralRead MoreMedia Reports And Police Brutality2942 Words   |  12 PagesMedia Reports and Police Brutality The purpose of my proposed research is to study the effect of media reports on the current Americans’ perceptions of police brutality. Police brutality has been a headline topic for debate for the past century. This topic’s popularity has grown recently due to advancements in media technology over the past two decades. Police brutality is a problem in the United States for both, citizens and police officers. It is important to study the effect that mass media coverageRead MoreThe Impact Of Social Media On The Criminal Justice System1920 Words   |  8 Pages The Impact of Social Media on the Criminal Justice System Media and Crime Writing Assignment Derek Q. Mahaffey University of Tennessee-Chattanooga 30 November 2016 The Clifford Harris video, Warzone, is a thought-provoking video that documents not the killings of blacks at the hands of law enforcement but, rather, the unprecedented scenario of cops targeting everyday white folks. Viewers are taken through a few disturbing scenes, including reenactments of the killings of Tamir RiceRead MoreAssess the significance of individual cases in changing attitudes towards crime and punishment in the years 1830-19651721 Words   |  7 Pagescentury, law enforcement and punishment has developed rapidly into the justice system we rely on today. Obscure laws that had become irrelevant in an industrial and post-industrial era were fast being replaced, and despite its lack of existence at the beginning of the 1800’s, policing standards are, today, high. The necessity for this drastic change in approach to crime has stemmed from the needs of industrial Britain, and the increased awareness of the public, and government, and their perception of

The Heroes Of Beowulf And Sir Gawain And The Green Knight...

As kids we grow up watching superhero movies and books that teach us moral lessons for when we grow up and participate in society. Although we do not know it at the time, these stories help to put cultural beliefs and lessons in our minds so we grow up to follow these sets of standards. This is not a recent phenomenon, however, as it has been happening for centuries on end. For example, during the Anglo-Saxon Period and the Late Middle Ages, there were stories that portrayed their societal beliefs and morals through the same Monomythic framework that even our modern stories possess, as suggested by Joseph Campbell in his monumental work The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Such narrative poems as Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight represent what the Anglo-Saxons and the Middle English saw as both acceptable and non-acceptable demeanor. Both works possess the same values and beliefs while others, distinctly oppose, something that can be clearly observed through the careful arch etypal study of the heroes of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. In Beowulf, the hero first embarks on his journey when he goes to the land of the Danes to assist in defeating Grendel. He does so in wishing that he can gain fame and honor for himself. Being â€Å"high-born and powerful† (I.198.14), he was said to be the mightiest man on earth and comes to offer his â€Å"wholehearted help and counsel.† (I.278.21). Here the reader can start to distinguish that the hero first comes and statesShow MoreRelatedMain Ideas and Themes of Beowulf Essay1138 Words   |  5 Pages Beowulf and Sir Gawain have many things in common. We will be discussing them later on, but their main similarity is that theyre both heroes. A hero is a person who must pass through a test and a battle (mental, spiritual or physical) to help someone else. He must be selfless, and act for others rather than himself. All societies have supported heroes, like the ancient Greeks Hercules and the modern day Spiderman. These are hero stereotypes, with supernatural Read MoreLiterary Analysis Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight1200 Words   |  5 Pagesthrough the depiction of the heroes’ experiences on their journeys and the knowledge they gain by the quest’s end. For example, in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a chivalric romance written in the Late Middle Ages, Gawain epitomizes a knight with the characteristics that knights from the Late Middle Ages were expected to possess according to the requirements outlined in the rules of chivalry, such as honor and valor. Likewise, Beowulf, the hero of the folk epic Beowulf, embodies the qualities ofRead MoreThe Cultural Values And The Archetypal Patterns Of The Novel Hero With A Thousand Faces 1331 Words   |  6 Pages Throughout the world of literature, heroes or protagonists are often characters created by culture. Through these characters, we discover the faults and the virtuous qualities that this time period had to offer. As the heroes make their way through the journey, t he reader learns the culture through the character’s actions and mistakes. For instance, in the early Middle Ages, women were seen as inferior and were not put on a pedestal, unlike their deception during the Late Middle Ages after theRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay1020 Words   |  5 Pages Heroic stories in English literature have unmatched fame because of the traits that the heroes exude. Both Sir Gawain, from â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† translated by Marie Borroff, and Beowulf, from Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, serve as heroes in different times of Medieval English Literature. Many of the basic principles that describe heroes in Medieval Literature are seen in both of these characters even though they were written in different times. There are distinct similaritiesRead MoreCompare And Contrast Beowulf And Sir Gawain And The Green Knight761 Words   |  4 Pages Epic Heroes Across Medieval Culture In the literary works Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, an admirable warrior and knight are depicted. Although Sir Gawain and Beowulf both possess such characteristics as bravery and strength, readers can observe differences in other traits that make them heroes of their own time that is attributable to the societal mindset in which the poems were written. The goal of this essay is to compare and contrast how Beowulf, which was written in the earlyRead MoreThe Journies of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay803 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf vs. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight In the worlds of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the journeys of two heroes, Beowulf and Sir Gawain, are depicted through the form of poems. The two stories have become two of the most important works of literature in the English history. In the two poems, both Beowulf and Sir Gawain face great challenges in their journeys as heroes. Beowulf embarks on a quest to defeat Grendel and his mother while Sir Gawain faces many difficulties on hisRead MoreEssay about A Comparison of Beowulf and Sir Gawain794 Words   |  4 Pagesof Beowulf and Sir Gawain A hero is someone who is idealized for his courage and noble qualities. Beowulf and Sir Gawain can certainly be called heroes. They both have many qualities that are expected of heroic knights and warriors. They are both brave, gallant, and skilled men, but are they the perfect heroes their people believe them to be? While they are portrayed as perfect heroes and they possess many heroic qualities, Beowulf and Sir Gawain are far from perfect. Beowulf and Gawain areRead MoreCompare And Contrast Sir Gawain And Beowulf930 Words   |  4 Pagesones that we consider to be the heroes. These â€Å"heroes† are defined as such for being something such as brave, noble, or selfless in the eyes of the people that are around them. All heroes have done something that has helped out for the good of another person, even if they are doing it for their own personal benefit. Heroes are those who have the strength and courage to solve a problem when it could or was not done by anyone else. Sir Gawain and Beowulf are heroes in literature who have done somethingRead MoreBeowulf and Sir Gawain: a Comparison of Two Heroes Essay1066 Words   |  5 PagesIn Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight there are two heroes that help the present day reader gain insight into what the hero of the Middle Ages would have held as ideals and necessary triumphs. Beowulf and Sir Gawain each fill a different role within their unique societies. B eowulf is a leader and a savior in times of need, willing to go to any length to help another group of people as well as his own kingdom. Sir Gawain is also willing to rise during moments of trouble within his courtRead MoreCompare And Contrast Beowulf And Sir Gawain1358 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf and Sir Gawain are both heroes, one is a warrior who becomes a King and the other a Knight in King Arthur’s Court. Beowulf takes place in 6th century Denmark and Sweden, it was written during the Anglo-Saxon Literary Time Period. Beowulf’s journey takes place over many years. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an Arthurian romance believed to have been written in the late fourteenth century by an anonymous author (Baker). Sir Gawain’s journey takes place over one year’s time, from Christmas

Should gay marriages be legalized Essay - 1504 Words

Should same sex marriages be legal? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Same-sex marriages have been very controversial since becoming an issue in Canada regarding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Several people state that same-sex marriages should be legal, while others disagree, saying it should not be permitted. There have been many debates and inquiries about this issue for several years; the MP’s and Parliament will finally settle the problem within the next year or so. Many are in favour of legalizing same-sex marriages in all of Canada due to the violations and infringes upon the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Problems revolving around same-sex marriages have upset many religious groups. These groups believe that same-sex†¦show more content†¦The freedom to express yourself is the way a person gains their individuality. If the government seizes that liberty, individuality is being taken away from the world. If same-sex marriages are prohibited, section 2B of the fundamental rights will be infri nged as well as the individuality of a person. Discrimination concerns have also become a problem regarding the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In the past, homosexuals were discriminated and penalized for their sexual orientation. They were murdered in the early twentieth century and then later on imprisoned as time passed. Discrimination also arose if employers discovered of their employees homosexual orientation, which caused them to lose their employment. The equality rights have also been violated concerning marriage benefits and the definition as well – (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability. Before the definition of marriage was changed, homosexuals were not included under the law stating marriage as the union between a man and a woman. The government found it uncon stitutional and changed it so it would correspond to the changes in the twenty-first century and reflect Canadian society in the present stating that marriage is a civil actShow MoreRelatedGay Marriage Should Be Legalized938 Words   |  4 Pages Gay marriage is in fact a controversial topic that many people feel strongly about. I believe that gay marriage should be legalized without being penalized by people who disagree with it. I will, within reason, explain to you why gay marriage should be legalized and argue against Karlee’s essay about why gay marriage shouldn’t be legalized. The first thing Karlee talks about in her opposing essay is, â€Å"Children of same-sex couples, biological or not, need both a mother and a father inRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Legalized?1313 Words   |  6 PagesCredit – Should gay marriage be legalized? Marriage is considered to be the rite of passage from an religious point of view, it is considered as holy matrimony before the eyes of God. Attraction between individuals of the same sex has been a topic of debate. However, over the past few years gay individuals made a decision to our grievances of oppression despite receiving tremendous critics from the public. Initially, gay marriagesRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Legalized?935 Words   |  4 PagesThere is a lot of controversy about gay marriage and whether or not it should be legalized in certain states that haven t yet legalized it. My opinion on this topic is that it should not be legalized for various reasons. My reasons on this have nothing to do with religion because religion shouldn’t have anything to do with their opinion; religion is a biased opinion because of its authenticity. Another thing that shouldn’t be considered is their opinio n that doesn’t have a reasoning behind it likeRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Legalized?1705 Words   |  7 PagesPaper Option 1 Gay marriage has and still is a huge controversy in the United States. I will say though that the U.S. has come along way when it comes to same-sex marriage. As of November 20, 2014 gay marriage is now legal in thirty-five of the fifty U.S. states. Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in May of two thousand and four. As of October ninth two-thousand and fourteen, only sixteen out of one hundred and ninety-four countries allow same sex marriage. By those oddsRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Legalized1379 Words   |  6 PagesName: Tutor: Course: Date: Gay Marriages Marriage is considered as hypothetically speaking, a rite of passage whilst from the religious point of view, it is considered as holy matrimony before a supreme being. Attraction between individuals of the same sex has been a topic of debate since time immemorial. However, over the past few years gay individuals have opted to air grievances of oppression despite receiving tremendous critics from the public. Initially, gay marriages were unfathomable eventsRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Legalized? Essay1828 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction What does it mean to be gay and why does society discriminate against those who are deemed to be gay? This paper establishes that being gay is primarily based on the supposition that one is either homosexual, transgender, lesbian, or bisexual. It also establishes that one of the primary reasons why gays are discriminated against within the society is religion; that some of the views held by different religious conclaves substantiate gay rejection by the society. On a more personal ratherRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Legalized1280 Words   |  5 Pagescommunity and abides by the law should be afforded the rights of an American. However, not all citizens are afforded equal rights. Gay and lesbians are consistently denied rights that are typically taken for granted by the average American. Specifically, gay and lesbians couples are denied the right to marry even if they are upstanding citizens. They are held at an unfair disadvantage solely because of their sexual orientation. This discrimination must stop because gay and lesbian couples are law-abidingRead More Gay Marriage Should be Legalized Essays1696 Words   |  7 Pages There are numerous opinions and standing views on gay marriage. The argument regarding gay marriage should be legalized or not is extremely controversial. According to an article from the Human Rights Campaign, there is nothing wrong with allowing homosexuals to have the same rights as those who are heterosexual. Every individual person should be granted equal rights, regardless of sexuality. Gay marriage should be legalized in all states and countries, it has been held off for too long. MoreoverRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Legalized?727 Words   |  3 Pages Everyone, regardless of gender orientation or sexual preference deserves equal rights, such as marriage, feeling comfortable with whom they are, and being treated like any other human being. Right now gay marriage is a hot topic in many states, however, what say should the government get in who you love and want to marry? Beyond a court room, research has been done on the idea of transgenderism and what causes people to be like that or if people are truly born in the wrong bodyRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Legalized? Essay464 Words   |  2 PagesMarriage is defined as the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life. In the definition it says couple, with out indication of gender. In our society gay marriage is a hot topic. Previously legalizing gay marriage was out of the question, but as times has changed and more liberal politicians have gained office to reflect th e views of today’s society. One of the reasons that LGBT people fight for the right to marry because married couples receive more protections and advantages in

Motivation and Commitment for the Social Work Profession Free Essays

X 1) Motivation and Ccommitment for the Social Work Profession As I reminisce back upon my life there are many experiences and factors that have affected and shaped who I am today. If you examine Nature vs. Nurture, Ive always coincluded that human expression is not just black and white, there is a definite grey area where both nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) combine. We will write a custom essay sample on Motivation and Commitment for the Social Work Profession or any similar topic only for you Order Now For example, childhood experiences or family dynamics can either make or break you as a person depending on whether you allow negative experiences or less than ideal environments to detrimentally affect the way in which you view the world. You can prevail forward or stay with the natural human tendency to digress in the past but you decide how long you want that period of digression to be. My immediate family growing up was my father, stepmother, mother, and my twin brothers. My parent’s divorced when I was two. My mother was severely depressed; because of this I did not see her again until I was eight years old. I dont remember a lot from when I was young but I do recall my brothers and I visiting our mother under supervision in a playroom of a human services building. She explained to us that she was better and could soon keep us every other weekend. My mother was better for a while but the depression came in cycles, sometimes she was up and other times she was down. My twin brothers were born mentally challenged on the mild spectrum. As I watched my mother and brothers struggle with trials and tribulations of life, I realized how much I enjoy helping others cope with the obstacles and barriers that can come with life, with or without a disability that brings life into another realm. Which is how I came to work with several different companies serving various populations such as, mentally challenged, mentally ill, physically disabled and Traumatic Brain Injury. My interest in social work and psychology began as a teenager in my first psychology class my freshman year in high school. I was fascinated with how the brain works and what influences and shapes the human mind. I told my parent’s at this time my dream of becoming a therapist. As a teenager I always wanted to give support and give advice to my friends. I wanted to help others through their challenges. We all face challenges in life, we all have to face fear at one time or another, every challenge and fear is a chance to gain courage or strength you never knew you had inside you. I began pursuing my bachelors degree at the age of twenty one. I attended school, work, and at the same time held up the role of single motherhood. It was testing and exhausting at times but the feeling of accomplishment at the end was well worth it. After receiving my degree I knew eventually I would want to climb further up the education ladder when I was ready. I wanted a break to gain more work experience serving others. This year I decided was the right time to look into a masters degree program. I was fond of the multidimensional contexts mentioned in the Advanced Generalist Concentration description for the second year. It is important to learn the different levels and aspects of cultures and the influences thereof, in order to better understand and empathize with the individuals you serve as a social worker. My future career goals after I complete the program: I hope to work in a clinic or resource center for individuals with HIV and work towards further prevention and education to the public. I am going to obtain a minor in Drug and Alcohol Counseling so I can better serve this population. After gaining some work experience to broaden my perspective and knowledge, I hope to open my own therapy practice in order to help others through their challenges and succeed in life. 2) A Social Issue of Concern A social issue of concern for me is the stigmatizing of individuals with HIV in society. As the HIV/AIDS epidemic marks its thirtieth year, you can state a lot has changed since 1981 when what was thought of as the gay plague which had symptoms ssimilar to pneumonia and Kaposis Sarcoma, such as, fever, fatigue, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat. Although many individuals experience no symptoms at all, feel, and appear healthy for several years. A few years later this would come to be known as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Now thirty years later society, professionals, and doctors know more about HIV transmission, treatment, and prevention. Society may know more but do they know enough to keep ignorance and stigma at bay? A recent survey performed by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows substantial shares of Americans continue to express discomfort at the idea of interacting with people living with HIV. For example 45% say theyd be uncomfortable having their food prepared by someone who is HIV-positive, 36% with having an HIV roommate, 29% having their child in a classroom with an HIV-positive teacher, and 18 ppercent working with someone who is HIV-positive. One statistic that does show some promise in decreasing stigma and ignorance within society is the share stating theyd be very comfortable working with someone who has HIV increased from about a third in 1997 to roughly half in 2011. (www. kff. org/kaiserpolls[-0]) Unfortunately other results show the public is still ignorant about modes of transmission of HIV. The KFF survey also shows that over the past twenty years, roughly one in four Americans have continued to either believe that one can get HIV from a drinking glass, or remain unsure whether it is the case. What do these statistics tell about stigma and ignorance within the general public? It says that potentially stigmatizing and dincriminating attitudes still persist. There are a few factors that I believe led to this outcome, 1) The public is not being educated enough in the schools, television, and doctors offices and hospitals are prime places where we can get the information out there. ) More doctors are suggesting HIV tests for non-elderly, 29% but so far it doesn’t translate into an increase in reports of actually getting an HIV test. About one in five non-elderly adults say they have been tested for HIV in the past 12 months which is a ppercentage that has held steady since 1997. 3) The information about how HIV is contracted and testing routes/sites needs to get out not to just high-risk population but to the general population as well. Although society ddiscrimination, HIV itself does not discriminate. (statistics obtained from: www. kff. rg/kaiserpolls) 1. Society Response When speaking of HIV in general, people get defensive and uncomfortable. This is where peer advocacy at testing sites, community education sites, and in the clinics/hospitals is vital because those living with HIV can share their stories and show others the different types of people that contract HIV. So a face can be put with the virus, show others that you cant tell who has HIV by looking at someone. Also, a belief that comes into play is that if you talk about sex, even safe sex, that people will be encouraged to have more of it. In reality the opposite rings true. The more that educators and hospital professionals talk about safe sex and STDs, the more comfortable others are talking with their sex partners on the subject. The more you know about a topic, the more confident you feel to discuss it with others. 3) Personal Strengths, Skills, Knowledge, Qualities and Limitations Ive always had an altruistic personality, compassion for others, ability to empathize with external and internal human struggles. In high school I enjoyed giving advice and being the sympathetic ear to my friends. Growing older, I enjoyed listening to and talking with mature adults at work with every day contact I gained more knowledge about their life experience. I was always fascinated when discussing the way they handled their trials and tribulations. I always had a thirst for knowledge whether it is the spoken words of others, reading books, enjoying new experiences, or researching online. Some professionals who receive vast education, or are in their chosen profession for a long time, come to believe they have learned it all. They get stuck in a rut like doctors treating numbers, not treating the patient. I dont believe I will ever get to that place in my career. At the start and at the end of the day, you need to remember your purpose for yourself and for others. Its innate for all of us to need human experience, to be loved and accepted, to feel needed, to make others happy. In summary, a thirst for human knowledge, an understanding that society and people are forever changing, the ability to empathize with others, and the human experience in general, is what makes an effective social worker. One of my limitations is that I often underestimate myself. Because of that I put limitations on myself that dont need to be there. I let fear of success get in the way of success. However, Ive come to realize this and I do my best to strive further and not give up. There are always obstacles in life whether it is emotional, physical, or environmental. One must learn to get around them, work with them, or run right through them. 4) Ethics and Values My personal values are seen in the work I have chosen to do tthroughout my life. Ive worked with the mentally challenged, mentally ill, and physically challenged individuals for many years. I believe no matter what the differences and limitations are, we as human beings all deserve respect, dignity, and the same opportunities that all Americans are provided. The right to vote, obtain an education, right to work, to serve in the community, have resources available, and to live and experience life to its fullest; are rights and privileges we all have. Some do not realize how in the past those that differ from the norm have had to fight and struggle for these rights, many had to experience anguish, despair, and isolation when institutionalization was standard and no rights were given to these individuals. In 1955 the institutions were slowly shutdown for the most part and deinstitutionalization became the standard. The mentally challenged, physically disabled and mentally ill were more accepted and iintegrated into the community, the educational system, into paid work and vocational positions, the government and state provided adaptions so they could gain access to the community and use their rights. There is always more work to do. The general public has little concept of how significant the population of disabled individuals is, more educating to the public needs to be put into place on how prevalent physical, intellectual, and mental disorders are, for example, the CDC reported 1 in 110 children in the United States have an Autism spectrum disorder, 13% of children have a developmental disability and the last count in 1993 the CDC found 1. 5 million children and adults ages 6-64 had intellectual disabilities. As a social worker one will work with people from all walks of life, characters, belief systems, religion, culture, race, and value systems. Also depending on these factors, the issues individuals deal with in their day to day lives will vary. You have to put your ego and your own beliefs that may be different from theirs aside and take your profession seriously, but dont take yourself too seriously. Put the person youre serving first and remember the service youre providing, whatever your field may be. People will come in with conflicting beliefs, religions, and backgrounds, but unless you have walked in their shoes its not for you to judge or change their mind. However, you are required to report incidents such as, abuse, homicidal and suicidal intentions (if there is a plan set out). You are there to offer help with resources and advice on the use of those resources available to the individual. 5) Meaningful Volunteer and/or Work experience For the year of 2007 I worked for Quality Living Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska, this is a rehab facility specializing in TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and Spinal Cord Injury. Never having worked with this population, it was an eye opening experience to see several people go from living an independent life, to losing the ability to walk or go to the bathroom, losing the ability to speak, process thoughts, control of their muscles, having to relearn everything and not fully gain back certain skills. Also teaching and helping struggling families gain skills to cope and work with their loved ones as well. One tough situation among many was a family with a seventeen year old daughter who was ran over by a vehicle at night; she had a TBI and was in a comma. I watched the family by her side and praying for her to wake up every day. This hit close to my heart because I have a daughter as well and I thought to myself how heartbroken I would be if that happened to her. You are reminded of how valuable life is and how important the moments are that you spend with those you love. I had never assisted people who were in such extensive need of various services. The individuals attended physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and relearning everyday living skills to gain back the skills they lost. I didn’t know the need for this service was so extensive. There are few facilities like it which specialize in TBI and SCI. There are rehabilitation hospitals who offer ssimilar therapies and resources but not to this extent and not as individualized. The creator of Quality Living was one person and a community of families with loved ones who have TBI and/or Spinal Cord Injury who werent getting the services they desperately needed. Working with the individuals and those who work for them, reminded me of the power and perseverance of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle. ) Cultural Diversity Experience a. I have some experience working with diverse cultures. I worked as a nursing assistant in various facilities, nursing homes, group homes, and hospitals, assisting with personal care and daily living. Working with the elderly you see how people come from different backgrounds and how it affects who they are today. You also see how dementia and Alzheimers affects the brain and physical function. As I went over before, I worked with individuals with physical and mental disabilities; I still do to this day. I gained a lot of patience and understanding from this work. You come across various behaviors that can be aggressive, violent, emotional, and this will challenge you emotionally and intellectually as well. This will also at times drain you physically and emotionally. At the end of the day you get these reminders: a friendship gained, a smile, a thank you, an apology, a new experience, being able to teach someone and help someone. You see youve made a difference despite the difficult days that come and go. b. I have not had professional experience working with many different ethnicities and/or nationalities. However, I have had personal experience with friendships and co-workers of various national origins such as, Africa, Persia, Mexico, India, Ecuador, Haiti, Columbia, France, Portugal and Britain. I myself love learning about different cultures, their views, beliefs, traditions, history, and food of course, its all very fascinating to me. c. I am most comfortable working with those my age or between 20-40 years of age because I can more easily relate and be at the same level maturity and intellect. I also am comfortable with those who have disabilities and mental illnesses, having professional and personal experience with this population I am more apt to see the person, not just their disability. d. After careful thought there is not a population I am uncomfortable working with. 7. ) Social Support and Financial Plan I plan on applying for school loans and sscholarships. As well as meeting with the financial assistance and sscholarship offices. Currently my husband and I are looking into starting a non-profit shelter for female veterans out of our home. We have already begun contacting individuals within The National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center which host retreats for veteran couples and also works constantly on assisting veterans with obtaining the resources that are available to them. While I am at school and doing work credit hours my husband will take care of the business, along with our business partners we will also hire extra people to assist us with running the business. I am very excited about this endeavor and feel my further education with New Mexico State would contribute a great deal to this and future endeavors. [-0] – http://www. kff. org/kaiserpolls How to cite Motivation and Commitment for the Social Work Profession, Papers

The Safety Inspector Essay Example For Students

The Safety Inspector Essay The Safety InspectorMr. Redos, I am an inspector for the OSHA. I have noticed the followingsafety objects missing in the room F 203, chemistry room. These are sprinklers,a drain, and a glass wall. You must have these objects for the safety of thestudents and the faculty. I have also observed the following safety objectspresent in the regarded room. Fire blanket, fire extinguisher, fire shower,first-aid kit, an apron, eye goggles, and an eye shower. I am very concerned in the following situations. If a fire spreadthroughout the classroom, there are no sprinklers to extinguish the fire only afire extinguisher. Another situation is if someone were to use the fire shower,there would be no drain for the water to go to, thus a very slippery floor thatis unsafe. When the teacher is conducting experiments in the front of the room,there is no glass wall to protect the students in the case of an explosion. Some improvements that must be made are installing sprinklers. Anothermust is the glass wall, the last thing a school would want to do is to deal withwould be an injured kid. Not a necessary improvement, but suggested is to putin a drain for the fire shower. I like your regulations on everyone must weargoggles and the use of a fire blanket. I am also very pleased with the amountof exits from the room in the case of fire. Overall you have the basic safety functions intact but you still need toadd a couple of more precautions for when an emergency might take place. n

Leadership Character free essay sample

Daniel, S I will discuss the Los Angeles Probation Department in regards to how leadership characteristics, follower characteristics, and situational factors all influence leadership effectiveness. All three are of upmost importance and they all intertwine. Chief Blevins is showing excellent leadership characteristics in that he has a vision and he knows how to navigate the L. A. C. P. D. from point A to Z. I have reviewed the Chief’s Strategic Plan and he is very detailed of his expectations. I am very impressed with the positive changes is going to make. He is a good listener (he reads employee comments on website), in that he talks to the employees in the department in regards to their concerns and he asks them how can we as a department resolve the matter. To my knowledge, I can not recall a chief who cared to ask the employees any of their concerns. From my observation he has a genuine interest in making changes that will benefit the department as a whole. He has the ability to get the majority of employees to buy-in to making a positive change that is desperately needed (he has my full cooperation). He has held his current position no more than the last three to six months, but in that short time he has written and implemented his plan and everything should be in full operation come June 2010. Leadership is the key in building the foundation within an organization. The organization’s leaders should possess strong skills, be knowledgeable of their organization, and keep abreast of new changes that may affect the organization, and last work together for the common good of the organization. Effective leaders create positive organizational cultures, strengthen motivation, clarify mission and organizational objectives, and steer organizations to more productive and high performing outcomes†. â€Å"Recent evidence of the importance of leadership and its absence or limited presence in some public organizations is plentiful† (Partnership for Public Service 2003). I have had the pleasure to work with several phenomenal leaders within the L. A. C. P. D. Under their tut elage I have learned so much. As a follower within my department, I look for the following characteristics within the leaders: the ability to share their experience and knowledge, good communication skills, have high confidence in themselves, knowledge of the job, open minded, each one teach one type of attitude, goal oriented, very focused, has the ability to lead (teaches how to lead as well) and last, a leader who has a good rapport with their staff. I have been so fortunate to have had great supervisors who have the qualities of an outstanding leader. I will gladly follow a leader who exudes high standards and great expectations for their employees. Effective followers become leaders within their organizations. Leaders and followers are one of the same but the follower is in training. â€Å"The basic characteristics and capabilities of effective leaders and followers are very similar and what differentiates them is the role they are playing in a particular situation and time† (HeriocLeaders. com). I was a good follower who worked for great leaders which allowed me to be on the fast track in reference to knowing the job and being ready to promote. I believe that I would have been working in upper management if I had not decided to start a family. My priorities had changed and so my interest to promote no longer existed because my children were my world. Situational factors are elements which involve both the leader and the follower and the possible problems that may exist as a result of the leadership within an organization. The leadership that has represented the L. A. C. P. D. for the last ten years has failed due to situational factors that were not addressed, for example: leadership did not work together, there was no accountability for wrong doing, and there was misuse of funds just to name a few. I did not have faith in the previous leaders of the department. I believe that there must be some form of trust in place for there to be cohesion and togetherness. A true leader has the ability to effectively influence leadership by having a plan to make a change and following through on it. The two challenges that related to practice of leadership within the department was accountability and accepting change. The time has finally come and everyone will be held accountable for their job duties and they will be trained properly before receiving reprimands. History has shown throughout the department that mangers were quick to criticize and scrutinize but very slow to assist and train the employees. A new day is here. I am sure that every employee is capable of doing their jobs with the proper tools. Leaders will be encouraged to be more hands on with the employees and encourage them and not micro mange them. As song by the famous singer Sam Cook, â€Å"A Change Is Gone Come† speaks life into the L. A. C. P. D. Leaders should embrace the change that will better the department and better service our number on e priority, the clients. While searching the web for research information, I found this Summary chart of Hypothesis and I though it was interesting to share. References: Howell, J. P. , Costley, D. L. (2006). Understanding behaviors for effective leadership (2nd ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. (Partnership for Public Service 2003). World Wide Web: HeroricLeaders. com