Communication, the Interview & the Introductory Speech (part one)

This morning, after our course criteria discussion, complete this in class activity: 

With a partner, discuss and create: 

A. a list of ways in which humans communicate (humans communicate through...) 

B. Reasons why humans communicate

This begins our first step as creative writing majors. It is important for us to examine how and why (and when), as human beings, we decide to practice communication. This course will also get into areas of communication, the communication process, and techniques of effective communication. If you go on to study the arts, literature, political science, divinity, history, business, advertising, marketing, teaching, law, journalism, communication, or media, you will definitely need a basic understanding of these concepts.

Conversation is one of the most obvious processes of communication. Today you are going to "interview" a class member, then introduce this person to the rest of the class. The notes you take will also be used to create a "fictional" character based on a real person during our next class.

Activity:

1. Please follow my verbal directions to choose a partner for this exercise.
2. Once you have a partner, take 5-10 minutes to ask any of the following questions and record what your partner says in your journal.

Sample Questions to ask:

A. How were you shaped by your environment or cultural background as you grew up?
B. Name a friend, relative, or childhood friend or hero figure that had an impact (positive or negative) on your life. Describe how this person influenced you.
C. Describe a personal experience that had a major impact on your life and/or creating the person that you are today.
D. What activities or hobbies or interests bring pleasure and meaning to your life?
E. Name a goal that you have set for yourself. How are you going to achieve that goal?
F. What value or philosophical belief do you hold dear? Why do you hold this belief or value so highly? How does it affect your life?
G. Any other question you wish to ask within the time limit of this exercise.

Please note: You do not have to write down everything your partner says. Part of communication is listening to what is being said, then remembering and retelling in your own way. Use your notes and ask follow-up questions to develop your partner's answers. (see below)

3. After you have completed the set of questions, allow your partner to conduct an interview of you as well. Again, take 5-10 minutes to complete this portion of the exercise.

4. During the second period of our class, you and your partner will present each other to the class in a short introductory speech.

5. Keep your notes for the next writing assignment (more details to follow). 

Your short introductory speech should reveal the nature or character of the person you interviewed. When asked, please introduce your partner to the rest of the class. You may use your notes to help guide you, but try not to simply read off of your notes. Try to remember what your partner told you, then report this to us.

Speeches usually open with an interesting statement or lead-in. This is called The Hook. Begin your introductory speech with a clever hook or attention-grabber. Write an interesting opening line for your speech to introduce your partner.

When called, please stand up and introduce your partner. You may use your notes if you get stuck, but try to also "talk" to us. No one likes to be "read" to. As a class politely listen to each speech. Listening is an important element in the communication process. It is extremely rude to chat, ignore, or otherwise distract a speaker. Please be courteous in this class. As class rules state: Respect all NOUNS (that includes you and me and each other).

We will conclude any speeches not delivered on Monday. This assignment is worth participation credit.