Reflection Essay

Biggest struggle in this project, to me, was time management and being able to have everyone in the group get together. It wasn't to the point where we had major issues but it did pose a small bump in the road. I'm most proud of the way the documentary came out as a whole. I feel like it flows nicely and provides you with information relevant to the title. If I was to change anything I would probably say lets go back and re-record a couple of the monologues because there were slight pauses not intended in some. I wouldn't say my view of the world itself has changed, although I believe I've learned many new things about film. Also, the class helps to adapt your public speaking skills by giving class speeches and presentations. I wouldn't change anything about this course honestly and I feel like it has helped me become a better group member and public speaker.

Music Video

In the music video Work Hard, Play Hard by Wiz Khalifa they utilize many different types of shots, like tracking shots, medium range, close range, and long range. The longest shot begins 14 seconds into the video and lasts for about 5-6 seconds. The majority of the video is very choppy, but this is not necessarily a bad thing because they kind of follow the beat. The close range shots help to capture the facial expressions of Mr. Khalifa, while the long range show how everyone is having a great time. The tracking shots take us on adventures with the characters involved in the video. The video itself was well-done, although they could have used some longer shots.

Born Into Coal

   This documentary presents a wonderful point in a controversial topic that has been debated for many years. I would classify this as Human Interest because it tells us a story, to keep our interest, then provides details and real-life accounts of what would happen if the coal industry was abolished. I chose the shot above because it shows how stereotypes about coal miners and family members of said miners are, contrary to popular belief, can be false and they are actually quite similar to the rest of us. This shot captures two very different aspects of life. Here we see Arianna, a coal miners daughter, standing in between two train tracks wearing her dress and sash from the pageant she had just won. This is a flash of reality that maybe not everyone is how you would think. This is definitely a shot that could be easy to create in our documentary. I do like this shot because it captures two very different things and brings them together in one short scene. 

Death Row...

   Both authors used visual rhetoric very well, although maybe not to its full potential. I did find the websites quite interesting and both display the content very well. I prefer the website titled The Last Meal Project because we actually get to see the criminals face and it provides information between slides. No Seconds does contain a lot of visual rhetoric, but I believe the pictures help to drag the reader into the project, and the small slides containing definitions and explanations keep us up to speed and focused. Another possible presentation could be to have pictures of the convict, in their mug shot, side by side with a picture of the prisoner eating their last meal. Although the following presentations sufficed to get the point across. Both authors show a compelling argument towards the U.S. government and the policies they uphold. Many people will tell you a picture is worth a thousand words, in this case that is very true. The presentations do very well to portray their message against the death penalty, and the use of visual rhetoric is evident. The Last Meal Project does a very good job of informing us who the criminal is, what they did, and what they requested, if anything, for their final meal. Although No Seconds does inform us on these things, it lacks the picture of the convict which is a very defining difference between the two.

Shark Tank Response

   In response to my Shark Tank Proposal, I would say the grade that I received was fair and the feedback was duly noted and helpful. After watching myself speak, I can definitely say that I was a bit rigid, similar to a block of wood indeed. Although, movement is not much of my style, I try not to have a lot of movement during my presentations and speeches, especially when presented formally, because I like to keep myself as the center of all attention, and, from experience, certain topics require a formal ambiance. Whereas, movement may lead to a seemingly informal atmosphere or presentation. Moving on, one thing that I definitely could improve upon is the projection of my voice, and also attempt to remove the "uh" found a few times within the speech. I feel as if I did quite well with my overall proposal, in terms of getting my point across, and also I seemed to be, and felt, noticeably confident with the topic. I performed as well, or bad depending on your opinion, as I thought I was going to. Going into your presentation knowledgeable and confident in your speaking abilities, you will be fine, usually at least. After watching myself give the speech, and allowing a few of my peers to do so as well, I was content with my performance and, rightfully so, proud of myself. Next time I give a speech, whether for this class or another, I will work to improve my movement, and attempt to include a bit more emotion into the presentation, rather than being seemingly adhered to the floor as an emotionless plank nailed to a deck. I believe that my presentation was an overall success, and could possibly, not toot my own horn per se, be viewed as one of the better in the class.

Rise of the NBA Nerd

In Wesley Morris's article, Rise of the NBA Nerd, he talks about the change in fashion styles of NBA superstars. He directly compares the clothes that NBA players are now wearing to press conferences and in public to TV personalities like Carlton Banks and Steve Urkel. Morris's central argument in his article is that popular 90's TV shows, like The Fresh Prince and Urkel, along with popular rap artists like Jay-Z and Kanye West helped to make the suburban "white people" look a new, desirable, fashion style.

Morris writes about Oklahoma City Thunder's star Kevin Durant and how he showed up to one of his press conferences wearing a "blue long-sleeved shirt with tiny screen-window checks" and a backpack with the safety strap clamped. He goes on to talk about the non-notability of his attire is exactly what makes it notable. The real question is why is it so strange for a basketball superstar to dress like this? The answer is quite simple really. Most people remember the early to mid-90's apparel that most black people garbed themselves in, baggy sweatpants or jeans, sideways ball caps, and flashy jewelry, but what really made the game change? 

Morris informs us about how black culture was impacted by popular TV shows and rap artists. Globally known rapper Kanye West released an album, "The College Dropout", then proceeded to dress himself in more formal, nerdy attire. Another very renown rapper, Jay Z, was quoted in the article where he basically denounced the common "black attire", telling them to start dressing like they had an interview with the president. These rappers influenced many people to change their entire fashion sense, from G's to gents, they achieved what the 90's TV shows could not essentially. 

This new fashion statement can be seen in many stars now like, Lebron James, Russel Westbrook, even the president of the United States. This drastic shift clearly has had a major effect on culture, and politics as well. We now have an African American president, and he obviously does not dress as if he is "from the streets". Barrack Obama could be seen as the new-age Kanye or Jay Z in the sense that he is a role model for the well-dressed black person movement we are undergoing. Politics play a part in everything nowadays and our new president makes it evident that the African Americans are undergoing a major change in culture. Clothes do play a major part in our view of a person. If you are seen in public wearing a full suit and tie people regard you as a business person, if you are seen wearing flashy clothes, watches and chains covered in diamonds and other precious gems, and other expensive accessories, you may be seen as a gangster, or rap artist. I believe that the figure heads of the fashion movement aim to change these stereotypes.

TED Speech Tactics and such...

   When giving a speech there are many tactics that you must use in order to successfully get your point across. Eye contact is crucial, scan the room and occasionally lock with someone for a few seconds, then proceed to continue your scan. You must speak clearly and be sure to have solid argument points in order to keep the audiences attention. Also, be sure to move around the room,because nobody wants to watch someone babble in the same place for a long period of time. Of course, when there are pros, the cons exist. Basically, do not do the opposites of the pros. Also be sure not to babble or lose yourself in useless information.
   In the speech "How to grow a tiny forest anywhere." by Shubhendu Sharama, the speaker demonstrates many of the features of a well constructed speech. He has very solid points, statistics, and information which helps to further benefit his argument. He makes sure to scan the room while maintaining decent eye contact with the crowd. Sharama presents his points in a very clear and concise manner. Although Sharama demonstrated a slight lack of movement and excitement during his speech, along with awkward hand motions. He also seemed nervous, lacking confidence with a shaky voice.
   Now, in the speech "Why does the universe exist?" by John Holt, the speaker demonstrates a very confident, information filled point or points. I found this speech more interesting than the last, mainly because Holt presented many more outside sources, like quotes, and references to historical events. He presents a much more interesting argument and also makes the audience members and viewers laugh, which helps keep everyone focused on the main point. He also uses mannerisms, figures of speech, and rhetorical questions to relate to the audience. On a different note, Holt does have a few bad elements to his speech, for example, he does seem to babble on about topics that are irrelevant to the main argument. He also says "um" and "uh" frequently which makes him sound a bit less intelligent and prepared. Holt also treads on thin ice by slightly ragging on very popular religions like Christianity and Buddhism. This is not a good tactic because some may be sensitive to criticism towards their belief system.
   All in all, both speeches demonstrated solid points and arguments. Both speakers seemed to be very well prepared and showed some very good speech tactics. Although no one can be perfect when public speaking, these two did a very good job at getting their points across. Props to the both of them.

http://www.ted.com/talks/shubhendu_sharma_how_to_grow_a_tiny_forest_anywhere

http://www.ted.com/talks/jim_holt_why_does_the_universe_exist