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

Leaked Nudes Not 'Scandal' but Sex Crime!

    When I first saw the photos or heard about them, immediately I jumped to the conclusion that the celebrities were to blame. After reading the article Jennifer Lawrence Nude Photo Leak Isn't A 'Scandal" It's A Sex Crime, I realized how foolish and unfair I was to feel that way. The celebrities retain the right to store whatever type of information or photos on their personal devices, even if that includes nude photos of themselves. The celebrities did not send these pictures to someone who then released them to the public, but rather, the celebrities cell phones were tapped, or hacked into and the files were stolen and later released on the internet.
    The central point or argument of this article is the fact that these photos were not leaked, but rather they were stolen from someones personal device. With this in mind, the author feels that the celebrities do not need to apologize or feel that they were wrong in any way. Even though taking nude photos of yourself and keeping them unprotected is advised against, it is not a crime to do so. Therefore Jennifer Lawrence, or any of he other celebrities involved in this so called 'scandal' are to blame.
    In regard to the author's statement about how it is not the celebrities fault that these promiscuous photos were leaked, or stolen, I agree completely with him. The celebrities did not intend for these PRIVATE photos to be shared with the entire world, nor did they plan on a random attack by unknown hackers. The fact that people in today's society feel the need to access these photos is rather disgusting and unsettling. Apparently no one is safe or can keep any information private.