Sunday, November 18, 2012

Public Speaking

   One area discussed in lecture that stood out as an area of my public speaking I could improve is using power point effectively. I often either do not use or follow it at all or I include all my information on the powerpoint and end up reading off of it. I need to learn to use power point to benefit and add to my presentation but not to over use it to the point that my power point becomes my presentation. Some of his tips about using black slides to draw the attention back to you seem very useful in certain types of presentations.
   Another area he discussed that I thought I could improve in is setting a comfortable or open stance when I am giving presentations. Often when I am nervous in presenting I feel I hid behind a podium or have a closed off stance as a side effect of my nerves. Using proper gesturing and coming back to neutral stance is something I could improve on. I think that is an area I have to practice to make it come naturally. I need to start incorporating more gesturing in my speaking to become a more dynamic public speaker.
   The last area I think that I could improve upon in my speaking is including different types of examples and facts into my speech to grab different parts of the audience. I found it super interesting when he asked what aspects (story, example, fact etc) grabbed peoples attention the most and everyone appealed to something else. I had always assumed that since I loved it when people incorporated stories into their speeches that other people would like that best too.  It is a great strategy to appeal to a wider audience by including many different tactics in your speaking.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Leadership in the Community

1. What are some communities that you can be a leader in? 
There are many communities I can be a leader in. One of them is the church community. In the church community I can lead in my calling, as well as be charitable in church service opportunity. Also helping to become unified and a family is also a way I can lead in my ward. Another way I can be a leader is in the BYU community. By volunteering and getting others involved with service and events at BYU. I can also continue to keep my involvement in my home community of Portland Oregon by continuing to stay involved in the organizations I was apart of when I am home on breaks. These include working at the homeless shelter and food bank over the holidays. I can be a leader and a force for good in my apartment, family, and friends. 
2. How can you become involved in a way that is reasonable considering you time?
In college there a million opportunities to get involved but also a million other things pulling your time in all different directions. It is important to remember that you do not have to volunteer 20 hours a week to be involved. By picking an organization to spend a small amount of time with consistently is a great way to get involved. I believe that the most good if you only have a small amount of time consistently volunteering with one organization.   Picking an organization that you are passionate about working with is important  When you do not have enough time to do everything you want to you need to prioritize what you are involved in.  
3. You don’t need a title to lead. Great leaders are already doing so. Where else can you be a leader? 
I can be a leader in many opportunities in my life. One of the ways I need to improve on being a leader is in my siblings. I have a younger sister and i need to be a better example of what I would like her to grow up to be in all aspects of my life. Sometimes I view having such a younger sibling to be an example for as a job less that the opportunity to do good. Also I can sometimes be too bossy in my apartment. Instead of telling people what to do I should be an example of the kind of roommate I want to have by cleaning up after myself and being more considerate to others. 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Ethical Leadership

Personal Code of Ethics 

 Attitude: 
Always have a positive attitude. Look for the best in all people and situations. Uplift others by being kind, caring and a good friend. Remember that attitudes are contagious, make yours worth catching. My attitude should be one of caring and humility. Be an approachable person and a good, loyal friend.
Compassion:  
Always strive to be compassionate and caring to those in need. Remember that there are stories behind everyone's actions. Do not judge others, accept others and be kind to everyone. Do not hold grudges. Forgive easily and quickly.
Courage: 
 Always have the courage to do what is right regardless of the monetary or worldly consequences. Do not base your choices on what others think is right or acceptable, do what is truly right in the eyes of the perfect example of ethical behavior, Christ.
Excellence: 
Strive to do my best in everything I do. Never put so much on my plate that my quality to work goes down. Never accept anything less than my best. Avoid procrastination and over involving myself, things that could effect my ability to perform tasks with excellence. Be responsible and follow through with commitments.
Integrity:
Remember that no matter what, God is always watching your actions. Make choices that would make Him proud. Be honest in your dealings with others and your dealings with the Lord.