Too vague for assigned reading?

Something i found to be interesting in the chapter but was not assigned was the vague generalities. This is a major issue because it is hard for somebody to draw the line between two commonly used words. For example, words like "almost all" and "most almost have the same meaning when used. It is hard to decipher "Almost all the kids eat lunch at school." or "Most of the kids eat lunch at school." By using these words usually leads to a very weak premise if it is argued backwards. But if it is used in a direct way, the premise is usually pretty strong. Using "almost all" in a reasoning chain also leads to a weak premise. There is a difference between using "almost all" and "all". All clearly states every single one while almost all can me all but one or more. This is what I found interesting in the reading in the chapter.

Organization Research

Researching about a organization has really helped me understand what that specific organization does in depth. By finding out what their fallacies, claims, and objectives truly gave me the inside view of the organization. For my group, we decided to work on DARE which is an anti drug abuse organization that educates children in elementary to middle school about drug abuse. By doing this research project, it taught me the specifics of what DARE does. Also it gave me the inside information such as celebrities used to promote their organization. By working in a group gave me the point of view of multiple people so that I obtain different opinions to compare. Working with multiple people really helps me understand the subject better especially with research. Know that people depend on me really motivates me to work my best so that I do not disappoint my group. Cause I know two or more heads working on one thing is always better than one.

Chapter 8 Concepts

One concepts in chapter 8 i found useful is the definition of the general words used in general claims. For example, "all" means every single one of something, no exceptions, while "most" means the vast majority of something. This can mean everything from 51 to 100%. These key words are the backbone of the generalized claim. Word choice is very important when creating a generalized claim. Most stereotypes come from a generalized claim but with the wrong choosing. For example, "All Asians do not know how to drive." This is a bad claim because that person has not seen every single Asian drive. Therefore this is a weak claim. To make this argument more believable, one can substitute the word "all" for "some". Making it "Some Asians do not know how to drive." This would make this claim a little more believable. Word choice is important while making a generalized claim.

Repairing Arguments.

When people are speaking on a social basis, they do not pay attention to the precise detail of creating a strong or even valid argument. Through normal conversation its hard to think through all the premises and valid conclusions and so on. As an example, after a party scenario, somebody would say "hey, Tom was drinking last night, now he has a headache, so that means he has a hangover. This claim would work but is would be a very weak argument. what if he hit his head while drunk and woke up with a headache? there are many other scenarios that could have that would have cause Tom's hangover. Through meaning of repairing arguments, more premises would have to be added to fix this problem. such as "Tom is a lightweight and doesn't drink before." Or "Tom has a history of hangovers when he drinks" In conclusion, this would fix the claim and make it valid

Advertisement Affectiveness

Abercrombie and Fitch and Hollister Co. but have similar advertising methods targeting teens and young adults using physically attractive models such as the add above to sell its designer clothing. This add is trying to give the consumer the vibe that only physically attractive people buy clothes from Abercrombie and Fitch. Everyone would like to think that they are attractive therefore would love to buy clothes and other accessories from there. These companies have become the mainstream of the fashion industry and are on the continuing on the rise. Although its primary source of persuasion is physicial attraction, sex appeal is still a major part of their advertising strategy. The claims these companies make cannot really be backed up because by wearing their clothes does not guarantee that you will become physicially attractive. It is based on the person not the clothing. But overall these advertisements seem to work because they are still strong and growing in business.

How to be Effective in a Meeting

I read this in chapter 4 In the Essential guide to group communication handbook. This teaches you how to be an effective candidate in either side of the boardroom. Whether your the Superior or the subordinate, both members can get their messages across. As a superior of the organization or company, one must be do the following...

Schedule a meeting time frame that gives adequate time for all issues to be discussed.
Minimize distractions such as cellphones or visitors, As a superior, one must concentrate on the needs of its subordinates.
Try to diminish the amount of demands and more the number of questions asked to receive the information needed.
Also active listening is a must. This shows your subordinates that you truly care about their questions and concerns.

This article also talks about if your on the other side of the table in the boardroom. This is what a subordinate to do to ensure a clean meeting and all ones concerns are heard.

Ask superiors for advice and pointers to increase productivity in a company. This shows your superiors that you care and gives them a good mental impression.
Active listening is always a good thing when talking to anybody, especially your boss.
I found this very useful and has taught me how to address my superiors in the conference room. It really intrigued me how both sides of the boardroom have a role to play. I have always thought that the responsibility of running a clean meeting has always been the superiors. This article really taught me alot.