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  1. The Great Recycling Challenge – A Call To Action

    November 22, 2013 by Erin McGovern

    Everyday, for all the freshmen living in East, we walk through Findlay Commons, meeting up with friends at the Big O or going to the study lounges. As I walked towards the computer lab the other day, I stopped and noticed that the glass walls surrounding 124 Findlay were completely covered in paint. As I got closer I saw that each dorm in East was written on the wall with their “place” next to it. I immediately looked for my building and saw Sproul – 10th place. I then saw next to it the words, “The Great Recycling Challenge!”  Below that were more words saying how each building is apart of a contest to see which can recycle the most.

    I thought that this was an interesting way to get people involved in a cause such as recycling. Instead of writing about the Great Recycling Challenge on a flyer or stall stories like many other opportunities for civic engagement, these words were placed in a prime location, in the middle of all freshmen dorms, and in brightly colored paint.

    This rhetoric uses ethos by promoting competition amongst freshmen, something that usually is not promoted at Penn State. Usually in Findlay, we see posters about activities and organizations to bring people together, not separate them and have them compete against each other.

    This technique proved useful, for in my building, many of my friends and I realized that we haven’t been recycling and that we probably should. Even though none of us really cared about getting 1st place in this recycling challenge, the information provided outside Findlay did make us stop and think for a minute about what we do with our garbage.

    Those leading the Great Recycling Challenge did a good job getting people civically engaged, because regardless of what building recycles the most, they have got people to realize that habits need to be changed and plastic needs to be recycled!

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  2. Post #6: My TEDTalk – Review

    November 15, 2013 by Erin McGovern

    My preparation process for my topic relied heavily on my paradigm shift essay. I was very interested in my topic, the shift in the role of women in politics, and I knew I needed to convey my message to my audience without being too factual. I really wanted to focus on using logos to show how far women have come. I decided that I would focus mainly on the history of women after WWII and compare the 1950s to the 1960s primarily.

    My execution was effective in that I think my PowerPoint went along well with what I was presenting. I did not use a lot of text and I kept it to less than ten slides. This made it much easier while I was presenting because when I wanted to move to each topic point – I was able to clearly remember which slide I would be talking about. Seeing the 2 – 3 visuals on each slide reminded me of another point I wanted to make which helped guide my oral presentation along.

    Looking back, I could’ve spent more time preparing orally for my presentation. Although I had a short amount of time to prepare, since I presented on the first day, I do think that with more practice, I would’ve sounded more fluid and clear to my audience. I noticed I said “Umm” many times in my presentation, which really took away from the information I was trying to present.

    I also noticed that I wasn’t conversational in manner and instead it seemed like I was trying to just “get information across.” I hope that in the future, when I’m presenting, I can be more relatable and concise with what I’m presenting.

    On a positive note, I’m happy that I was able to remember key dates, terms and facts. Being able to remember specific organizations and years that that events happened helped keep me in check with time, because I knew exactly what I wanted to say and what I wanted to say after it.

    I think I could’ve spoken more on the shift to today concerning women in politics. Direct quotes from women such as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand were powerful, but would’ve had more of an effect on my audience is I had given more background on who she is and what she stands for. Other examples that I spoke of, such as bipartisan monthly dinners, could’ve been expanded on, because I feel that the audience might have not understood the importance of these dinners that women in the Senate have created.

    In terms of presenting, I did not realize how quickly I spoke! I know I was trying to keep my presentation within the time limit, but if I could go back, I would make sure to slow down. That being said, I did not feel awkward standing in one spot, as I had been nervous about. Being able to talk to the audience and not move around, but instead use only my hands to emphasize what I was saying was something new for me that I think worked out well.

    Overall, I am happy with my presentation but I think next time, I need to learn how to engage with the audience better. I plan on doing this by being more conversational in manner and limiting the amount of history/facts I present. Instead, I will try to use more real life examples to relate to the audience. For the short amount of time I had to prepare, I think this speech went fairly well.

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  3. HW #5: Ted Talk

    October 31, 2013 by Erin McGovern

    For my paradigm shift essay, I wrote about how there was a shift in the role of women in politics. While conducting my research I noticed that there were many counterarguments to support why there are still so little women in politics as compared to men. For my TedTalk, I am going to discuss why there is still such a low number of women involved in politics as compared to men.

     

    I plan on using pictures of women activists and examples of hardships women face as a tool in enabling pathos. In order to adapt to the audience, I’m going to make sure I talk with my hands (since we can’t really walk around) and emphasize quotes from famous women leaders. I think if I talk about relatable figures in politics and the media – my audience will be more interested in what I’m talking about.

     

    As of now, I still don’t have a thesis.

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  4. Large Classes Contribute to Rhetoric

    October 30, 2013 by Erin McGovern

    Before coming to Penn State, many people asked me if I was ready to take on classes of up to 400 people or more. At the time, I really didn’t know what to expect, because none of my classes exceeded 30 people in high school, besides gym class. Being here and experiencing these large classes, I’ve noticed they are primarily “hit or miss” for me. I love hearing a political science lecture and being able to study on my own, yet I’d rather have more of a one-on-one lesson in a class such as biology, which I’m not very good at. I’ve noticed that regardless of the subject, the opportunity for rhetoric in these large classes is much more apparent than that of small classes.

    In my french class of maybe 20 people, nobody really talks to each other and everyone gets on their phones the minute they realize class is over. In biology with 400 people, I introduce myself to the person sitting next to me almost everyday and usually discuss the difficulty of the past night’s homework. In political science, I talk to the same 3 people every day, but it’s allowed us to create a study group for exams.

    I think entering a room of hundreds of people, one finds comfort in being able to make a connection with at least one other person. This is done through conversation and rhetoric. I’m glad to have the opportunity to take both large and small classes, though I think these larger classes make it easier for one to use rhetoric to connect to others and form bonds.

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  5. Catching Fire

    October 23, 2013 by Erin McGovern

    One of my favorites series, The Hunger Games, is coming out with it’s second movie, called, “Catching Fire.” I’m a huge fan of the books, a lesser fan of the movies, but recently a movie poster for Catching Fire caught my eye. It said,

    The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

    Every Revolution Begins With A Spark

    catching fire

    I found it interesting that this movie poster did not have a single picture of one of the Hunger Games famous actors on it, such as Josh Hutcherson or Jennifer Lawrence. Instead, it had a picture of a mockingjay pin, a symbol that only readers of the series, or those who had seen the first movie would understand. Normally I would wonder, why would this poster do this? Don’t the producers of this movie want to more people to become fans of this movie series?

    I realized that the simplicity of the words and picture on the movie poster are what provides pathos in this context. The word “revolution” implies that this trilogy is part of a revolution. The Hunger Games to some, is comparable to Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. It is successful in capturing a cult fan base of both young people, science-fiction junkies and older people as well. I think this movie poster did a great job inviting people to want to know more about what the Hunger Games is. The revolution that is referred to on the poster invites readers to want to know more about what is going on. Is there a revolution in the movie? Is the Hunger Games itself a revolution for movies in reality?

    I’m really excited for this movie to come out in November, and I’ve heard of others who are interested in finding out more about it as well. This simple use of rhetoric is ambiguous and causes people who have never heard of the hunger games to want to learn more about it. It also provides a sense of familiarity to old fans – who instantly recognize the mockingjay pin.

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  6. Possible Paradigm Shift Topic

    October 17, 2013 by Erin McGovern

    For my paradigm shift essay, I think I want to discuss how we have evolved to become a country that incorporates women in politics. Compared to other countries, we are so far behind. We have yet to have a woman president and males dominate politics. Yet, looking back to women who helped in the abolitionist movement, and the women’s rights movement of the early 1900’s, we have come so far. With a looming Presidential coming up in 2016, I’ve heard mixed reviews of possible candidates, but I’ve continuously heard “Hillary is going to win.”

     

    I’d like to research more why now, more than ever, do people think that a woman will be most likely to win a Presidential election?

    And when, in politics, did women start to become more accepted?  (Thinking back to women in the temperance movement/womens rights movement to now)

    Who were the key players of this movement?

    And do these woman command as much respect as men do?

    Do these women still view themselves as the minority in politics today, or do they think that they have as much influence as their counterpart male politicians?

     

    I’d like to focus on researching more about women like Hillary Clinton, past Secretary of State, Sonia Sotomayor, a Justice of the Supreme Court, and Nikki Haley, Gov. of South Carolina.

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  7. RCL Post #6: Icebreakers

    October 17, 2013 by Erin McGovern

    Many people have heard the term “icebreaker” before but it never occurred to me how these games used to introduce people with one another and create a level of comfort are actually very rhetorical. Recently, at a committee meeting for THON, we did an icebreaker in which each person had to say their name and an adjective that described that. Immediately, it was easy to see who was an extrovert, who was an introvert, what teams people like, and who doesn’t enjoy sports.

    After we finished this icecbreaker, we had a few moments to talk amongst ourselves while a powerpoint was loading. In other classes and large group events I’ve been to here, I noticed a lot of people, including myself sometimes, take out their iPhones and check their e-mail or text other friends. I think because of this icecreaker, members of my committee now had reason to talk amongst themselves and get to know others.

    The commonplace that these icebreakers are awkward for 18-22 year olds and only useful at summer camps was defied. I saw freshmen talking to seniors and guys talking to girls of different races, ethnicities and appearances. These icecbreakers are a good use of a pathos to encourage people to get to know one another.

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  8. Not Enough Talk About The Homeless in the United States

    October 2, 2013 by Erin McGovern

    I know growing up we’ve all been told to “Never judge a book by it’s cover” but most people can probably admit to being at fault for judging others. Oftentimes when I pass those who are homeless, I don’t even give them the time of day. I judge these people, and I often think they should be out looking for work. I often associate those who are homeless with drug abuse and alcoholism, but after watching this video, it occurred to me that regardless of their backgrounds or past choices, anyone who is homeless is human. Humans make mistakes and humans look to other humans for help.

    This video made me realize that there is not enough conversation occurring about the homeless or what we can do to prevent people from having to live on the streets. I have never once, in high school or at Penn State, have heard of an organization or philanthropic group that helps those who do not have a home. The concept of having no place to go is so foreign to me, and I think that there are many rhetorical opportunities and opportunities for civic engagement if society stopped shunning those who are homeless.

    I came across this video of a man named Ronald Davis, who has been out of work and homeless for over a year and a half. As depressing as this video may be, I think it really shows the truth behind what it is like to be the equivalent of lepers of society, and how hard it is for those with no home to have a voice in society. For example, everywhere we look, people are on their cell phones. For the homeless who are applying for jobs, they don’t even have a contact number or cell phone to be told if they are hired or not.

    Videos such as this interview of Ronald Davis portray the truth behind what it is like for many who are homeless and not even treated like human beings. I hope more videos such as these become more viral on sites such as Facebook and Instagram. The subliminal use of pathos is actually a cry for help from someone who needs it. I hope videos like this will get people talking about how to help those who want to contribute to society, but do not have the means to do so.

     

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  9. Homework #3: Article for Rhetorical Analysis Essay

    October 1, 2013 by Erin McGovern

    The artifact I have chosen to analyze for my rhetorical analysis essay is Jim Valvano’s ESPY Award Speech from March, 1993. I will be analyzing how Valvano was able to capture the audience’s attention, and more specifically, how he was able to encourage the crowd to get involved in supporting cancer research.

     

    Jimmy V

     

     

     

    I will be the first to admit that I do not usually spend much time watching sports, but I really like college basketball. Even though I’m a Duke fan, I came upon this speech presented by University of North Carolina Coach Jimmy Valvano, who was diagnosed with cancer. Even though he was fragile and sick while delivering this speech, Valvano was able to engage the crowd like no other orator I have ever seen. His yearn to live and to teach other to appreciate life, family and all their blessings comes across in his speech, as does his urgency for others to help support cancer research. Valvano makes the battle against cancer seem to relate to each person in the audience, making his speech seem that much more personal.

     

    Jimmy V is able to make use of a good opportunity for rhetoric by taking advantage of the position he is in. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he makes sure to take the time he has left to speak to others and teach them to be grateful and to become civically engaged. His presence on stage, as an orator and as a leader are evident through the delivery and content of his speech.

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  10. My Presentation, Reflection: HW #2

    September 26, 2013 by Erin McGovern

    That first college presentation! Overall, when I think back to it – I think it could’ve gone a lot worse and I am pretty happy with the way it went. I think I did a decent job with my introduction by capturing the audiences’ attention and calling on them to get involved by asking questions. I definitely wasn’t effective in my presentation or eye contact. I think at one point I was reading off my notecards and I could feel myself speeding up because I was getting nervous. If I could’ve done anything differently, it would’ve been to try and be more conversational and engage the audience, rather than just stand in one spot and speak in an effort to get my point across. Also, instead of just mentioning some details that related to my artifact, I could’ve explained more fully how they related to the artifact and how they called for civic engagement, rather than just talk about the commonplaces that were associated with my artifact. I’m glad I stayed within the time limit, but I definitely need to focus on deriving some more main points and work on structure to give a better speech next time!

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