Group Members:

2278476 Xiao Peiyu (Vanessa)

2291336 Duo Duo Lin

2250509 Bruce

Duo Duo Lin 2291336

Week1

What is academic culture in Australia?

Academic culture refers to the attitudes, values and ways of behaving that are shared

by people who work or study in universities. But the academic culture is different in

each country likes its culture.

What is research? Why do we write reports?

Research is a careful and detailed study into a specific problem, concern, or issue using the

scientific method. It’s a process of septs used to collect and analyses information to increase

our understanding of a subject or issue. There are so many research methods such as

reading, investigating, interviewing etc. but the steps are basically the same. We have to

identify the research problem first, then we need to either doing a review on that topic or

collecting the data needed. Finally we analyses all the data and information and creating a

report of research outcomes. So the report is mainly use to demonstrate the result and

outcome of our research. The reason we write report is because the report structure is much

suitable for research. We can add any amount of graphs or images in it.

Week2

I have learnt lots of things from today’s discussion. For the research topic, we can choose the

topic that we interested or find the topic that we want to do by reading relate information,

searching or discussing with others.

After we find a topic, we need to focus and question it. The good way to do that is work with

others who do the same topic as you do, because when a group of people have the same topic

to research, they will have more discussion about the topic and everyone in that group can

focus more than doing the research by yourself. Also because of group working, the questions

of that topic can be solved easier, and we can have more ways to question the topic, likes

group discussion, internet searching, and reading the books or newspapers.

Then we have to find the useful or credible information from our research and use it effectively.

For finding useful information, we have to use more sources not just one source. For example,

read more articles and newspapers and do more interviews. Then we can discuss what we

found with others and find out what the credible information are and use in our assignments.

In conclusion, find an interesting topic, work with a group and use more sources when we

doing the research are useful for research assignments.

Week3

A good report is based on some factors. Choose a good report topic; be interest with it and

work hard on it are the foundation of making a good report. Then the effective use of

resources and more type of resources that we using are also the factors that make the good

report. So to do that, we need to use more resources to get more information and choose

useful information from it. The use of suitable languages and the structure of the report are

important as well.

The effective reading is a reading skill that when we read the information, we can

understand every information and choose the useful information to use, for example, write

a report. So it is a useful skill when we writing report because when we writing a report, we

have to read lots of information and use some of them in our report. So it does contribute of

making a good report.

Week4

How are opinions and positions different?

Opinions and position are different. First of all, opinion is about what you think and

what your attitude of a thing or event, however position could be explain like what will

you do with an issue or a thing. A person’s opinion always comes first before position,

and different opinions can have different position. Position is always certain and it

may not change easier than opinion.

How can we use language to modify our position?

We can use some way to modify our positon. We can use examples and data to

explain your position and give a reason of each. Use more certainly language to

persuade others and describe your position.

Week5

How can we make our arguments flow well?

Firstly, we need to setting up our arguments and get some supportable information. Those

information will give us more evidences for our argument. The more evidence we have, the more

people we can persuade.

Then we have to organize our information to create a logical paragraph for our argument. In that

paragraph, it must content our argument point, stand, examples and evidences. So our argument

can be flow well.

How can we take a stand?

We have to be self-confident when we wake a stand, because we have to show to others that our

stand is correct. So to have self-confident is important in this case. Then, we have to give example

of why we choose this stand.

Week6

How is gender relevant to communication?

The genders different can affect the style of communication. For example, male are more likely to

be in a leader when communicating. They often use brief and direct language to talk.

During the conversation, men are more independent and unemotional. They would like to

improve social dominance by communication.

However, female are communicate in different style. The research shows that women use

communication as a tool to improve social connections and create relationships with others.

When talking, women use less powerful speech, they tend to speak more politely than men and

use more questions. Women also tend to interrupt less than men do.

How does culture shape our communication?

The ways that people communicate are different in every culture. A person’s way of thinking,

talking and hearing are based on their culture. Even the same word in the same language

speaking country could have the different meaning.

In different culture background, people’s conversation topic are always different. For example, a

person from America might complain about job pressure and social issue, but a person who is an

immigrant might talk about the opportunities and freedom.

week7

How can we link information together properly?

The information’s that need to link together must have some common points or connectives. No

matter the information’s are, we must find the common points in both information and link

together by using some suitable words. we also need to fully understand the information’s,

understand the meaning, the key points and then summaries the key points together by rewrite

them as a paragraph. The research could be helpful. We can research the information that we

can’t understand so it can help us to properly link information’s together without mistakes and

incomprehension.

What are the elements of a clear, convincing argument?

For a clear and convincing argument, there are some important elements that it has. First of all, a

convincing argument should explain the important points of the topic so the audience and

understand, then, it must contain strong facts and example to support our arguments and make

our argument persuasive. Secondly, when we presenting, we have to present the facts in a

manner that builds the argument from least important to most important. So the first issue of the

argument should be present first.

The organize of the argument is also an important element of a good argument. A clear argument

must be well organize such as topic of each parts, the support points and the conclusion.

A good conclusion can make the argument convincing. So the conclusion must be short but

persuasive. It can support your argument once again at the end of it and give the audience or

reader a strong remind of your point.

Week8

How can we write good introductions & conclusions?

To write a good introduction, we have to clear understand what we are going to write in the rest

of the paragraphs. We need to have a simple outline of it and introduce them in our introduction.

The sentence we use for introduction must be clear and attractive. We can’t write our

introduction like list all the content in the article one by one. We have to make a nice paragraph

to flow our introduction.

The conclusion is almost the same but instead of introducing, we have to sum up all the

paragraph in too few sentence and whether or not make a strong decision or suggestion at the

end of the conclusion. The conclusion must be link with the body and introduction and it can’t off

the point.

What are readers looking for?

There are lots of things that reader looking for. A fantastic story in a fiction, an important

information in the article or a useful suggestion. So different resources have different things that

readers want. However, one resource can provide many different things for different reader. For

example, two readers are reading the same book but they might looking for different things. But

for most of readers, they are looking for a sentence or paragraph that make sense to them.

Because when we doing the research, we only read part of the article instead of whole article.

Week9

How does the 'voice' change with the type of text?

Different type of text can affect the ‘voice’ of it. The topic we are writing with is the main factor

that make our text type changes. The text in the argument article will be persuasive. It give us a

feeling of a strong ‘voice’ when we try to argue with something. And the text we use are short,

active and convincing. It won’t have redundant phrases in it.

If we write a text to disc ripe something, the text we use must be in details. We might use long

phrases but still keep it simple. It shows a smooth ‘voice’ to us.

The passive language we use can express many information. The passive language can

emphasizes the action and can hide your responsibility for an action. That can change the feeling

of the ‘voice’.

How much and what are we communicating beyond language?

The communicating beyond language is mainly about the communication between different

cultures with different language.

In some case we use non-verbal language to communicate. When people first met they might

smile to each other or handshake. However in different culture, people might make a bow to

each other. So it shows the communicate beyond language, even if we don’t speak.

How much we communicating beyond language is depend on our relationship. We always get

close to the friends who we met long time ago and not that close to a friend who we just met. So

the amount of communication with those two group are different. We used to communicate

more with our close friends, no matter is verbal or non-verbal.

Week10

What makes good visuals in a presentation?

Visuals are things that we make for audiences to look at when we doing the presentation. It is a

very important factor that will directly affect the quality and effect of our presentation. So the

visuals must be good enough to use. There are some tips for making a good visuals. When we are

presentation, we must use the visuals as simple as possible. It’s hard for most people to do

reading and listening at the same time. So a visual with some simple words or images could be a

good visual. Also, we have lots of audiences, so the text or images on the visuals must be clear

enough and visible from everywhere in the room.

We will have large amount of contents when we doing a long presentation. So we must to clear

point out each topic or each key word on the visuals that audiences can read through and

understand it in a very short time.

Finally, we don’t have to use the visuals every minutes in a presentation. We have to short the

visuals and it only show up when necessary, otherwise it will be too complicated and redundant.

What captures the audiences' attention?

How good the presentation we made will immediately shows on the audiences’ attention. If

audiences are not concentrate on your speech, that means your presentation contents are bit

boring to them, rather than the topic itself.

so making a good and interesting presentation contacts can easily captures the audiences’

attention even if your topic doesn’t sounds interesting, because the topic is not too important to

the audiences, some people might forget it while they still listening. So the contents that we talk

about must be interesting and attractive.

Moreover, using series of body language or a good visuals can easily let the audiences

concentrate. The body language could be viewed as a visuals. Using suitable body language can

make our presentation attractive because we are actually moving. People will feel tire of keep

looking at a person who stand still. Visuals can include all the text, images, graphs or videos and it

can capture their attention.

2278476 Xiao Peiyu (Vanessa)

Week 1

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jDLnoNlSdHxaN43MOrHvwuXytghGcWfjqT1oKRTlHAg/ed

it

Q1. Academic culture refers to the values , attitudes and so on. the values in Australia are respect,

equality, freedom and so on. So the Australians prefer to respect others and show equity of

men and women, local people and foreigners and so on .

Q2 Research is a scientific way to study materials and sources in order to know more the facts

and make conclusions. It divides into qualitative and quantitative.

Q3 there are many reasons why we write reports because of many goals.

For example, if we want to know more about a thing which we are interested in, we can write a

report. Besides, for recording information, report is a good way to keep up with the process.

Lastly, the government write reports to evaluate and make a conclusions

Week2

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_Pi_f5GQnfh5PE-QUZqxbyfDTmsSwA_3qpu7bWrTtWo/e

dit

1. There are various ways we can have access to find a research topic ,such as newspaper s,

books ,websites and so on. With the development of the highway information, searching

materials is the most efficient way to us. First of all, we need to confirm the category

of the topic and search some concerned information. Besides, we need to make sure the

materials we find whether can be observed and verified That means the materials we

find should be rational and logical..

2. Firstly, we have to build up the connection between the topic and the question, which

enables us to focus the topics and the questions. Besides, we should highlight the

essential point of the topic and the question .Finally, we confirm the range of the topic

and question on the list and look up the information which we need.

3. we are supposed to search the information from authoritative reference materials. For

example, if we got available information from the books, we should use genuine version

and

Strict press to avoid mistakes.

When it comes to the high-efficiency usage, we have to pick up the most identical

information from the materials we search before to be coordinate with our topics, which

can strongly support our opinions.

Week3

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SqR-4dZypTjEjbOwxYDj5lvi-DIS4XbHNuZl_yi6rPU/edit

Q1 1.Structure

Introduction : briefly illustrate the purpose of report, clearly mention what you are talking about

and whom it is related

Body: indicate the information with concise paragraph and sentences. Besides, using the bullet

points or others are necessary.

Recommendation: in the section of recommendation , we add suggestion to improve needed in

the report.

Executive summary: we have to summarize all the key information

references ; If you are quoting any authentic website or any book , make reference of it in the

bottom section.

2.Quality Source: we have to find the references from the authorized website e.g. govt sites or

proquest

3.Use graphs , table or power points to illustrate clearly so as to present the information

Q2 1.Before reading, we need to understand

the purpose of reading. For example, we can ask ourselves “what we need”

2.Skimming : it involves skimming for key information like Titles, Years , specific dates. Besides,

we have to focus on the contents what we need

3.Scanning : for scanning we have to look headings of each paragraph and look for relevant

information we are looking for.

We have to use fully the notes that we did before and put them into the report effectively

Week 4

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rT0Zd2r44YJlJS38EpiUDxDIiFVEydWRvHz9okgKWcI/edit

Q1

Positions and positions are different, that means judgement is not coincide with the

circumstances. First of all, everyone can present their attitudes towards a fact, a event even

others’ manners or something else. Besides, position strongly convinced, which means the

majority of people agree with that and that position is appreciated by the trend of the public.

However, the brief we think does not always match with the public or authorized opinions.

Because everyone has different experiences, included different levels of education, daily habits

and so on. Hence, it results in the fact that opinions and positions are different.

Q2

Even though the positions and opinions are different, we still can use some ways to modify

our positions by language. The ways in the way of language are as follows.

1. Using transitional expressions is necessary. For expressing our positions articulately, we

can use some transitional expressions (e.g. to begin with, furthermore and so on).

2. Taking example to express your position or illustrating your reasons why you hold these

positions are good ways to convince others.

3. Lastly, paying attention to the attitude towards the audience. Be friendly and

approachable!

Week 5

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IapipAMVqUo_NMnw-f92_nmbMgDTc1rsKq8_bP-oY9c/e

dit

a. We need to set up arguments. By the means of looking through the required materials,

that means we have to skim the materials and put forward the questions that puzzle us.

b. Using transitions is helpful to illustrate arguments fluently. Such as to begin with, in

addition, last but not lasted and so on.

c. Representing your arguments with supportive evident necessary. With the purpose of

fluently presenting your arguments, we have to look for relevant materials (e.g.

research, text, statistics and so on) to support the opinions.

d. During the next parse, we have to evaluate the advantages of our points and other

evidence, which illustrates we are not relucent to engage with other beliefs and we are

willing to discuss with other points.

Over all, taking a stand means we should hold our ground against an enemy, so two elements:

stick ourselves, be opposite to others.

a. We have to make sure the reasons why our points have to be sticked, that need to know

the advantages of our points. By searching some professional texts and so on, we have

to understand the advantages of our points before holding our positions

b. With the purpose of avoiding suspecting our ideas, we have to find supportive and

convinced evident to make sure we can hold our points firmly.

c. Trying to listen to others. Being opposite to others need to know the differences

between ourselves and opponents. Only to know others views deeply can we be

against others and convince others.

d. Finally, to let others convince, we had better point out their problems politely and let

them know this the reason why we still our positions.

Week 6

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XTXIrzDwtPmmSwvU5Si3UFvwFcNoUy3BMGgNKF1NXik/

edit

Q1 different gender s has different styles of communication.

For females, they are good at listening so they can facilitate the whole communication and

conversation. Besides, they would repeat the questions and offer feedback to the speakers in the

indirect talking. Finally, females prefer to talk affectively rather than only focus the outcomes.

For males, the conversions are tending to be competitive and aggressive and there are more

discussions between males. They prefer to talk about the ways and outcomes with regard to the

tasks or questions. Thus, the conversions is more directed according to the topic.

Overall, there are many differences between the man and woman. Compare with the female,

males make more contributions into the public communication.

Q2 due to the different areas in the world, there are many different ways of

communication under different conditions of culture. For example, Australians prefer to wish to

have private room. However, in America, people are interested in getting along with a crowd of

people rather than staying alone. Thus, each cultures set potential rulers that their citizens take

for granted. When we were at early age, we were educated how to communicate under

identified culture. When we grow up, we cannot realize that but we still obey potential rules,

especially while talking with foreigners.

Week 7

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16OVpeZbgz12HcGPm-ViTLVLyVAr3KtaTJ8Yo4-fE9Wc/edit

A.First of all, a clear clue is necessary because it can help us to link the every paragraph. Such as

origin, development, climax and result.

Besides, linking information together properly needs to utilise heading and subtitles to connect

with the different context and the different paragraph so as to enrich different paragraph’s the

connection.

Lastly, transition paragraph and vocabulary helps to link information maturely and properly.

Such as besides, in addition and so on.

B. using boosters and hedges are two strategies to help us have clear and convincing argument.

First, Boosters such as clearly, obviously allow writers to express convinced opinions. To some

extent, readers can know deeper and greater from the article and so on .

Besides, hedge is like possible to express precisely. This statement helps to express opinions

rather than fact. So readers have more room to think about that.

Overall, boosters and hedges help the statement to communicate with the ideas, more

importantly, with the readers.

Week8

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Wo_251Gj2DTMoKEzywxOKO3IqoJ3Tae7JnHgcso_Cqk/ed

it

Q1 firstly, to write a substantial introduction, we have to clearly now the contact of the body and

every individual paragraph. Besides, considering about what the conclusion will b is important

too.

In addition, for writing a good conclusion, we have to conclude the points we have done before.

Most importantly, don not introduce the new ideas or discuss the body of the article again.

For easily understanding to readers, stop repeating the vocabularies and sentences that the

author has used before.

Overall, whatever the introduction and the conclusion, we have to have a clear outline to support

our passage.

Q2 Firstly, the majority of readers want to have gains (educational inspiration, useful data , the

ways to do something and so on)after reading a book, a magazine or a journal and so on.

For example, if a student has to do a survey, then he has to read a book to gain data and useful

information. Then put the information into their reports. Besides, if a man is interested in history,

reading a historical book is helpful to be close to the ancient time.

Overall, the demands of the readers varies with each individual because it depends on their

goals. Even though many readers read the same article, it is possible to look for different things.

Week9

https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ojMeo4YOHLY5BB6XShwmrn_xL6jtVpz1NFUXxc9gJU/edi

t

There are four types of text and the tone would change with the types of text.

a. For descriptive text, when we write a travel book which describes a fancy country,

we have to use active tone to attractive readers. Avoiding redundant phrases and

use simple, direct language.

b. For informative text, it is a way to advise and tell the readers how to do. Most

importantly, stop repetition and avoid unnecessary expletives.

c. For instructive text, such as receipt book, the process is really necessary but we have

to use concise phrase (e.g. it, they and so on), that means to keep it simple.

d. For persuasive text, avoiding ugly English and keep formal is a good way to

persuade the readers seriously.

As the development of globalisation, we can meet people from different countries.

But we language is a barrier for us so we have to overcome it and achieve fluent

communication.

Firstly, in terms of what we communicate, it is a process from apparent aspect to

deep aspect. At the beginning , people may say greeting. As time goes by , they will

be open and try to talk their culture. Besides, if they have a same goal to work

together, they would discuss about that together.

In addition, non-verbal communication provides a good way to people with

different culture and ethic. For example, during the conversation, we can show

facial expression and posture to give receptor feedback.

Week10

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lXQjRTQKCgyw3JkIYQNSzNolc0H85nwfMoQj

7VqUNZQ/edit

Q1

During the presentation, Power Pont Slides is not always necessary. But good visuals

is necessary to attract audiences. For example, if we talk about the necessary to

wear helmet during riding motor cycles, we can use an egg to present the process

if we don not wear helmet, the head likes egg would break up. Thus , the audiences

would totally be surprised and they would know the importance if wearing helmet.

So, the good visuals can be clear and direct.

Q2

We have talked one point above.

Firstly, we can use visuals to help he presentation but it is creative and direct

Secondly, we can provide opportunities to let audiences ask questions.

Thirdly, interesting style and interact with the audiences.

Bruce (2250509)

Participation Journals

(Week 1)

QUESTIONS:

What is academic culture in Australia?

What is research?

Why do we write reports?

The trend of learning in the 21st century is through the globalization information,

and communicating with people with various backgrounds. Every country has

different cultures and trends in various aspects of its environment, one of which is

academic culture.

Studying the academic culture of Australia, it can be assessed that it is very

sophisticated and modern in terms of technology and structure. Students, from all

over the world, come to study here because of it is well known academic standards

and their global acceptance, making it multi-cultural and an international hub for

students.

If we look at the study pattern or culture of Australia in a bit more detail, we may

find that it is just not about the individual study but there is considerable focus on

group work/team work which makes international students interact and work

together, leading to extraordinary outcomes. Methods like, brainstorming,

multi-tasking and focus on validity, sensibility and relevance of work which are

appreciated and admired.

In general terms, ‘Research’ is done to establish a comprehensive understanding of a

scenario or a given case in order to make necessary evaluations and comparisons to

reach a rational outcome. My research, on academic culture of Australia, makes me

realize that these specific study methods with technological advancement, makes it

more convenient for students to study smarter way. Back in my country, the

academic culture is quite conventional, as compared to one in Australia, although,

the emphasis on basic concepts and ideologies are the same.

Basically, reports are written to represent an account of research on facts or a

detailed study on particular issue or topic. Reports on research of academics in

Australia, explain that it has added to the competence of international students

who come to study here because of its distinct and modern study techniques and

making them to tackle the saturation in market of 21st century.

(Week 2)

QUESTIONS:

How can we find a research topic?

How can we focus our topic and question it?

How can we find credible information and use it effectively in our assignments?

Each individual in the world has a wide range of known and unknown aspects to it.

Those aspects of it are interrelated to each other in various ways to form the

happening of that existence. To discover, to study and to understand the existence of

anything, there needs to be comprehensive research on it and its aspects.

For finding a research topic, there are several things that you need to consider about.

The first thing is that make sure your topic meets the assignment requirements.

Read it closely, ask your professor for feedback if you are unsure and choose a topic

that attracts you. It may seem obvious, but this will make the research process more

fun and engage you do it batter.

Consider the scope of your topic. If your topic is too broad it may be hard to find

information that is focused and relevant; if your topic is too narrow it may be hard to

find any information at all. Here's one strategy for developing a research topic once

you have a broad topic in mind:

Background research will help you develop your topic and hone or change it in more

appropriate ways. Though this seems like extra work, it is actually a vital, time-saving

step. Knowing more about your topic's background can only help you develop a more

effective topic, and therefore, research paper.

Brainstorm concepts, once you think of a broad topic that interests you, try to

brainstorm all of the words or concepts you can that might be related to that topic.

In conclusion, finding and searching new topics is not just easy one as we see above.

(Week 3)

QUESTIONS:

What makes a good report?

What is effective reading and how does it contribute to writing a great report?

A good report has several vital characteristics which provide its base and may include

analysis of facts and evidences. The particular topic of report should have relevant

and specific facts and evidences to provide an understanding of topic of the report.

Those facts and evidences are suggested to be analyzed logically and coherently. The

main problem or issue of the report should be evaluated properly to make necessary

recommendations and conclusion to fulfill the purpose of report. Additionally, a good

report requires the relevant and authentic sources of information so that the

recommendations made are practical, thoughtful and applicable.

Gathering the relevant and valid information requires effective reading. Effective

reading emphasizes on development of the learning process which means that the

reading activity must provide base for comprehension and understanding various

aspects of reading material so that the interrelating of facts and ideas can be done

and analogical deductions can be made.

Furthermore, a good academic report primarily requires coherence in itself to form a

presentable, logical and rational outcome. The effective reading enables to analyze

and evaluate scattered information critically and to combine them orderly to make

sense. For a good report, it must be taken in account, that all sources of information

are referred and cited.

Week4

QUESTIONS:

How are opinions and positions different?

How can we use language to modify our position?

Opinions usually mean how do you judge objectively, and how do you think. Position

is more about the attitude when people dealing with problem. Compare with opinion,

position is more macro, and the opinion is always based on their positions. Opinions

come up with people who are in the same position may be same, but people they do

not in the same position probably have different opinions for one same problem.

First of all, try do not hide any information from your audience share all the

information with them. Secondly express your position clearly which means avoid to

use some ambiguous word, and using logical language. In the end, once you want to

modify your position, just do it without any doubts, the more you hesitate, your

audience is more cognitive your position.

Using body language is another way to modify your position. One single eye contact

will make your audience more trust your position, a movement of your hands will let

them know the position where you are, the interaction with the audience will let

them accept your presentation. To modify our position, both language and body

language should be used properly.

(Week 5)

QUESTIONS:

How can we make our arguments flow well?

How can we take stand?

When writing for an academic purpose, one should master the tricks to convince the

reader about one's standpoint. To achieve this aim, one should be able to make

coherent arguments by having a clear idea with enough knowledge about the subject

matter. While writing, it is important to make arguments flow in order to make

reader capable of finding links in between one's explanation about that particular

standpoint. To do that, one should use analogies, examples and details related to it.

One should avoid logical fallacies and poor reasoning to avoid losing the interest of

the reader. The swift change in arguments is to be avoided as reader would probably

not be convinced of one’s approach without enough connection between two

arguments. The steady movement from one to another argument in an attempt to

prove a point, is a reflection of thorough knowledge. Relevance and evaluation of an

argument are the basis on which writer would be able to convince his reader. Avoid

repetitions. Effective yet simple vocabulary is used to make it more convincing for all

sorts of readers. All the arguments should be centered in the standpoint regardless

of it being a wide subject. Last but not the least, the strongest arguments should be

drawn out while writing which itself will make every argument relatable and

wrapped around the basic subject matter.

To take a stand, one always looks for what is logically appealing but the tough stand

is what might earn someone readers. The first step towards taking a stand is to write

pros and cons of a subject matter. The side which seems to be stronger and more

convincing to one's intelligence and knowledge is probably chosen to be argued

about. Then also some writers are farsighted and choose to differ. They might even

come up with very strong arguments against the most right and acceptable notions.

Strength of an argument is what matters rather than the number. Taking a stand

purely depends on the one's horizon and sometimes conscience. Most of the time, it

is about how easily someone is convinced and can convince than the matter being

morally right. Lastly, whether one chooses to take an easy or a tough stand,

convincing power depends on manipulation of words and reasonable amount of

knowledge about the stand taken.

(Week 6)

QUESTIONS:

How is gender relevant to communication?

How does culture shape our communication?

Generally speaking, male communication style is more direct and using brief and

commanding language, the possible motivation of this act is demonstrate

responsibility through decisiveness. And here is another behavior of male

communication which is moving in to another’s space and talking with authority, the

people with this action possible trying to impress and establish respect or leadership.

Here are some kinds of female communication behaviors: asking question not using

commanding language when in authority, using rhetorical questions to lead and

influence. This action just show a desire to create an atmosphere of respect and

team work, de-emphasize hierarchical relationships and build on intrinsic motivation

and team work. Or sharing personal detail and complimenting others to build

relationships, trust and cohesion.

Culture forms a paradigm through which a person views or experiences the world.

Someone in the Australia may communicate from a different perspective than

someone from an undeveloped nation, for instance. An Australian may complain

about job pressures and social constraints, while an immigrant worker talks about

opportunities and freedoms provided by work. Such different points of view can

make it difficult for the two workers to share openly.

week 7)

QUESTIONS:

How can we link information together properly?

What are elements of clear, convincing argument?

To be skilled at writing, practice is needed and there is no shortcut to make one's way

through it. Linking information properly of writing is developed by thorough practice.

The first step is always to make a draft of your writing. More the number of drafts,

better will be the sequence of events and linkage between developing arguments.

With the start of every paragraph, a strong word should be used in the first sentence

which connects the new paragraph with the last one and gives the idea about the

new one. Every paragraph should consist of logically well connected points,

concentrating on not more than one or two notions. Every paragraph should end

with the sentence, providing ground and need to start a new one.

Thorough study of a subject is the basis for giving a clear and a convincing argument.

Moreover, straightforward usage of language to avoid any shadow of doubt and

examples to support your argument makes is helpful to convince the reader of one's

intentions. While writing, when one starts a new paragraph which is intended to

address an argument, the opening sentence should directly reveal one’s aim along

with the usage of strong vocabulary to keep reader focused. Statistics, numbers and

scientific studies are another way of making your arguments convincing and sound.

Repetition is prohibited. Lastly, the skillful writer can make most of the arguments

sound apparent and appropriate. So, reading and writing, both are advised.

(Week 8)

QUESTIONS:

How can we write good introductions and conclusions?

What are readers looking for?

Introduction is the face of any piece of writing while conclusion is the eventual

impression of what has been written above. The face has to be appealing and

impression has to be impressive, to leave a mark. A good introduction always starts

with a great first sentence and is followed by a story, event, recollection or a

thought of the writer. All the creativity of the writer lies in the way he creates an

unimaginable yet a strong connection between the first few sentences and the stand,

which he takes and is going to argue about, in upcoming paragraphs. Last sentence of

the introduction paragraph should create space for the upcoming paragraphs.

Conclusion on other hand, tests the shredding skills of a writer. A good conclusion

consists on the best possible summary of what has been explained and argued in the

body. The last sentence of the conclusion should be food for thought to the reader in

the form of a question being asked from him.

As a reader, one always wants to convince but it is a job of writer to do so. Conflict is

in human nature and getting convinced is what everyone is looking for especially

when controversial subjects are to be read about. Writer on the other hand is under

immense pressure to put his skills at work and try to make a reader see what and

how he's looking at the things. Again, the one who writes has to be proficient and

clear because the readers could be of any age, race, experience and level of

intelligence. The number of convinced readers is directly proportional to success of

the writer and his ability to display the project an image his mind through words

(Week 9)

QUESTIONS:

How does the 'voice' change with the type of text?

How much and what are we communicating beyond language?

The emotion could be changed with different types of voice when the text being read

or the topic being discussed. When addressing the major issues, more passion is to

be channeled towards the audience with enough facts and knowledge to convince

them of its importance. Moreover, when the text is read to warn the audience, a

more alarming tone should be preferred to convey the underlying danger. At the

times of grief and pain, the text tries to unite the audience by providing them with a

cause, so the voice has to be motivating. While giving a presentation, it again comes

down to what is being conveyed through the text. The strength of vocabulary and the

way of conveying the text shows the importance of the text. The body language is to

be adjusted according to the need of the text and situation.

Beyond the language one speaks, the human, as a single race, is united by the

language of emotions, body language common human instincts and nature. When

reading a text or presenting, the presenter is channeling his perspective in the form

of emotions, through the help of words. He is creating the required tone for the

words to be uttered in order to leave an impression on the listeners. His movements

convey the feelings inside him such as people might start trembling when feeling

nervous. Language sometimes can behave as a barrier but human emotion is

beyond the boundaries of any nation which makes it easy for people to understand

each other. All the things mentioned above, helps us to communicate in a way

language alone cannot.

(Week 10)

QUESTIONS:

What makes good visuals in a presentation?

What captures the audiences' attention?

The “good visual” presentation consists more of captivating pictures than written

work. Even a formal presentation should have a touch of unusualness. It should not

be time consuming and information feeding in order to avoid boring audience. The

visuals, used in a presentation, should be examples from our daily life such as

internet memes, movies, thoughts and stories. This helps audience to find something

interesting to focus on. A sense of humor is one of the most intriguing human quality.

The first visual should have an element of surprise to set the mood. Along with great

visuals, presenter is required to direct the attention of audience towards the visuals

by calling them out.

To capture the audience's attention, one, without any doubt, has to be great a

presenter. The body language and gestures of the speaker, should be the reflection of

ease and confidence. Moreover, good visual presentation, sharing of important and

interesting facts regarding the subject discussed and myth busting (if some exists

about the topic of presentation) are necessary to set the environment for a little

serious discussion which is ahead. These little things secure the attention of the

audience beforehand. To further enhance the presentation and make it more

captivating, a presenter is required to use all the space he is provided with, to make

the eyes of audience follow him. The presentation should be short. The closing

statement should be great in order to receive a loud applause.