on Writing

Via Scoop.it – Read this stuff?
It is my belief that the writer, the free-lance author, should be and must be a critic of the society in which he lives. It is easy enough, and always profitable, to rail away at national enemies beyond the sea, at foreign powers beyond our borders who question the prevailing order. But the moral duty of the free writer is to begin his work at home; to be a critic of his own community, his own country, his own culture. If the writer is unwilling to fill this part, then the writer should abandon pretense and find another line of work: become a shoe repairman, a brain surgeon, a janitor, a cowboy, a nuclear physicist, a bus driver. -Edward Abbey, naturalist and author (1927-1989)

Barbershop Chorus

I’ve found an alternate use of my time on Monday evenings.

The Central Coast Barbershop Chorus.

A bunch of energetic, retired men.

Directed by Rob Sequeira.

Three youth – including myself.

I’m ashamed of my fitness. Or the lack thereof.

Another evening of the week will be devoted to building physical endurance.

For every action, there is an equal & opposite reaction.

Time will tell if my efforts pay off.

Project 9, Competent Communicator Manual

I’m doing Project 9 of the Competent Communication manual this Wednesday.

Weak preparation so far.

__________—–_____________——–__________________——————_________________
The ability to persuade – to get other people to understand, accept, and act upon your ideas – is a valuable skill. Your listeners will be more likely to be persuaded if they perceive you as credible, if you use logic and emotion in your appeal, if you carefully structure your speech and if you appeal to their interests. Avoid using notes because they may cause listeners to doubt your sincerity, knowledge, and conviction.

Time: 5 – 7 minutes
Objectives: • Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action.
• Appealing to the audience’s interests.
• Use logic and emotion to support your position.
• Avoid using notes.