Tuesday, December 31, 2019
The Effects Of Playing Video Games On Children - 859 Words
Alternating feet and slamming them down on each stair, I make my way up to my apartment. The throbbing in my head seems to be in cadence with my every step. It has been one of those days, the kind of day that I want to start over but cannot. So instead I continue up the stairs to the comfort of my own home. Fiddling with the keys in the door just prolongs the process of me relaxing on the couch. But finally I am inside. The softness of the couch hugs my body. I surrender myself to it. It helps my mood but not enough. The stress of the day is still sitting on my shoulders. The only way to relieve this stress is to try and forget and what better way to do that than to play a video game. For as long as I can remember, playing video games has been my outlet to relieve stress. There is something about playing ââ¬ËCall of Dutyââ¬â¢ and creeping through the battlefields, shooting up enemies, that is relaxing. My fingers, moving a thousand miles a minute, press every button while tryin g to stay alive. Some may argue that this is not a healthy way to de-stress but as with every thing in life there are positive and negative aspects to it. Playing video games can have both positive and negative effects on children. One positive effect of video games is that it can increase a childââ¬â¢s fine motor ability. It can also improve their hand-eye coordination. Children who are playing these games have to move the controls while simultaneously pressing an array of buttons. This is a great activity forShow MoreRelatedEffects Of Playing Video Games On Children1556 Words à |à 7 Pagesnegative effect on children because they think it causes them to become greatly distracted, violent, socially isolated, addicted, and teaches them the wrong values such as vengeance and aggression. However, what a lot of people donââ¬â¢t know is that playing video games actually impacts your brain in many positive ways. It allows people to improve in following instructions, hand eye coordination, problem solving, multitasking, accuracy, eyesight, concentration, and memory. Playing video games are notRead MoreThe Effects Of Playing Video Games On Children846 Words à |à 4 Pages Kids today are growing up in a different world than the kids that grew up fifteen years ago. They have a huge desire for playing video games and their social skills on the inside and outside of the classroom lack immensely. Parents start to become concerned because schools focus on technology instead of the basics like map reading, mental math, and most importantly social skills and communication. Students are too focused on the screen instead of communicating with the people around them. When theseRead MoreHow to Combat the Effects of Violent Video Games Playing on Children1185 Words à |à 5 PagesHow to Combat the Effects of Violent Video Game Playing on Children ââ¬Å"Stay alive at all costs! Kill the bad guys! Head shot!â⬠These are just some examples of the dialogue spoken amongst children who play violent video games such as Call of Duty and Halo. Twenty years ago, this would not be the typical game play dialogue amongst children, but with the surge of popularity of violent video games this is now becoming the norm. Playing these violent video games is just another way to pass time on a SaturdayRead MoreImpacts of Video Gaming1704 Words à |à 7 PagesScientific research supports that video games have implications on the youngsters. In addition, they support the claim with concrete findings addressed in the literature review. In their reports, various researchers state that video games affect the social, psychological, and physical well-being of children. This research report supports the scientific view that although video games are beneficial in terms of improving attention, they negatively affect the childrenââ¬â¢s social be ing on a deeper contextRead MoreNegative Effects Of Video Games1217 Words à |à 5 Pages Nowadays, video games are very common types of entertainment in every family. The impact of video games on the behavior of the player have been be controversial issues for decades. The advocates claim that video games are more than simply a fun that one plays during spare time. They are important for cognitive skill development, stress relief, prosocial behavior reduce mental health disorder. On the other hand, the detractor argue that video games have effects on aggressive cognition, addictionRead MoreThe Effects Of Video Games On Today s Youth1131 Words à |à 5 PagesIntroduction Video games have been one of the most popular sources of entertainment for quite some time. Video games have changed the entertainment industry and is now a billion-dollar industry. The industry has also effected society. Of course, there are some benefits of using video games, but there are also many negative effects of the use of video games, especially on todayââ¬â¢s youth. According to NPD, ninety-one percent of children from the age of two to seventeen play video games (Camp, 2011)Read MoreThe Negative Effects of Video Games Essay1337 Words à |à 6 PagesVideo games began in the late 1960s. It is highly interactive but also a distinct simulation of the real world and the world of thinking. In recent years, Video games have been gaining its popularity at an amazing rate and have developed into a common form of entertainment in peoples lives. According to a survey, the researcher found that in 1992, approximately ninety-two percent of U.S. kids between 2 and 17 years of age play video games, and their parents bought 225 million of them last year toRead MoreVideo Games Positive And Negative Effects1317 Words à |à 6 PagesAbstract In recent years, video games have played an important role in the field of education and in treating psychological patients. Video games are a form of self-indulgence, which often provide unique and engaging environments that train players to think fast and resourcefully. With the right design and mechanics, they can facilitate learning and cognitive thinking in diverse levels .Computer games can be used in children with mental health issues, psychological disorders and in chronic disordersRead MoreVideo Games Do Not Cause Violence1619 Words à |à 7 PagesVideo game violence has been a discussion dating back to games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders to current games like Call of Duty and Mario. Many people are lead to believe that video games can cause children to act violent. However, video games do not cause violence in children. Video games can help in many ways either in society, people with certain disorders, or improve some mental issues. Video games help shape society in the way they bring people together. Video games are said to bring kindnessRead MoreAdolescent Aggression Based on Violent Videogames1645 Words à |à 7 PagesVideogames Violent video games played by millions of people every day results in animated characters having hearts ripped out, heads decapitated, and blood squirting across the screen as their mutilated bodies are erased from the screen. Most players play these games to pass the time, increase hand eye coordination, and create harmless competitions amongst those playing. However, some who play these games are entranced by the violent aggressive behaviors demonstrated in the games and may even act
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Gay Marriage Why Should We Legalize It Essay - 1284 Words
Gay Marriage: Why Should We Legalize It? Gay marriage tends to spark many different opinions in the hearts and minds of the citizens of this great nation. This political issue is usually one that would spark a heated debate between even the closest of friends. The subject description typically spurs intense hatred and anger, even. You would more than likely witness numerous signs picketing this issue whether it may be a revised Bible quote deeming it a sin or a sign decked out in the many colors of the rainbow which is the universal flag for gays. I propose that gay marriage should be legalized because nontraditional couples should have just as many rights and privileges as traditional couples and the legalization of it is notâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Most marriages in this country end in divorce for various reasons; traditional couples merely do not deem marriage sacred. By keeping gay marriage banned, it does not help in saving a sinking ship. It simply can not help or hurt th e fragility of the institution of marriage. ââ¬Å"Marriage is for everyone ââ¬â no exceptions, no exclusionsâ⬠(Rauch 6). Some traditional couples do not even marry for the sake of love; same-sex couples should have the option because they want to marry for love. Marriage should not be limited to just a man and woman; it should be between love and love. Most opponents of gay marriage state that legalizing gay marriage will redefine the definition of marriage. Opponents are simply attempting to emphasize the importance of traditional marriage over nontraditional marriage. Although this is not directly stated, a person can read between the lines to conclude that this is the real reason behind the opposition. The banning of gay marriage is alienating the homosexual citizens of this country from the rest of the population. The government has attempted to make the citizens believe that everyone has the same rights and opportunities but this is just not true. When same-sex coupl es are unable to join in a legal partnership, the government is contradicting itself by attempting to rewrite the Constitution to fit their own hidden agenda. The majority of theShow MoreRelatedWhy Should We Legalize Gay Marriage?811 Words à |à 4 PagesWhy should we legalize gay marriage? Or, in other words, why isnt gay marriage legalized already? Same-sex marriage is just about as humane as opposite-sex marriage. One in ten people are gay. Seems perfectly normal to me. Is it normal to you? And anyway, why dont people like two gays marrying? Lets start out with the facts. The evidence. The nitty-gritty of all this debate. One out of ten people are gay or lesbian. So theres about twenty-eight people in this class, am I right? So thats atRead MoreSame-Sex Marriage Must Remain Legal Essay examples1271 Words à |à 6 Pagesfive years same-sex marriage has become one of the most controversial issues in the United States, many social activist strive to aid homosexuals and their fight to legalize same-sex marriage. Marriage is a fundamental right not a privilege. Gay men and women should not be discriminated against based on their sexuality. Marriage is a sacred bond between two people that love each other no matter the sex, race, or religion. Everyday homosexuals are treated unfairly; most were born gay and cannot helpRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal in All States1390 Words à |à 5 PagesSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal in All States When you see the word marriage, what do you see or think of? Majorities of Americans will see a man and a woman together. Thatââ¬â¢s because it is a tradition that marriage is between a man and a woman. Wouldnââ¬â¢t it be nice if everyone could marry the love of their life? Unfortunately, same sex marriage is banned in thirty-two states and only legalized in eighteen states. So why canââ¬â¢t gay and lesbian couples marry each other? Same sex marriage is protectedRead MoreWhy Gay Marriage Should Be Banned in Georgia1100 Words à |à 5 Pages Why Gay Marriage Should Be Banned in Georgia Georgia has always been a state where family values and community issues are important in our society. Many people who live in the southern United States have always been for conservative and or republican values. This typically involves a christan background, and therefore, the people of Georgia should not support gay marriage because most people are Christians. Also there is a code of natural law that must beRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Legalized?1705 Words à |à 7 PagesPaper Option 1 Gay marriage has and still is a huge controversy in the United States. I will say though that the U.S. has come along way when it comes to same-sex marriage. As of November 20, 2014 gay marriage is now legal in thirty-five of the fifty U.S. states. Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in May of two thousand and four. As of October ninth two-thousand and fourteen, only sixteen out of one hundred and ninety-four countries allow same sex marriage. By those oddsRead MoreLegalization of Gay Marriage1319 Words à |à 6 PagesPREPARED BY: REGINA KHOR MAY LIN AA09179 Relationship Should we legalize same-sex marriage in our country? To persuade To persuade my audience that we should legalize same-sex marriage in our country. Same-sex marriage should be legalized since it is the natural form of the marriage evolution, part of human rights and able to prevent psychological stress from the LGB community. (LGB- lesbian, gays and bisexuals) Problem and solution I.INTRODUCTION Picture this... A manRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Legalized?935 Words à |à 4 PagesThere is a lot of controversy about gay marriage and whether or not it should be legalized in certain states that haven t yet legalized it. My opinion on this topic is that it should not be legalized for various reasons. My reasons on this have nothing to do with religion because religion shouldnââ¬â¢t have anything to do with their opinion; religion is a biased opinion because of its authenticity. Another thing that shouldnââ¬â¢t be considered is their opinion that doesnââ¬â¢t have a reasoning behind it likeRead MoreThe Right of All: Legalize Same-Sex Marriage Essay1402 Words à |à 6 Pagesgetting judge by people who should be the most understanding, but because one man, who lived just over 2,000 years ago, wrote in a book that itââ¬â¢s a sin to love someone of the same sex. People live that live everyday of their lives, except opposite. The big question about same-sex marriage is if it should be legal or not, and why? The problem with same-sex marriage is that if the US allows it, we donââ¬â¢t know how the US would react. A big argument against same-sex marriage is that they shouldnââ¬â¢t be allowedRead MoreEssay about Equal Rights for the Gay Community1413 Words à |à 6 Pagesfor the Gay Community Dr. Craig Jonas Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for HUM201 Peace and Conflict Studies By Samantha Meche Kinder, La 2/24/2012 Abstract In this country there is a flawed assumption that gay people enjoy the same civil right protections as everyone else and there are a lot of stereotypes about gay relationships. Living as a gay individual in this country can be extremely overwhelming and scary. When it comes to marriage between gay couplesRead MoreGay Marriage Moment Essay951 Words à |à 4 PagesGay Marriage Moment Gay marriage should be allowed nobody is perfect. In this world we all have the ability to love somebody. We shouldnââ¬â¢t judge others, all of us are human beings just because we donââ¬â¢t like a man or women of our kind. Each one of us that are homosexuals or lesbians or gays. Doesnââ¬â¢t mean that we canââ¬â¢t have the same things as men and women some people believe that same sex marriage is against their morals and their religious wonââ¬â¢t accept it. Gay marriage should be allowed because the
Saturday, December 14, 2019
E-Business in Modern Business Free Essays
string(285) " and services and the audience already have some knowledge about the product and services so our little efforts can bring some good revenues for the company but in case of individual customers we have to be very conscious about the individual taste and preference to win their hearts\." Introduction E-Business is one of the most emerging buzz words in todayââ¬â¢s business sector because it is designed to facilitate the individual and business community so that they remain in touch with their dealings record in 24/7 basis. There have been important progresses in the arrangement of the UK business service division in the past 30 years. As per the study of Devlin (1995), in anticipation of the near the beginning 1970s practical differentiation was principal with numerous supervisory body boundaries forced, one major outcome being limited rivalry both nationally and worldwide. We will write a custom essay sample on E-Business in Modern Business or any similar topic only for you Order Now As a consequence, there was serious dependence on usual division based liberation of business services and modest force for alteration. This transformation slowly with deregulation of the business and the progressively more significant position of information knowledge brought rigid opposition and force for speedy alterations. On the other hand, usually these near the beginning online business services were unsuccessful to obtain extensive receipt and were ceased. With fast enlargement of previous types of electronic services mostly on the Internet, in view of the fact that the mid 1990s banks have rehabilitated their attention in electronic form of liberation (Daniel, 1999) and underway offering for the most part business products such as present accounts, saving accounts and so forth by means of the Internet and skill facilitated channels which are cooperatively known as e-banking. The innovative information technology is flattering a significant issue in the prospect growth of bu siness services, and particularly numerous financial businesses. Banks are faced with a number of significant questions, for example how to get filled advantage of new skill opportunities, how e-developments alter the ways customers interrelate with the financial services supplier, etc. Selected Company: Barlcays In todayââ¬â¢s competitive working scenario most of the businesses are trying to come out of the physical operations and switch their businesses to the virtual world so that they can make their presence possible on 24/7 basis enabling any customer to approach the company without any barrier and hassle free working operations. In case of the banking sector it is important to remain activated all the time so that customers from all the parts of the world can remain in touch with the bank without any problems and barriers. In order to accomplish this work I have selected the banking industry because E-business is very common and fast developing in this industry. Furthermore I have selected Barclays as the company to focus on its E-business operations like E-marketing and Customer relationship management that how Barclays managing its operations electronically in order to enhance the customer facilitation and employees growth to streamline its business process in order to get high returns and savings on its investments. Emerging Importance of Internet Banking in Barclays It is an established reality that Internet banking is turn out to be a middle field of learning by a lot of researchers in Ireland. Purposely, the new learning demeanour in Internet banking is completed by Guriting and Ndubisi (2006) who premeditated Borneo virtual and e-banking. Among the other UK internet banking studies are Ndubisi and Sinti (2006), Ndubisi et al. (2004), Suganthi and Balachandran (2001) and Shanmugam and Guru (2002), to talk about a only some. These studies exclusively proffer an exact sympathetic on Internet banking taking in the middle of Irish. On the other hand, it is incomplete for them to discover the undergraduateââ¬â¢ behavioural purpose over internet banking reception, previous studies were quiet to speak to particularly apprentice as their major objective of investigation (i.e. Karem, 2003; Ndubisi et al., 2004; and Sathye, 1999). Consequently, the present learning is calculated in command to learning undergraduate receiving of Internet banking. Barclays E-Banking in Current Scenario In this current scenario of rapid development and progress people find it really hard to go to the branch and perform their banking transactions and other deposits. When people became fed up with the entire branch banking facilities and other formalities then they started to think about something virtual banking facilities so that they can successfully eliminate all the barriers of the banking industry and they can work 24/7 from anywhere and everywhere. This thinking leads them to consider a E-banking option that is very successful nowadays (i.e. Karem, 2003; Ndubisi et al., 2004; and Sathye, 1999). E-Marketing and CRM in Barclays It is an undeniable fact that E-business has introduced numerous new and innovative means of performing business operations. Some of them are e-marketing and CRM. These two business process were previously done in physical world by using physical resources and equipments, but now due tot he rapid advancement in technology and electronic these two functions can be performed electronically and in the virtual world successfully. E-marketing in Barclays Internet marketing plan in Barclays include, how to begin an Internet business, online e-marketing, and e-marketing scheme, search engine optimization, and providing Internet advertising guru tips have been our centre for several years. Marketing is the sole of any organization, e- marketing strategy is a process that enables an organization to utilize its limited resources on the greatest opportunities to increase sales and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage in the market in which the organization deals. A marketing strategy key concept is that client contentment is the come primary. A marketing strategy is a process that enables an organization to utilize its available resources on the maximum opportunities to promote sales and achieve an appropriate advantage in the market in which the organization deals. Kotlerââ¬â¢s describe that marketing is a concept applicable in all organizations not only for profit business corporationsâ⬠. (Kotler, 1982) Marketing to organisation and consumers In this contemporary marketing is become very vast field and people are doing specialisation in organisation and consumers both sectors to gain the maximum benefits out of the marketing. People say it is easy to market the products and services to the organisation rather than individual customers. Because at organisational level we have to give thorough presentation about the product and services and the audience already have some knowledge about the product and services so our little efforts can bring some good revenues for the company but in case of individual customers we have to be very conscious about the individual taste and preference to win their hearts. You read "E-Business in Modern Business" in category "Essay examples" Major Roles Media advertising Main media publicity was the action hardest hit by the financial plan cuts, considering the sharpest descending amendment in all groups. The cut to medium budgets was the third consecutive periodical descending amendment and was also the main seen for two years. Direct marketing On average in last year, direct marketing budgets were left unchanged. This quarter marked an end to the steady upward revisions which have been seen in the past seven quarters. The continued focus on direct marketing can be attributed to its perceived cost effectiveness and accountability CRM in Barclays With the emergence of E-busienss most of the business can successfully manage to entertain its customer on 24/7 basis by providing them services and products offerings through internet or any other virtual means. E-business has made it really easy for the customer to access the company to solve it issues measure and matters by remain connected with the company all the time devoid of boundary and any other barriers. Benefits of CRM Time saving factor Electronic banking has given new modes of performing business and dealings. Itââ¬â¢s proved to be a very productive and time saving for the business transactions. Now we do not have to wait for two to three days for cheque clearing within few minutes we can transfer our funds and we can also deposit our cash and attain financial statement within few clicks. These procedures have really made our business matters more convenient and fast and it also reduced time in our daily transactions. In fact some of the Banks in Ireland are offering mobile service as well due to which we can check our account transaction anytime and anywhere (Pekka Laukkanen, 2008, pp.440 ââ¬â 455). Customer flexibility E-banking provides utmost flexibility to the customers and it can also provide equal facilities and flexibilities to the bank employees. Now they can make their posting to branch to branch transfers with the help of virtual network or we can also call it virtual private network that is VPN. These systems can really help the employees to build long term relationships with the customers and it can also enhance their credibility in their career. Along with this these internet facilities ensure 24/7 service availability of banking service without any tension or time boundary (Minna Mattila, 2003, pp.514 ââ¬â 528). Security As youââ¬â¢d wait for from a reward winning online banking examination, thereââ¬â¢s totally no cooperation when it comes to safety. There are two separate areas of safety that relate to our online banking customers. The primary is our safety system to defend you when you use e-Banking. The moment involves the safety measures you should get to defend yourself when you go online. Use Cases in Aspect of Customers and Enterprise The below mentioned cases are the perfect example of e-business application in an online library and online shopping. It can really boost the business performance by adding huge profits and sales in business accounts and financial records. E-Library OPAC An Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) is e-Library website which is part of Integrated Library System (ILS), also known as a Library Management System (LMS), and managed by a library or group of libraries. Patrons of the library can search library catalog online to locate various resources ââ¬â books, periodicals, audio and visual materials, or other items under control of the library. Patrons may reserve or renew item, provide feedback, and manage their account. Online Shopping Web Customer actor uses some web site to make purchases online. Top level use cases are View Items, Make Purchase and Client Register. View Items use case could be used by customer as top level use case if customer only wants to find and see some products. This use case could also be used as a part of Make Purchase use case. Client Register use case allows customer to register on the web site, for example to get some coupons or be invited to private sales. Note, that Checkout use case is included use case not available by itself ââ¬â checkout is part of making purchase. Except for the Web Customer actor there are several other actors which will be described below with detailed use cases. Conclusion This paper has numerous actions and parameters that can measure the importance of E-business in banking sector scenario and it also gives real analysis about the domestic market that how customer will respond towards this banking facility and services. E-Business, the newest production of electronic banking transactions has released up novel window of occasion to the current banks and monetary institutions. Most of the banks have their own websites but not all of them proffer internet facilities. The major cause of this is that the banks do not have the IT infrastructure and good security description. To increase the self-assurance on internet banking the in general computer literacy must be urbanized. With that ambition management has taken scheme even in the root level to enlarge it literacy in the state. On the other hand, with banking customers growing more and more relaxing with the digital way of life, but Barclayââ¬â¢s customers are not intended in case of e-banking in Ireland. They are not flattering recognize the influence of knowledge and seek to influence it to get pleasure from better management over their banking operations. To bring to a close that e-banking may also give previous benefits. For example, making new markets, and plummeting functioning costs, managerial costs and labour force are more and more imperative aspects for the banksââ¬â¢ competitiveness, and e-banking may get better these aspects as well. So, UK banks should take these compensation of e-banking in UK as before time as likely. References Chen, T. (1999) Critical Success Factors for Various Strategies in the Banking Industry. International Journal of Bank Marketing. Vol. 17, No. 2, pp 83-91. Cronin, M. J. (1998) Defining Net Impact: The Realignment of Banking and Finance on the Web, in Cronin, M. J. (Ed.) Banking and Finance on the Internet. Chapter 1, John Wiley Sons, New York, USA, pp. 1-18. Daniel, E. (1999). Provision of electronic banking in the UK and Republic of Ireland. International Journal of Bank Marketing, 17 (2), 72-82. Davis, F.D., Bagozzi, R.P., Warshaw, P.R.(1992). Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation to use computers in the workplace. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 22 (14), 1111-1132. Franco, S. C., Klein, T. (1999) Online Banking Report, Piper Jaffray Equity Research, www.pjc.com/ec-ie01.asp?team=2 Guriting, P., Ndubisi N.O. (2006). Borneo online banking: Evaluating customer perceptions and behavioural intention. Management Research News, 29 (1/2), 6-15. Minna Mattila, Heikki Karjaluoto, Tapio Pento, (2003) ââ¬Å"Internet banking adoption among mature customers: early majority or laggards?â⬠, Journal of Services Marketing, Emerald Group Publishing Limited Vol. 17 Iss: 5, pp.514 ââ¬â 528 How to cite E-Business in Modern Business, Essay examples
Friday, December 6, 2019
Shortfalls And Weaknesses In Communication â⬠MyAssignmenthelp.com
Question: Discuss about the Shortfalls And Weaknesses In Communication. Answer: This is a reflective essay which would help me in analysing my shortfalls and the weaknesses which I have particularly in my communication skills. Communication is deemed as the heart and soul of coordinating and sustaining the professional working life. It is the organising element in the organizational life. Due to this emphasis on communication skills, I would be doing the reflective essay over my communication skills. In order to evaluate my communication skills, I would be using five diagnostic tools which I came across while undertaking this course. The use of these diagnostic tools would be very helpful for me as it would help me improving in my business life, apart from a growth on my personal level. Once I identify the shortfalls by using these diagnostic tools, I would do review some literature in order to analyse the theories associated with my shortfalls and the possible solutions for it. And then I would draw an action plan which would be represented through Gantt chart which would depict the actions which I have to undertaken in the next six months, in order to improve upon the skills which I lack. The first step which I took in evaluating the communication skills which I have, I selected five diagnostic tools and took approval for the same from the tutor, so that I could use them for the purpose of this reflective essay. In this regard, I started with the SPCC, i.e., Self-Perceived Communication Competence Scale which helps in measuring the communication apprehensions of a person. This tool evaluates the communication ability which an individual has, and is used, when faced with different state of affairs, with wide ranging audience (McCroskey McCroskey, 1998). Another communication apprehension tool which I used was PRICA, which stands for Personal Report of Intercultural Communication Apprehension. This tool helps a person in evaluating their feelings when they come across people from different cultural backgrounds and the apprehensions which an individual feels when they have to communicate with diverse background people (Neuliep McCroskey, 1997). The next tool which I used for the purpose of this essay was the NIS-S, which stands for Nonverbal Immediacy Scale-Self Report. This tool helps in judging the immediacy of a person when they have to communicate with other particularly using the non verbal immediate behaviour and also shows the positivity of a person by using non verbal cues and gestures (Richmond, McCroskey Johnson, 2003). The fourth tool which I used for the purpose of this essay was Willingness to Listen Diagnostic which shows the orientation of an individual to listening to others (Richmond Hickson, 2001). And the final tool for the purpose of this study was the Talkaholic Scale which shows the magnitude of how much a person talks, and if they have to learn to control it. It denotes the level of talkativeness in an individual and highlights if a person is compulsive talker or not (McCroskey Richmond, 1995). As soon as I finished scoring myself on the questions asked on the five diagnostic tools, I started to evaluate my scores as per the standards and what each of my scores depicted, particularly with regards to my shortfalls. In this regard, I firstly went ahead and filled the SPCC and then calculated my final score in it, which stood at 41.67, rounding up to 42. This clearly highlights my biggest flaw of speaking in public and in groups as this score is on low side of SPCC. Breaking down the scores individually, I got 35 in public, 45 in meeting, 50 in group, 36.67 or 38 in dyad, got 18.75 or 19 in stranger, 37.5 or 38 in acquaintance and 68.75 or 68 in friend. Apart from friends group I scored on the low SPCC scores all around which shows how apprehensive I get when I have to talk to public, strangers or even acquaintances. So, most of the times, I do face difficulty in presenting my views before any group. The next tool which I used was PRICA and I knew I would score badly in this. I got a score of 30 in this, which shows that I tend to be uncomfortable when it comes to interactions with people of different cultural backgrounds. The third diagnostic tool I used got me a score of 97 which shows that I do use a lot of body language and non verbal cues to put forward my point. The next tool I used was Willingness to Listen Diagnostic where I got a score of 76 which should that I am always open to listen to others, which then helps me in learning new things. The last tool was the Talkaholic where I got 26 depicting that I am not a compulsive talker and I do not have the need to stop myself when it comes to talking too much. My two weaknesses relate to communication apprehensions, which relates to the first two tools, i.e., intercultural apprehensions and the public speaking apprehensions. There are numerous instances where I have faced these issues. Just 3-4 months back, we were asked to prepare a group presentation. I faced a difficulty in interacting with my group as I did not know the other people. However, matters escalated when we were asked to present this report before the class, speaking just 200 words on the experience. Naturally, I froze and stammered my 200 words, and also got very sweaty. Another similar incident took place when my father asked me to join the drama class, and I could not do so, as I did not know how to talk to others. My father thought this would be a good thing as it would help me open up to others. He still took me to the first class and the drama teacher did her best in making me comfortable about my apprehensions, but on the very second day, I ran out of the class and ga ve up. Communication apprehensions are identified in intercultural communications and in public speaking. The concept of communication apprehensions had been originated by James C. McCroskey and he worked up to develop an intercultural communication apprehension model, as was similar to that of emotions and thoughts in the communication apprehensions, however the one developed in this context was related to the linguistic barriers and barriers of culture (Neuliep, 2014). These could have its foundation in audience, situation, context or trait. Some scholars have shown that when faced with such circumstances, the anxiety was present only in specified situations like that of a job interview or a public speaking situation and the apprehension in such cases is based on apprehensions (Gumus, Hamarat Dursun, 2005). Other have highlighted that intercultural communication apprehensions were usually based on negative perceptions relating to the differences in cultures of two people and this display ed an uneasy behaviour when the individuals came in contact with another individual from a different culture, in other words, resulting from the imminent cross cultural interactions (Mak et al 2013). Intergroup anxiety was highlighted by Rahmani (2017) as a negative feeling, along with the feeling of restlessness when the individual has comes across when having to communicate with an individual who is not of their same cultural identity. And in his view, the intergroup anxiety portrayed negative results, which results in the cognitive performance of a person being hampered, in addition to the social interactions. There have been diversified contextual incompatibilities with regards to these communication apprehensions resulting from both cultural and non cultural elements. These communication apprehensions result from the differences in an individuals culture, for example, in the individuals belonging to Arabic nations, US, Australia, East Asian nations and Western Europe (Hackman Barthel-Hackman, 1993; Hsu, 2007; Pederson, Tkachuk Allen, 2008). And so, people belonging to individualist cultures usually put focus on their personal needs, activities and also their personal space . It had been noted by different scholars that in the high context cultures of Japan, China, Arabic nations and Korea, there was a difference from that of the low context cultures like that of US, which result in communication apprehensions (Merkin, 2009; Pederson et al. 2008; Pryor, Bulter Boehringer, 2005). It had also been stated that the majority of information in high context culture is shared amongst participants, where there is a shared communication perception depending upon the particular context of the communication. Though, it has been noticed in context of low culture that it covers more information and is straight forward (Hall, 1976). Hence, Pryor et al (2005) deemed that high context cultures are quite less valued and are quite apprehensive. And the oral communication highlights the culture context based on the communication traits (Allen, O'Mara Long, 2014). Jaffe (2015) believed that public speaking was a major issue which was faced by almost every person on earth, particularly when they have to speak before a big group of strangers. When it comes to public speaking, it is deemed as the most difficult aspect for nearly every segment of public, and particularly for the college students, when presented with the opportunity of addressing their class. When faced with public speaking, the people often have difficulty in making difference between sounds and at times, are unable to understand simple words (Horwitz, Horwitz Cope, 1991). Other set of scholars have also held this view and provide that communication skills are deemed as a big factor in both the college and work life of a person (Dunbar, Brooks Miller, 2006). There has been an emotional predisposition when it comes to anxiety which stems from public speaking (Beatty, 1998; Beatt, Balfantz Kuwabara, 1989). In the views of Woodrow (2006), the anxiety which stems from public speaking can be bifurcated in two parts. The first one is the psychological reactions, where the body of a person reacts, and could show signs of sweating, stammering, heart beating very fast, and the like. With regards to the second reaction, it was of cognitive reactions, where the brain starts thinking irrelevant and negative thoughts, which depreciates a person and just contributes towards the high anxiety levels. The different reactions which stem from public speaking anxiousness have also been highlighted by North and Rivers (2001). In their view, the individuals starting showing signs of discomfort, muscle tension, gastrointestinal discomfort, sweating and palpitation. Rossi and Seiler (1986) analysed the history of this anxiety and stated that the study on public speaking anxiety was traced back to the middle of 1930s. Burnley, Cross Spanos (1993) noticed that, at that time period, around 85% of the individuals faced this anxiety. As per Scovel (1991), there was a need to properly channel anxiety for it to be advantageous for the person himself, and if this is left to increase and escalate, the person of an individual plummets. Hence, even in the literature, it has been shown that public speaking lead to people being uneasy and apprehensive as they felt threatened (North Rivers, 2001). The need to facilitate anxiety has been aptly identified by Jones (2004), where he has stated that there is a need for the anxious person to take lessons from their apprehensions and also work upon them by learning from the previous obstacle faced by them. When this is done, the anxiety can be effectively channelled. Ohatam (2005) also drew up similar conclusion and stated that by facilitating anxiety, the individual can better learn about their attitude and also can change their perceptions. Hence, there was a need to enhance the public speaking skills by removing such apprehensions so that the person can have a successful personal and business life (Marinho, Medeiros, Gama Teixeira, 2017). Similar need was identified by Russ (2012) where he stated that communication skills were an important part of the individuals interpersonal working relationships. Hence, the literature clearly shows that communication apprehensions are faced by individuals most commonly when faced with public s peaking and also when they have to deal with people of different cultural identities. As the literature shows that this is a common problem being faced by people, particularly of college people, I would try to adopt the suggestions which have been given in the literature, i.e., to face my fears. And so, I have created an action plan which I would follow for the next six months. In this, the first step, as suggested in the tutorial itself, I would start maintaining a daily journal where I would put in my thoughts and my experiences for each day. This journal would map my journey of six months and would not only show my highlights, but also the aspects where I faced some or the other difficulty. I would be attending an intercultural fest which is being organized in March 2018 in our local community to promote multicultural Australia. I would take support of my mentor, i.e., my tutor in the first three months, on the possible things which can help me in improving my apprehensions and also would invite their suggestions on what else I need to do to improve on my intercultural apprehensions. Even though this would be a difficult task for me, but in Jan and Feb. 2018, I would be addressing in different classes on my journey and the problems which I face in communicating in public. To help me in this matter, I would prepare cue cards so that I can at least read these out as a start. Next, I would read a lot of literature, particularly around the holiday period, and interact with others during this very period to apply the suggestions of literature in real life. Our university has a range of students from different cultural backgrounds and so, for every alternative month, I would interact with people from different backgrounds. As I am apprehensive about culture, I would visit the religious places and try to understand their perspective towards life. This, as per my dad, would greatly help me in feeling comfortable with the people of different cultural backgrounds. And my dad also reminded me to join the Drama classes again, which I would do for three month period from Jan to March 2018, so that I could learn to open up to others. The success parameter for me would be the feedback from (a) my tutor, (b) university students, and (c) my dad, as he knows my troubles and understands my apprehensions. This has further been elucidated through a Gantt chart, particularly for the timeline of each activity. Gantt Chart depicting Action Plan Nov-17 Dec-17 Jan-18 Feb-18 Mar-18 Apr-17 Daily Journal Attending Cultural Fest Support from Mentor Presenting before Class Reading Literature Communicating with University Students Visiting religious places Joining Drama Class Thus, this activity has been very beneficial for me as it has helped me in putting into perspective, my communication apprehensions. Hopefully, by following the action plan, I would be able to succeed in my endeavours. References Allen, M. Bourhis, J. (1996). The relationship of communication apprehension to communication behavior: A meta-analysis.Communication Quarterly, 44,214-226. Beatty, M. J., Balfantz, G. L., Kuwabara, A. Y. (1989). Trait-like qualities of selected variables assumed to be transient causes of performance state anxiety. Communication Education, 38, 277-289. Beatty, M.J., Friedland, M. H. (1990). Public speaking state anxiety as a function of selected situational and predispositional variables. Communication Education, 39, 142-147. Burnley, M., Cross, P., Spanos, N. (1993). The effects of stress inoculation training and skills training on the treatment of speech anxiety. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 12, 355-366. Dunbar, N., Brooks, C. Kubica-Miller, T. (2006). Oral Communication Skills in Higher Education: Using a Performance-Based Evaluation Rubric to Assess Communication Skills. Innovative Higher Education, 31(2). Gumus, M., Hamarat, B., Dursun, M. (2005). Intercultural communication apprehension: An empirical study on ANZAC people. Journal of Administrative Sciences, 3(1), 179-193. Hackman, M. Z., Barthel-Hackman, T. A. (1993). Communication apprehension, willingness to communicate, and sense of humor: United States and New Zealand perspectives.Communication Quarterly,41, 282-291. Hall, E. T. (1976).Beyond culture. New York, NY: Doubleday. Horwitz, E. K., M. B. Horwitz and J. A. Cope (1991). "Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety" in E. K. Horwitz and D. J. Young, Language Anxiety, 27-39. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Hsu, C.-F (2007). A cross-cultural comparison of communication orientations between Americans and Taiwanese.Communication Quarterly,55, 359 374. Jaffe, C. (2015). Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. Jones J.F. (2004). A Cultural Context for Language Anxiety. EA (English Australia), 21(2), 30-39 Mak, A. S., Brown, P. M., Wadey, D. (2013). Contact and attitude toward international students in Australia: Intergroup anxiety and intercultural communication emotions as mediators. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 45, 491. Marinho, A. C. F, Mesquita de Medeiros, A., Gama A. C. C, Teixeira, L. C. (2017). Fear of public speaking: perception of college students and correlates. Journal of Voice, 31(1), 127.e7127.e11. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2015.12.012 McCroskey, J. C., McCroskey, L. L. (1988). Self-report as an approach to measuring communication competence. Communication Research Reports, 5, 108-11. McCroskey, J.C., Richmond, V.P .(1995). Correlates of compulsive communication: Quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Communication Quarterly, 43, 39-52. Merkin, R. S. (2009). Cross-Cultural differences in approach-avoidance communication in South Korea and the US.Human Communication,12, 199-213. Neuliep, J. W. (2014). Intercultural communication: A Contextual Approach (6th ed.). Sage Publications. Neuliep, J. W., McCroskey, J. C. (1997). The development of intercultural and interethnic communication apprehension scales. Communication Research Reports, 14, 385-398. North, M., Rives, J. (2001). Virtual reality therapy in aid of public speaking. International Journal of Virtual Reality, 3, 2-7. Ohata K. (2005). Language Anxiety From the Teachers Perspective: Interviews With Seven Experienced ESL/EFL Teachers. Journal of Language and Learning, 3(1), 133-155 Pederson, J., Tkachuk, H., Allen, M. (2008). How perceived situational frequency and situational importance affect communication apprehension: A cross cultural analysis.Journal of Intercultural Communication Research,37, 189198. Pryor, B., Bulter, J., Boehringer, K. (2005). Communication apprehension and cultural context: A comparison of communication apprehension in Japanese and American students.North American Journal of Psychology,7, 247-252. Rahmani, D. (2017). Apprehension and Anxiety in Communication. DOI: 10.1093/acrefore/9780190228613.013.414 Richmond, V. P., Hickson, M. III. (2001). Going public: A practical guide to public talk. Boston, MA: Allyn Bacon. Richmond, V. P., McCroskey, J. C., Johnson, A. D. (2003). Development of the nonverbal immediacy scale (NIS): Measures of self- and other-perceived nonverbal immediacy. Communication Quarterly, 51, 502-515. Rossi, A., Seiler, W. (1989). The comparative effectiveness of systematic desensitization and an integrative approach in treating public speaking anxiety: a literature review and a preliminary investigation. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 9, 49-66. Russ, T. L. (2013). The Influence of Communication Apprehension on Superiors' Propensity for and Practice of Participative Decision Making. Communication Quarterly, 61(3), 335- 348. doi: 10.1080/01463373.2013.776989 Scovel, T. (1991). "The Effect of Affect on Foreign Language Learning: A Review of the Anxiety Research" in E. K. Horwitz and D. J. Young, Language Anxiety, 101-108. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Woodrow, L. (2006). Anxiety and speaking English as a second language. RELC Journal, 37(3), 308-328.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)