Portfolio Assignment
Section 1: Favorite
My favorite writing is the rhetorical analysis essay, as it depicts an improvement in my writing skills. The writing focused on a single idea, which I developed and supported in the paragraphs. Moreover, the essays depict unity, as every paragraph is related to the central theme. In this writing, I maintained coherence while using correct Standard English with minimal flaws.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Conversation links people and defines the level of social interaction between people. However, the 21st century brings in a new culture that seems to jeopardize the most valued face-to-face interaction. The invention of technology and the role it plays in society is critical. However, it presents a barrier to a face-to-face conversation and thus reduces the level of social interaction in the world. In her Ted talk about “10 ways to have a better conversation,” Celeste Headlee, reveal some of the best techniques that people can use to have a better conversation. What she comes to realize is the fact that conversation is fading. Most people rely on technology for communication. In her conversation, Headlee lays bare the ten best techniques that people can use for better conversation. Headlee, therefore, relies on the rhetoric to convince her audience on the need to adopt the strategies to shape up their face-to-face communication. In her conversation, Headlee chose ethos and logos as a rhetorical tool to assure the audience of her credibility on the topic. Through Ethos, Headlee wins over her audience, as indicated by the audience’s positive reaction to her presentation.
Through the use of ethos, such as quoting research from the Henry Higgins “My fair Lady,” Headlee is successfully pushing for the theme of better conversation in her presentation. Headlee’s presentation is about the need to convince people, persuade them to feel free, use face-face communication, engage in talks, and have a better discussion with others. The theme is apparent in her presentation because she says, “Go out, talk to people, listen to people, and, most importantly, be prepared to be amazed” (Headlee, 00:11:19-28). Headlee cites Henry Higgins’s appeal to consider weather and health while making conversation. By claiming that health and climate have changed in the current world, Headlee uses this ethos to motivate people to talk about the circumstances surrounding them. The audience’s reaction through applause and laughter is an indication that the ethos has worked well for Headlee.
Logos and ethos are apparent in the Headlee presentation because while talking, she convinces the audience through the use of facts and figures to elaborate the need for them to shift their conversation through technology and use face-to-face mode. First, she cites Pew Research that states that 10,000 adults in American and realize that people are more polarized and divided than ever. Further, she cites the Pew Research that indicates that teens send more than 100 text messages in a day. According to Headlee, the research also states that teens would like to have a technology-based conversation than face-face. These figures elaborate on the use of pathos as they are facts that substantiate her discussion. Further, stating this research shows her credibility in conducting this conversation because she has done enough research and is presenting a topic she understands. The reaction from the audience indicates that they are convinced.
Additionally, Headlee uses ethos when she describes her profession, which gives credibility to standing in front of the audience and talking about the topic. Headlee informs the listeners that she has been interviewing for a very long time. The ethos allows the listener to gain a sense of trust between themselves and Headlee because they understand that Headlee is speaking through many years of experience. Headlee enables the audience to feel comfortable around her and is not demanding when she speaks. By doing this, Headlee lets a conversation happen between her and the audience and not just shouting a lecture.
In conclusion, Headlee used rhetoric effectively by using ethos and logos. Headlee used ethos when she expressed the type of person she is with humor and what she does so that the listeners can gain a sense of trust between her and them. Headlee uses logos by stating facts and figures to convince her audience. However, Headlee is optimistic about having better conversations because she believes one will be amazed. She gives the audience the encouragement they need to talk to someone and listen, which shows that this was a successful use of rhetoric.
Works Cited
Headlee, Celeste, director. 10 Ways to Have Better Conversations. TED, March 8, March 8, 2016, www.ted.com/talks/celeste_headlee_10_ways_to_have_a_better_conversation.
Section 2: Least Favorite
My essay on self-compassion was the least effective because I did not adhere to basic writing guidelines. The introduction did not inform the reader of the main topic of discussion. Moreover, there is a lack of coherence and unity among paragraphs, as they seem to have different points of discussion. There is no transition between paragraphs, making the whole piece of writing lack unity.
Self-Compassion:
When I was Eleven years old, my mother died. I hated myself because I did not know she was sick at the time. I thought that if I were smarter, I could have saved her. I started to hate myself and thought I was a bad person. I found myself depressed, isolated, and shameful.
When I was Twenty-Three years old, I woke up in the emergency room hanging onto life. I did not have the ability to understand the emotional state of myself, nor did I have the desire to alleviate my suffering. I was then referred to a mental health therapist. I did not understand how someone could be so kind, understanding, and encouraging to me. She told me “In order to have compassion for someone, one must have compassion for themselves”. I then became interested in self-compassion.
When I was Twenty-Five years old, I had been going to therapy for two years. I had learned to treat myself as a small child, give myself permission to be imperfect, and remember that I was not alone. I practiced these coping mechanisms every day and in return, my anxiety decreased, my overall happiness increased, and the shame I had turned into self-compassion.
Section 3: Looking Ahead
I have written various assignments, and I find rhetoric analysis, case studies, creative writing, summaries, annotated bibliographies, visual analysis, and responses to be the easiest. However, I still experience challenges in writing research papers due to the intricate nature of its structure.
On some occasions, I experience challenges with written assignments. However, I realized that planning enables me to put my points to facilitate the development of ideas. Moreover, I conduct thorough research on the assignment by looking at what other writers have done; this gives me a clue on what to do.
The writing process requires planning, and I always start by writing an outline, which will guide the development of my ideas. I then research the topic to ensure I am well conversant with the subject. I read out my sentences as write them to check for the quality of sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. After completion, I edit and proofread, then give a friend to read through and give me feedback on areas that need improvement.
I still hope to master the concept of writing an effective outline as it expertly guides the writing process. Moreover, I anticipate improving basic writing principles like grammar and spelling. I anticipate to work towards attaining this goal through practice and close reading of literature books.