PUBLIC SPEAKING: Personal Finance Article Review

Today's Public Speaking Assignment: 

• Take 2 minutes to review the personal finance article you looked at over the weekend. 
• Draft a short one and 1/2 minute speech and feel free to write down some bulletized talking points.
• Standard format: Intro, 3 main points, conclusion. 

PUBLIC SPEAKING: Personal Finance Article Review

Public Speaking Assignment (April 6, 2015): 

• Take two minutes to review the homework assignment you just completed that summarized an interesting personal finance article of your choosing along with 3 bullet talking points. 
• Draft a short one and 1/2 minute speech using your bullet talking points.
• Standard format: Intro, 3 main points, conclusion. 

PUBLIC SPEAKING: What Does Personal Finance Mean to You?

Today's Public Speaking Assignment: 

• Take five minutes to think about the concept of what personal finance means to you. 
• Draft a short one and 1/2 minute speech and feel free to write down some bulletized talking points.
• Standard format: Intro, 3 main points, conclusion. 

Take this personal finance module seriously, you are being given an opportunity to learn much if you apply yourself.

This Week is a Short But Busy Week: 23 to 26 March (Mon to Thursday)

What does this mean? It means what we learn is what we become. 

Quote:

 "You let people know who you are by how you do your job?"

Alphonse Lambert

If your job is to be a student-cadet and to learn; how are you doing that job?  Based on the quote what does your level of learning say about you...?

Before we get into today's public speaking, lets look at our schedule for the week:

Schedule: 

March 23 (Mon):  Public speaking (Mr. Osinloye as Sub)
March 24 (Tues):  NJROTC, The Way Ahead (Schedule &                                             Future)Brief by LtCol Killackey
March 25 (Wed):  Uniform Day / Inspection
March 26 (Thur):  Survival Test / 90 minute Early release
March 27 (Fri):     No School for Students / Teachers Only

Class Activity: PUBLIC SPEAKING

Take 6 minutes and prepare an impromptu speech focused on the below topic. You are allowed to take up some bullet talking points but do not read them, instead give a speech. : 

Topic: What Quality Makes You Amazing?

You will describe that one quality that makes you AMAZING and give two examples of how you demonstrate that quality. As usual, have an introduction, description of the quality and provide two examples of how it makes you amazing, and then a conclusion. You have from a minute to a minute and a half to provide your impromptu speech. 



Note: Whichever cadets do not finish, you will finish after the personnel inspection on Wednesday.   

Nothing Like a Snow Day, but Back To Work? Public Speaking

Okay everybody, we had a SNOW DAY and it is time to get back to work. Although it is Tuesday, we are going to treat it like a Monday and we will be conducting public speaking in class today. 

Purpose of the Activity: Cause you to reflect on and analyze yourself, formulate an impromptu speech, and articulate your ideas verbally to your peers.

Class Activity: Take 2 minutes and select a quality or an area for your self improvement. Take another 3 minutes and draft bullet talking points for a short 2 minute impromptu speech that: 

• Introduce yourself
• Identifies the specific quality or area for your self improvement.
• Explains the reason you selected that particular quality or area for self improvement. 
• Give two specific examples of how you will improve that quality or area for self improvement.
• Concluding statement.

 
You will be allowed to take notes up with you when you speak if you need to but only as a guide, not to be read from. 

ANY QUESTIONS???

No talking, you have 5 minutes before the first speaker....Get to work.

What Is Your Least Valued Character Trait...?

Each one of you shared your most prominent or valued positive character trait about yourself in the form of a short impromptu speech. Self analysis is a critical skill to develop as an adult in society. You are expected  to regulate your own personal and professional behavior and conduct to be successful in life. There are no guidance counselors or housemasters in the adult world, only bosses, co-workers, authority figures, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and family.

You may not have the benefit of having a "Julius" in your life to tell you like it is or what you need to hear. You may need to be your own Julius....

Class Assignment: 

1. I will form you into groups and you will discuss what negative character trait bothers you the most (about yourself or others) and discuss why. 

2. Have one person in the group take notes for the group, and when we gather together as a large group you will share your groups feedback. 

What is Your Most Valued Character Trait...?

Character traits are all the aspects of a person’s behavior and attitudes that make up that person’s personality. Everyone has character traits, both good and bad.

Classroom Assignment: Your public speaking assignment is to select the character trait that you value the most and be prepared to tell the class what character trait you selected in a 1 minute 30 second impromptu speech. Within that speech, give an example of how you have demonstrated that character trait as well. 

Who Are The People Who Have Had An Impact on Your Life...?

Today's public speaking assignment is self-reflective to determine the impact others have had on your lives. The focus will vary slightly for first year cadets versus upperclassmen cadets with the below questions. 

NS-1: What person has had the biggest impact on your life?

NS-2,3,4: Who is the best leader you ever experienced and why? 

Take five minutes and write down some talking points reflecting  your answer to the appropriate above question.

Each student will be required to present their response to the class in the form of a short (1-2 min) impromptu speech. 

Time for the Oscars...Upperclassmen Brief to a First Year Cadet

While we have a few presentations remaining, once completed we will be selecting one group to provide a presentation to a First Year cadet class period (periods 1,5,8). 

We will select one group per upperclassmen class period: periods 2,4,6, and 7.

Period 2 Winner: Shane & Erby
Period 4 Winner: Johanna & Jen
Period 6 Winner: Nicole & Jen 
Period 7 Winner: Mercy & AJ

Honorable Mentions: Ahmad & Christian, 

Class Task: We will have that winning group place their presentation on a Power Point presentation. The PPT template is already loaded in the Upperclassmen Working Folder on the Desktop. There are six slides: Cover, Intro, Slide 1,2,3; Conclusion. 

Once the brief is loaded, the winning group leaders can modify their brief with input from the class and will then rehearse it with the class taking notes and critiquing their performance.  

Debate Teams by Class Periods and the Debate Template

This is the organization of each Debate Team per class period and the Debate Template for assigning Team Members. Refer to the previous blog posting for the overview of this module. 

Period 2:

Team US Intervention:
Shane (Team Leader)
Sianna (Asst. Tm Ldr)
Jake, Mechail, Davis S., Luis, Elijah

Team No US Intervention: 
Rene (Team Leader)
Guillermo (Asst. Tm Leader)
Angelique, Luz, Thomas, Jesus, Erby

Period 4:
Team US Intervention:
Johanna (Team Leader)
Christian (Asst. Tm Ldr)
Roshad, Josue, Trevor, Sam, Nico, Justin

Team No US Intervention:
Brendan (Team Leader)
Preet (Asst. Tm Ldr)
Jahmerikah, Helmuth, Kevin, Louis, Jennifer

Team Media Analysis: 
Sergio (Team Leader) 
Dylan (Review Team US Intervention), 
Alfred and Joseph (Review Team No US Intervention)


Period 6: 
Team US Intervention:
Nicole (Team Leader)
Michele (Asst. Tm Ldr)
Elias, Christian, Damaris, Patrick, Michael, David

Team No US Intervention:
Dillon (Team Leader)
Jennifer (Asst. Tm Ldr)
Amahd, Damian, Tyron, Brayan, Steven, Devon

Team Media Analysis: 
Joseph (Team Leader)
Natasha (Review Team US Intervention)
Arian (Review Team No US Intervention)


Period 7:  

Team US Intervention:
Thomas (Team Leader)
Mercy (Asst. Tm Leader)
James, Joseph, Robert, Peter, Anthony, Julian

Team No US Intervention:
Plinio (Team Leader)
Steven, Carlos, Christofer, Reid, Fatima, Deven

Team Media Analysis: 
Allen (Review Team US Intervention)
Tatiana (Review Team No US Intervention)

ORGANIZATION OF THE DEBATE: Used to assign tasks to individual team members and ensure all component tasks for the debate are assigned. 

OPENING STATEMENT: (2 mins) 

MAIN POINT 1: (1 min) 

MAIN POINT 2: (1 min) 

MAIN POINT 3: (1 min)

REBUTTAL FOR ADVERSARY MAIN PT 1: (1 min) 

REBUTTAL FOR ADVERSARY MAIN PT 2: (1 min)

REBUTTAL FOR ADVERSARY MAIN PT 3: (1 min)

CLOSING STATEMENT: (2 mins)

SEQUENCE OF THE DEBATE: 

1. We will flip a coin to determine which team goes first.

2. Team One will give their Opening Statement (2 mins), to then 

be followed by their Main Points One (1 min), Two (1 min), and 

Three (1 min). 

3. While Team One is providing their Main Points, 

Team Two Team Members Assigned for Rebuttals will analyze 

their adversary's respective Main Point and develop a rebuttal 

response (1 min in length) to it. 

4. Then Team Two will give their Opening Statement (2 mins), to 

then be followed by their Main Points One (1 min), Two (1 min), 

and Three (1 min). 

5. While Team Two is providing their Main Points, 

Team One Team Members Assigned for Rebuttals will analyze 

their adversary's respective Main Point and develop a rebuttal 

response (1 min in length) to it. 

6. Team One will offer their Rebuttal 1,2, and 3 statements. 

7. Team Two will offer their Rebuttal 1,2, and 3 statements. 

8. Team One Closing Statement.

9. Team Two Closing Statement.

10. If applicable, Team Media Analysis will provide feedback. 

Scoring: Students will be scored based upon their ability to meet 

their time goals and the quality of the content of their public 

speaking responses. Meeting the time goal is a function of their 

preparation and rehearsing their part of the debate. The most 

challenging time constraint will be the student's assigned the 

rebuttals which need to be developed in a shorter amount of time. I 

will modify by scoring due to the rigor of this task accordingly.  

Trading One US Soldier for Five Taliban Terrorists...What Do You Think???

US POW: Bowe Bergdahl

The last American soldier held captive by the Afghan Taliban has been released, after the US government agreed to free five Afghan detainees from the Guantánamo Bay prison in Cuba to the custody of the Qatari government, US officials said.

Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, 28, was held captive for almost five years. Sources told the Associated Press he was in good condition and was able to walk. Bergdahl was on his way to an American military hospital in Germany, a US defence official told Reuters, and was then expected to be transferred to a military medical facility in San Antonio, Texas. 

Later, during an appearance in the Rose Garden at the White House with the soldier's parents, Barack Obama welcomed news of the release, saying that while Bergdahl was gone, "he was never forgotten." The president said that the US "does not ever leave our men and women in uniform behind" and that in relation to the five Taliban detainees released, the Qatari government had given assurances it would "put in place measures to protect our national security".  The five former Guantánamo detainees have been transferred to the custody of the Qatari government. Their movements will be restricted, according to US government statements.

RECIDIVISM RATES OF RELEASED GITMO DETAINEES: GOING BACK TO TERRORISM

An unclassified version of a September report from the Director of National Intelligence reveals that another five former Guantanamo Bay detainees have either been confirmed as reengaging in terrorism or are suspected of doing so.  The report comes just as a judge in Algeria has approved parole of two detainees recently transferred to Algerian custody from the Cuba-based detention facility.

Of the 603 former detainees tracked by US intelligence services, a total of 100 have now been confirmed as reengaging in "terrorism" or "insurgent" activities, while another 74 are suspected of reengaging.  This brings the total rate of recidivism to nearly 29 percent, up from 28 percent as of the last report six months ago. Two of the detainees suspected of reengaging in the last six months are among those transferred since President Obama took office in 2009.  Of the seventy-four detainees transferred since January 22, 2009, seven are either confirmed or suspected of reengaging, up from five in the prior report, raising the recidivism rate of those transferred during the president's time in office from 7 percent to 10 percent.

The Code of Conduct: All Service men and woman are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct while serving their country to the best of their abilities. 

 

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

II

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

III

If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

IV

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

V

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

VI

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION:

• While there is much we do not know, based on your initial (and unqualified) impressions do you think Sgt. Bergdahl adhered to the Code of Conduct. 
• WHAT WERE THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THIS SOLDIER BECOMING A POW? Was he captured in combat or did he abandon his post and walk into his capture?
• THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN US HISTORY AN AMERICAN SERVICE-MEMBER HAS BEEN TRADED FOR TERRORISTS. 
• THE RELEASE OF PRISONERS FROM GITMO REQUIRES CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL, NO APPROVAL WAS SOUGHT BY THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF.

PUBLIC SPEAKING ACTIVITY: Tuesday

Without conferring with others, develop a short one minute to one minute and a half impromptu speech voicing your opinion on this situation in class on Tuesday.

PUBLIC SPEAKING: INVOLVEMENT IN THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE

We spent time last week in small groups reviewing the ongoing situation in the Ukraine where Russian troops have occupied key areas in Crimea and Ukrainian military bases. Is this an illegal intrusion by the Russian President Putin or his country merely providing security assistance? The people of Crimea apparently voted for annexation from the Ukraine and desire to be controlled by Russia. We discussed some of the US options (Diplomatic, Informational, Military, and Economic) that could be taken. Many question President Putin's motives and President Obama's leadership? Some say the "cold war has come back" as Russia was previously thought of as a former superpower in decline? It is a very fluid situation that is having a growing impact in the European (NATO) region. What will happen?

Russian Troops in Occupation

US Military Preserving Peace

 Your Individual Public Speaking Assignment is to develop a short speech expressing your individual opinion on:

"Why the United States Should (or Should Not) Get involved in the Crisis Between Russia and Ukraine?" 

TOPIC: Is the Question Above. Pick an opinion and develop your speech.

Time Standard for Speech: 1 minute and thirty seconds (Anything shorter will result in the reduction of your grade)
Contents: Introduction, 3 Main Points Supporting Your Opinion, Conclusion
Monday: Work on Speech in Class, Review and Time Rehearse for Homework. You will be allowed to have a written speech, but it will need to have been rehearsed as homework so you do not merely read it.
Tuesday: Give Speech in Class

Final Comment: A component of being a citizen is being informed by keeping yourself aware of what is going on locally, domestically, and globally. Once you are informed you are responsible to do something about it: talk with peers, let your elected official know what YOU think, vote for candidates that are well informed on the issues, participate in a protest or organize a protest if your government is taking action that you feel is counter to your national interests, etc.

Mister President I have a Question?

Today President Obama will be speaking a Connecticut Central State University (CCSU) making an announcement about raising the minimum wage. As we are discussing your role as a Citizen, and your rights and responsibilities; one of your rights is to voice your concerns to your elected officials and seek information from them. We are going to practice this freedom of speech this morning. 

Classroom Activity: Take 5 minutes and think about a question you would like to ask the President about a topic you are interested in. Write the question down in your notebook. Then be prepared to share your question with the class and some of your questions will lead to class discussion. 

Public Speaking Monday

The picture above is of two former BMHS cadets. The young lady is now a US Marine Officer. The young man was her friend who passed away from cancer. We never know what will happen to the people we meet in life so it is important to appreciate each other. 

Without talking to anyone, come up with FIVE QUESTIONS to ask someone in the form of a short hasty interview. You have five minutes to come up with the questions so write them down in your notebook. You will use those questions to interview someone you are assigned. 

Monday: Its Impromptu Speaking Day!

Classroom Task: Public Speaking

• Choose a Color or a Number that best represents you. 
• Develop a short 1:30 minute impromptu speech about how that particular color or number best represents you. Be prepared to give it in class today. 
• Remember the Basics
• Enthusiasm & Believe-ability
• Be You, show your personality
• Intro / Key Points / Conclusion

Weekly Activities October 28 to November 1.

Monday and Tuesday: (Focus) Public Speaking. The assignment is to draft a 2 to 3 minute impromptu on the topic of their cadet innovation project (Big Idea Project). They are to rehearse the content of the speech to include the timing. They will give the speeches in class on Monday and finishing them on Tuesday.

Wednesday: (Focus) Uniform Inspection.  Senior Naval Science Instructor conducts a weekly personnel inspection assessing: appearance in uniform, cadet knowledge, and bearing. This event is a test where they receive a grade.

Thursday: (Focus)  Thinking About Associations: What People and Organizations and Areas of Interest are Related to their Big Idea Project. Prior to the development of a future research plan for their cadet innovation project, the students will be brainstorming what individuals, what organizations, and what other related areas of interest are related to their Big Idea Project. They will graphically depict this brainstorming session with a mindmap graphic. The intent is start to make associations with the people and organizations they can research to determine the potential to network with them in the future. Additionally, I want them to determine what associated areas or interest can be linked to their innovation concept for their project topic.


Friday: (Focus) Assessment of In Class Association Assignment and Initial Research Link. 
Instructor reviews student association brainstorming graphic and discusses student progress on their project at this point. They are also required to provide an on-line link that they have discovered in their initial research.

Monday Back to Public Speaking and Reconnecting

Public Speaking is a critical skill for a Senator Cadet! Whether it is a big project classroom presentation, a job interview at McDonald's, an impromptu speech in English class, presenting your answer and thought process in Math class, or a chance meeting with someone important to your future. Those that can speak in a public setting (as listed above) in a clear well thought out manner with enthusiasm and confidence will stand out and be sought after by many organizations. The picture listed above is of a BMHS student giving a speech as a member of the Center For Youth Leadership (CYLF) at a public event with her state senator in attendance. 

Impromptu Speech: 

For today (Monday), you will be given the following task: 
Develop an impromptu speech about your "Big Idea" (your innovation project) that is 2 to 3 minutes in length.

You are not limited to but, cover the following areas in your speech: 

• Describe your Big Idea
• What effect does your Big Idea have on others?

Be prepared to give your speeches on Tuesday and the remainder on Wednesday which is uniform day. 

Homework:

On Tuesday in class with the aid of a computer (class computer or BYOD/ Smart phone), show me a quality link on the Internet that is connected to you Big Idea.

DEBATE: AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE ACT

Learning to Debate In Class

1. Watch the Link Above the Picture.

2. Re-watch the Affordable Healthcare Act Video from the previous post.

3. Form up into two debate groups FOR and AGAINST the Affordable Healthcare Act. Two students (one male & one female)  will be the moderators and will structure and run the debate. Debaters Conduct research on Monday night and be prepared to debate on Tuesday in class.

4. Each Debate Team will present an Opening Statement (2 minutes) and two main points (1 1/2 minutes each). Each team will use some visual aid during the debate. There may be an opposing question and answer period if there is time available. 

5. We will also assess the group dynamic of each debate team to determine a baseline for future group work. 

Who is the worst Leader you ever experienced?

Public Speaking Activity:  Take 10 minutes and think about one of the worst leaders, managers, or bosses you ever experienced.  You will be giving an impromptu speech in class following your ten minute prep period.

What is the best way to use your time to prepare such a short speech? The speech should be 2 minutes long.

Student-Cadet Improvement...Making Ourselves Better By Looking At What You or We Don't Do Well

How do we get better at the things we do in life? School? Relationships? Work? Activities?

Often we get caught up in just living the schedule of our day and life without ever stopping and reflecting on HOW  we are performing (good, mediocre, poor) and WHY we are performing at that level?  It is a type of "groundhog day" effect which means each day rolls into the next day without any change or difference...one day runs into the next. 

Do the following evaluations or selections ever surprise you? 

• Interim Report 
• Report Card
• Making a sports team or a performance team
• Failing a test or quiz
• Not receiving a promotion
• Not being selected for a leadership or management position
• Not being able to get hired for a job 

Should you be surprised? 

How could you prevent being surprised, in those areas?

Class Activity:

Break Up into small groups (teacher directed) and your group will discuss and record responses to one of the two following questions:

• What are the SPECIFIC things a student-cadet does or does not do to be unsuccessful in NJROTC?

• What are the SPECIFIC thing a student-cadet does or does not do to be unsuccessful in school?

We will discuss your collective comments in class afterwards.

Your Homework:

Make an entry on the blog (First name & class period) that is a specific behavior or action which causes you to be less successful in NJROTC and in school in general.