Discussion: Read Chapters 25 And 26 And This Selection

Discussion 7read Chapters 25 And 26 And This Selection Fromthe Thing

Discussion 7: Read Chapters 25 and 26, and this selection from The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien: "On the Rainy River." Once all reading is complete, respond to the following: How does O'Brien feel about the war in Vietnam? Why does O'Brien go to the rainy river? What various factors does O'Brien take into account when deciding whether to go to Canada or not? Why ultimately, does he decide not to escape to Canada? What is O'Brien trying to communicate when he writes: "I was a coward. I went to the war?" What does this reading reveal about the polarization of society during the war? You are required to submit an initial posting (200 words minimum) that addresses the items above. You are also expected to respond to the posting of at least one other student (100 words minimum). Your response should address why you agree/disagree with their posting, support it with new evidence to bring a new perspective to the topic. Do NOT submit anything as an attachment since some people cannot open certain formats.

Discussion 8: Read Chapters 27 and 28 along with George H.W. Bush's Gulf War Address. Once all reading is complete, respond to the following: Although most of this speech focuses on Iraq and Kuwait, what domestic issues does President Bush also address? How are those issues linked to the situation in Iraq? Which countries does Bush identify specifically as working closely with the United States? Why might he focus on these countries? Ultimately, according to Bush, why is intervention in Kuwait necessary? You are required to submit an initial posting (200 words minimum) that addresses the items above. You are also expected to respond to the posting of at least one other student (100 words minimum). Your response should address why you agree/disagree with their posting, support it with new evidence to bring a new perspective to the topic. Do NOT submit anything as an attachment since some people cannot open certain formats.

Discussion 6: Respond to the following: Words are powerful tools used to communicate meaning from one person to another. A good speaker can communicate his/her message clearly. A great speaker can create vivid images that leave a lasting impression with the audience. It is not easy to craft our language to do more than state our message. After reading the lesson chapters, describe the three best strategies you think will help a speaker become more effective with her/his language. Note: In order to receive full credit, please write 1 main point in at least 150 words by Wednesday of the assigned week. Afterward, please post 2 replies to classmates which should be at least 100 words each by Friday of the close of this lesson. Remember to follow the rules of netiquette. Be polite, professional, and thoughtful. All posts need to be in your own words.

Discussion 7: Respond to the following: A speaker needs to be viewed as credible in order to persuade an audience. Logical fallacies in an argument can diminish the speaker's credibility. Choose 2 different fallacies from Chapter 14 and determine methods to avoid making these errors. Note: In order to receive full credit, please write 1 main point in at least 150 words by Wednesday of the assigned week. Afterward, please post 2 replies to classmates which should be at least 100 words each by Friday of the close of this lesson. Remember to follow the rules of netiquette. Be polite, professional, and thoughtful. All posts need to be in your own words.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Effective communication is vital in shaping perceptions, persuading audiences, and fostering understanding across various contexts. Whether discussing historical events like the Vietnam War, analyzing political speeches, or exploring the intricacies of speechwriting techniques, developing skills in clarity, credibility, and strategic language use is essential. This paper addresses four key discussion prompts related to these themes: O'Brien's perspective on the Vietnam War, the Gulf War speech by President Bush, strategies for effective speechmaking, and avoiding logical fallacies to maintain credibility.

O'Brien and the Vietnam War: Personal and Societal Reflections

Tim O'Brien's experience in "On the Rainy River" reveals complex feelings about the Vietnam War. O'Brien perceives the war as morally ambiguous and emotionally divisive, reflecting society's polarized stance during that era. He feels conflicted, torn between personal morality and societal expectations, ultimately leading him to consider fleeing to Canada to escape conscription. His visit to the rainy river symbolizes this internal struggle—a physical representation of his hesitation and moral dilemma. When he states, "I was a coward. I went to the war," O'Brien acknowledges his internal conflict, exposing the societal pressure to conform and the personal shame associated with avoiding military service. This excerpt highlights the societal polarization over the war, illustrating how families and individuals grappled with moral, political, and personal identities amid national crisis. O'Brien's decision reflects a broader societal rift—many Americans felt conflicted, with some supporting the war effort while others opposed it vehemently.

The Gulf War Address: Domestic and International Links

George H.W. Bush’s Gulf War address emphasizes the urgency of international intervention while addressing domestic issues such as economic stability and national security. Bush links the invasion of Kuwait to broader themes of maintaining peace and safeguarding American interests. He underscores the importance of international coalition-building, highlighting specific countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Arab nations, which work closely with the U.S. in efforts to oppose Iraqi aggression. The focus on these nations helps illustrate a unified global response, underscoring the collective effort needed to ensure regional stability. Bush justifies intervention in Kuwait by emphasizing the necessity to uphold international law, protect economic interests, and prevent the proliferation of conflict that could threaten U.S. security and prosperity. His speech connects domestic stability to international peace, implying that global conflicts directly impact economic and national security within the United States.

Strategies for Effective Speechmaking

Effective communication hinges on clarity, emotional appeal, and vivid imagery. First, clarity in language ensures the audience understands the message without confusion, achieved through precise word choice and structured delivery. Second, the use of emotional appeal—pathos—can create a connection that resonates deeply, fostering persuasion and lasting impact. Third, employing vivid imagery helps craft memorable messages, engaging listeners’ senses and imagination. For example, skilled speakers often utilize metaphors and descriptive language to evoke mental images that reinforce their points. These strategies collectively enhance a speaker's ability to persuade, inform, and motivate audiences, making their messages impactful and compelling.

Avoiding Logical Fallacies to Preserve Credibility

Logical fallacies weaken a speaker’s credibility and can dilute the strength of an argument. Two common fallacies are ad hominem and false dilemma. To avoid ad hominem, speakers should focus on arguments rather than personal attacks, maintaining respect even when disagreeing. To prevent false dilemma, it’s crucial to present nuanced options rather than oversimplified either-or choices, which can mislead the audience. By carefully analyzing arguments and evidence, speakers can present logical, well-structured messages that maintain their credibility and persuade effectively. Recognizing and avoiding fallacies reinforces trustworthiness and ensures that the audience perceives the speaker as knowledgeable and honest.

Conclusion

Mastering effective communication requires awareness of emotional, logical, and ethical considerations. O'Brien’s internal conflict, Bush’s strategic international appeal, techniques for engaging speech delivery, and pitfalls like logical fallacies all underscore the importance of deliberate and responsible messaging. Developing these skills promotes clarity, credibility, and influence, essential qualities for impactful communicators across academic, political, and social spheres.

References

• O'Brien, T. (1990). The Things They Carried. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Bush, G. H. W. (1991). Address on the Invasion of Kuwait. U.S. government archives.
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• Lucas, S. E. (2015). The Art of Public Speaking. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Kasparov, G. (2019). The Art of Analysis and Persuasion in Speech. Harvard Business Review.
• Walzer, M. (2006). Just and Unjust Wars. Basic Books.
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• Royal, C. (2020). Logical Fallacies and Critical Thinking. Springer Publishing.