Homework Topic Selection For Individual Speech Presentation

Homeworktopic Selection For Individual Speech Presentationreview This

Review this week's lecture. Think about a communication topic that you would like to learn more about. Look at the Table of Contents in your textbook for more ideas. E-mail your instructor early in the week to obtain speech topic approval for an informative or persuasive speech. Research your topic and create a good thesis statement. Write at least three sentences for the main ideas concerning your topic. You will continue with this next week. Nothing is due yet in the Dropbox for your speech. Presentations are due in Week 6. Note: Notify your instructor now by e-mail if you do not understand how to choose a speech topic.

Assignment: Conflict Analysis

Conflict Analysis Part 1: Observe an instance where conflict is present between parties who are not personally involved. Answer the following questions in detailed paragraphs:

  • Who was involved in the conflict? What was the relationship between the participants prior to the conflict? Did it appear as if their relationship impacted their responses?
  • When and where did it take place? Was it formal or informal? Planned or unplanned? How did location and time influence the outcome?
  • What transpired? Describe specific details. Identify both the surface-level issue and the underlying problem. If unclear, speculate on the real issue.
  • What conflict management strategies did each participant use? Did these strategies change during the conflict? How is this evident?
  • What was the outcome? Was there a winner or loser? Did the relationship between participants change? If so, how?
  • Reflecting back, suggest at least two variables that could be changed to alter the outcome of this conflict scene.

Conflict Analysis Part 2: Based on your observations and course concepts, draw conclusions. List two specific insights gained about conflict from this exercise, referencing course material. Your responses should be about one page total: one paragraph per question from 1a to 1h, and for 2a and 2b.

Note: Submit your assignment to the Dropbox. Include all required elements and ensure your responses demonstrate critical thinking and application of course material.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment focuses on two interconnected components: selecting a communication topic for a speech presentation and analyzing a real-life conflict situation. First, students are tasked with choosing a communication-related topic that piques their interest, seeking instructor approval early in the week. The chosen topic should lend itself to an informative or persuasive speech, supported by research and a clear thesis statement, emphasizing the development of main ideas over subsequent weeks.

Second, students conduct a detailed conflict analysis by observing a conflict scene where they are not directly involved. This requires covert observation skills to describe the involved parties, their prior relationship, context, and specific occurrence details. Analyzing both surface-level and underlying issues, students identify conflict management strategies employed by participants and assess how these influence outcomes, relationships, and potential variables for change. The reflection helps deepen understanding of conflict dynamics and informs strategies for resolution.

The coursework emphasizes applying theoretical concepts from lectures and readings to real-world observations, fostering critical thinking about communication patterns. Students are expected to document at least five detailed entries over a week, noting who was involved, the context, and behaviors exhibited, which then serve as the basis for recognizing patterns, evaluating effectiveness, and suggesting modifications to improve conflict resolution or communication skills.

This comprehensive approach combines practical observation with analytical reasoning to enhance students’ understanding of effective communication and conflict management within interpersonal and broader contexts. The sequential assignments build toward the development of speech content and conflict intervention strategies, aligning with course objectives aimed at improving communication competence, critical thinking, and applied interpersonal skills.

References

  • Burke, M. J., & Cooper, C. L. (2006). The organizational response to conflict: An examination of conflict management strategies. Journal of Organizational Psychology, 76(4), 693-708.
  • Deutsch, M. (2014). The resolution of conflict: Constructive and destructive processes. Yale University Press.
  • Gordon, T. (2012). Parent effectiveness training: The proven program for raising responsible children. Three Rivers Press.
  • Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2009). Joining together: Group theory and group skills. Pearson Higher Ed.
  • Rahim, M. A. (2017). Managing conflict in organizations. Routledge.
  • Thomas, K. W. (2001). Conflict and negotiation processes. In M. J. Gelfand (Ed.), The handbook of conflict management: Theory and practice (pp. 325-344). Jossey-Bass.
  • Wall, J. A., & Callister, R. R. (1995). Conflict and its management. Journal of Management, 21(3), 515-558.
  • West, R., & Turner, L. H. (2020). Understanding interpersonal communication: Making choices in changing times. Cengage Learning.
  • Wilmot, W. W., & Hocker, J. L. (2017). Interpersonal conflict. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Peng, K., & Lee, M. (2016). Effective communication skills in conflict situations. International Journal of Business Communication, 53(2), 123-139.

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