Sam Wanted To Present A Speech On Medical Errors

Sam Wanted To Present A Speech On Medical Errors He Has Procrastinate

Sam wanted to present a speech on medical errors. He has procrastinated. Two days before the speech, he realized that no matter how hard he worked, his speech would be weak, and he could not do it justice. Instead of choosing a less technical topic or narrowing to one specific kind of medical mistake, he decided to push through it. He could make up for the scant and superficial content by wearing hospital scrubs, borrowed from his brother-in-law, and by sliding his glasses down his nose to make it easier to see his notecards and to match the stereotype of a health care provider.

1. Did Sam treat the audience with respect?

2. Name several things Sam should have done differently.

3. What would you do if you were Sam’s instructor?

Paper For Above instruction

Analyzing Sam’s approach to his speech on medical errors reveals significant ethical and practical issues concerning respect for the audience, effective communication, and integrity. It is crucial to assess these elements to understand better how speakers should prepare and deliver material, especially on sensitive topics like medical errors.

Respect for the Audience

Sam’s decision to proceed with his speech despite feeling underprepared raises questions about the respect he shows his audience. A fundamental aspect of respectful communication is honesty about one’s knowledge and preparation. By choosing to deliver a superficial and potentially uninformative speech, Sam may inadvertently undermine the audience’s trust and respect. Moreover, his attempt to 'dress the part' by borrowing hospital scrubs and adopting stereotypical mannerisms can be perceived as superficial or disrespectful, as it may suggest he is not genuinely engaging with the topic but merely trying to mimic a healthcare professional superficially. Authenticity and integrity should underpin effective communication, especially on a topic as critical as medical errors, which can significantly impact patient safety and trust in healthcare systems.

What Sam Should Have Done Differently

Several strategies could have improved Sam’s preparedness and presentation quality. Firstly, he should have recognized his limitations and adjusted his scope accordingly. Instead of tackling all aspects of medical errors in a superficial manner, narrowing the focus to a specific error type or aspect could have produced a more meaningful presentation. Second, he could have sought assistance or additional resources, such as consulting medical professionals or referencing credible literature to bolster his content. Third, better time management would have allowed him to prepare adequately, rather than procrastinate until the last moment. Fourth, practicing the speech multiple times would have increased his confidence and polished his delivery. Additionally, being honest about his expertise and scripting elements of his presentation would have made his delivery more credible and respectful.

Instructor’s Perspective

If I were Sam’s instructor, I would emphasize the importance of preparation, honesty, and respectful engagement with the audience. I would advise him to select a topic within his knowledge or to work on developing expertise before presenting. I would also encourage transparency about his preparation level, as authenticity fosters trust. Moreover, I would recommend focusing on developing presentation skills and understanding ethical responsibilities when speaking on sensitive topics. Providing constructive feedback and possibly offering additional resources or guidance on how to approach such assignments would support his learning process. Ultimately, the goal would be to inspire more responsible and respectful communication practices and to ensure that students understand the significance of credible, well-prepared presentations, especially on impactful topics like medical errors.

Conclusion

Effective communication about medical errors demands honesty, adequate preparation, and respect for the audience. Sam’s approach, driven by last-minute improvisation and superficial mimicry, falls short of these standards, potentially undermining trust and the educational value of the presentation. Future efforts should focus on responsible planning, topic focus, and authentic engagement to foster meaningful dialogue on critical healthcare issues.

References

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