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Showing posts from November, 2023

The Toulmin Method

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  The Toulmin method helps evaluate arguments and navigate online communication systems . This method helps to break down information that may be complex or involve emotions, making understanding the text difficult to comprehend . The first item that is evaluated is the claim , what is the main point? Most forms of online communication will have a claim, this could be in the form of a social media post, article, or paper. Additionally, it is importnat to look for data that will support the claim being made. This could look like statistics or outside sources. Furthermore, the warrant is what connects the data to the claim, this helps explain why the data is relevant. Additional support may be necessary as well, this is called backing , when you use another online source to reinforce your main point or data. The qualifier is used to highlight limitations in the claim. It is important to recognize other points that may be importnat, even if they don't directly support your c...

How to Shine Online and Excel at Virtual Communication

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 Think Fast Talk Smart Podcast  The podcast linked above is a game changer when it comes to online communication!  The tips below are from the episode 'How to shine Online and Excel at Virtual Communication'  How to maintain focus when communication/presenting online? How do you stay relevant? - Make a connection - Ask viewers how they are doing to establish a connection immediately. - Fill the screen with your face and upper body - This helps the audience focus  - Don't underestimate the power of good lightening  -Make sure camera is at eye level this gives the allusion of 'eye contact'  -"The background your interviewer sees needs to look as professional as possible. A cluttered space is a strike against you before you even open your mouth. "You'll be painting a picture of a disorganized person who lets things pile up," says Bill Horne of  William Warren Consulting . (Week 5 learning materials) How to keep the audience engaged?  - Every 10-...

Online Communication and Public Opinion

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Online communication has transformed  our world because it allows anyone from anywhere to share thoughts and opinions, but also respond to others. Online information  also has the ability to spread rapidly. Not only are you able to reach many audiences, you are able to do so globally. However there are some repercussions. Because information  can spread quickly this also opens doors for misinformation and rumors to spread.  Furthermore, social media platforms shape public opinions, due to trends and the algorithm. Your feed likely aligns with you views which can strongly influence public opinions, because you are only being fed information from one side of the story. Because of this tailored content, your beliefs are reinforced limiting exposure to other perspectives. This also adds to further polarization.  Deepfakes and other manipulated content can challenge authenticity of many message. The spread of this content that contains visual...

How does Seattle Sound Transit Communicate Online

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Seattles main public transit agency is known as Sound Transit. While this company is headquartered in downtown Seattle, they went almost entirely remote/hybrid after Covid hit a few years ago. This government agency is composed of Microsoft team meetings, shared excel documents, and an email network chain that is larger than you can imagine.  Aside from the internal workplace online communication, there is also a large social media presense via the transit app and their twitter account.  It is essential for this government agency to report bus delays, train delays, and just about any other delay you can think of.  When you first log on to the website the first thing you see is the option to find your desired bus route.  Followed by updates regarding delays, route changes, and community events.  Towards the bottom of the webpage you will find a series of phone numbers if you need assistance.  I think how this website is formatted is very comprehensive and e...