Debate Sources

http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/health/house-believes-womans-right-choose

http://www.choicematters.org/legal-abortion-arguments-pro-con/

http://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/facts/

http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/government-and-you/state-governments/state-profiles/washington.html

Impromptu Speech

I did my impromptu speech a while ago.  I did it on Dirty Cars.  It was hard to speak about this topic without sounding repetitive.  I think I did well on my non verbals, with using my hands and eye contact.  I think I went too informal, almost like everyday conversation.  I could do better on elaborating on my points.  Overall I think I did just okay.

Commemorative Speech Manuscript

Imagine moving to a new town and opening up a brand new business while raising five kids under the age of 10.  Starting in the grocery business, my grandfather was nowhere near the success he has today.  At the age of 84, he still goes into work everyday both in the office and on the floor. Being his granddaughter, I see everything that he has put into his business and family, and to both he gives everything he can.  Today I would like to take a moment to praise my grandfather Norm by showing you some of his qualities that truly make him one of my role models.

Brave – Starting any business at a young age means being in debt until it actually starts to grow.  My grandfather, like I mentioned earlier, bought a run down grocery store on Vashon Island in 1965 that practically nobody shopped at.  It was his dream to have his own business, and so he made his dream a reality at the mere age of 30.  He was brave to buy such a business with the risk that it might fail.  On top of it, he did it while raising a family with my grandmother and 5 children.  To this day, he is continually making major changes to the business – remodels, upgrades and competitive pricing, all of which he could take the safe route, but is willing to take the risk it if means potential greatness for the business.

Devoted – Without this quality, my grandfather could not have made his grocery store the success it is today.  He is still daily going in to Vashon Thriftway with his white collared shirt, red plaid tie and red, sometimes teal cardigan that he is known for. Even with 3 knee replacements, grandpa Norm is still stocking shelves and helping customers, even when he is on his way to go home.  There is no job at what my family calls ‘the store’ that is too menial for him. 

On top of all he does for the business, he still takes time for all of his family.  He and my grandma made it to most of my high school volleyball games, and the same with all my siblings sporting events that were on Vashon.  With 7 grandkids, there are too many hours to count of his time he gave to us!  And if 60 years married to a women who, ironically enough, he met at a grocery store, isn’t devotion, then I don’t know what is! In the summer, he will daily bring roses in for my grandma.  He still washes her car every week, even though she will go weeks without driving it.

Giving – Whether it’s the Graduating Class of 2012 or Vashon Island Pet Protectors, my grandpa never hesitates to give out of his pocket.  If an employee is ever struggling, he is the first one to help them out in whatever way possible.  That is one of the biggest things I admire about him, the way he gives to his employees.  Being an employee at the store, I see how much he gives to each employee, and not even talking monetarily.  He always gives anyone his time that needs it.  He even has Seattle Mariners Season tickets that he gives to different employees, barely ever using the tickets himself.  My grandpa is the type of person who even though strives to keep his business growing; he still looks to support other small businesses on Vashon too.  When the Liquor law was passed that grocery stores could start selling liquor, it was his decision to opt out of selling it because he didn’t want to intrude on the locally owned Liquor store. My grandpa has given his time and dedication to our country too.  He served in the Coast Guard for many years, and for as long as I been around, only buys American cars.  He gives so much to my family and relatives; it’s hard to put in words the extent of which he has helped us throughout the years.  Personally, I would not be here at Northwest without my grandparents.  Because of his hard work, he is able to give so much, and not because he has to, but because it is the desire of heart to give.  He is so giving that he still feeds the birds every single morning!

My grandpa Norm is the utmost example of these qualities. Brave in being a young entrepreneur, devoted to his family and his business, and giving to anyone who needs it.  My grandpa is so much more than these three attributes but I don’t have all day.  He is truly a man who I look up to and can say, I want to be like him when I get older.  My grandfather is the reason why I myself want to go in to the business field, and maybe pursue a career in the grocery business!  Whatever I end up doing, I know he will be proud of me.  But this is my turn to tell you, grandpa, how proud I am of you.

Commemorative Speech Planning Sheet

Topic: My Grandpa
Purpose: To praise, give thanks to my Grandpa, to inspire
Specific Purpose Statement: My specific purpose statement is to inspire my audience by praising my Grandpa Norm.

Attention Step: I will grab the audience's attention by having them imagine the situation my Grandpa was in when he started his business.
Credibility step: "As my grandpa..."
Central Idea: "Today I would like to pause and praise my Grandpa Norm by showing you some of his qualities."

Preview: "He is the definition of giving, brave and devoted.

Mainpoints:
-Giving (to his family and his business, makes sacrifices)
-Brave (Entrepreneur with a huge family)
-Devoted (To his wife, family and business)
     

Second Presidential Debate

Discuss Romney's delivery compared to Obama. How did non-verbal communication impact each candidate's persuasiveness?

To me, Governor Romney seemed like he was trying very hard to be a poised debater. By watching the debate, it was clear that the way Romney answered questions that he was trying to connect with each individual that asked questions.  I noticed this by his eye contact, hand gestures and also the way he acknowledged each question as a 'good' one or such.  For President Obama, he seemed by his non verbals to also connect to the people, but in a way that he was trying to make up for his last debate that did not go over so well.  Also watching him in the background as Romney was talking, sometimes he would smirk or laugh at what Romney was saying, just as Biden had during the VP debate.  When I see this I view the candidate as less respectful, which stood out to me last night. 

What do you think about the presidential race so far. Which candidate appeals to you if at all. Did the debate influence your vote? How will you vote and why?

Throughout this whole race, I have heard many people say things along the lines of, "We have to vote for the lesser of two evils." and "I wish I got to vote for someone, not against someone." which I think many Americans are dealing with these two statements.  I think this race has be very fiery and more about knocking down the other candidate rather than building themselves up to sow how they would be fit for president.  This is apparent even during the debates.  One example was when an audience member asked Romney how he was going to be different than former republican president George W. Bush.  Once Romney answered this question, Obama goes on to talk about how Romney is different than Bush- how is was worse than Bush.  I think that this last debate didn't move me either way, but I did lean towards the Romney/Ryan ticket because of the Ryan and Biden debate.  As of now, I think I will vote for this ticket, because I believe Romney can balance our budget, and I stand with him on small business.

Informative Speech Outline

Vashon Island

I.  Introduction

A. Attention grabber – I bet a lot of you have been on a ferry before, either going to Kingston or Bremerton, Downtown Seattle or Vancouver, BC.  Imagine having to take a ferryboat every time you wanted to go to the mall, needed a dentist appointment or to go to sports practice twice a week.  Living on Vashon Island for 18 years, I did just that.  I estimated that during one season of volleyball playing on a team in Seattle, I spent over $400 just in ferry fare!

B.  Today I would like to talk to you about the island of Vashon, located about an hour’s travel time southwest of Northwest University.

C.  Specifically, we will discuss the History of Vashon Island, some facts of Island life, and something that only happens on Vashon, the Strawberry festival.

II. History of Vashon Island

A.     Discovery - George Vancouver, named after his friend, James Vashon.

B.     Maury Island used to be separated, but now connected by an isthmus, all considered Vashon Island.

     C.  Used to be mainly economy of orchards and strawberry fields

     D.  Japanese Americans residing/relocation during WW2

1.    “Looking Like the Enemy” written by Mary Matsuda, about leaving her family berry farm on Vashon Island.

2.    Coincidently, Mary Matsuda was my mom’s best friend’s Aunt growing up, small island!

III.  Life on Vashon

     A. Population

1.  According to the New York Times, “the hilly, woodsy island has a population of just 10,000.”

2.  According to the US Census, Vashon is populated by over 90% Caucasians, only about 35% of residents religious, and of those 15% adhering to Catholicism.

3.  Would be categorized as “middle class”.

     B.  Livelihood

1. Small businesses – My grandpa owns one of the two local grocery stores.  If you come to Vashon looking for a Starbucks or Metropolitan Market, you will be disappointed to learn that Vashon Island has neither.  The only thing that comes close to fast food on Vashon is Subway, which in itself was a huge deal when it opened.

2.  The arts – Dance companies, art studios, Art Walk every first    Friday.

          3.  One school district - one of each school, some private schools

               a.  Small, 500 kids in HS

     C. Things to do

1.    Nature - beaches, trails, parks

a.  According to King County, “Island Center Forest is a 363-acre working forest and nature preserve that is managed to demonstrate sustainable forest management while protecting and restoring the health of the site's habitat.”

          2.  Vashon Island Golf and Country Club

IV.  The Strawberry Festival

     A.  Traditional since 1909

1.    Because of vast economy of strawberry fields

2.    According to the Vashon Chamber of Commerce, “In 1909 Vashon shipped more than 120,000 crates of strawberries.”

          3.  Always in July

     B.  Attractions

1.  According to the Vashon Chamber of Commerce, “Approximately 200 vendors sell crafts, clothing, jewelry, art and of course, delicious “Fair Food”.

            a.  Grand Parade

            b.  Street Dance

            c.  Vendors

d.    Carnival

V.  Today we have talked about many aspects of Vashon Island.

     A.  History of Vashon

     B.  Life on Vashon

     C.  The wonderful Strawberry Festival

     D.  I would like to leave you with this, if you have ever heard of Vashon         before this speech, you may have been told that it’s a crazy place, but I’d   like to tell you that the truth is just that, and if you ever need a place to explore on a weekend, I highly suggest to you Vashon Island.

Bibliography

Todras-Whitehill, Ethan. "A Trip Across Water, and Time, From Seattle." New       York Times. N.p., 30 Mar. 2012. Web. 06 Oct. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/01/travel/vashon-island-near-seattle-a-rural-throwback.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&>.

"Strawberry Festival." Vashon Chamber of Commerce. N.p., 2011.  Web. 06 Oct. 2012. <http://vashonchamber.com/strawfest/>.

"ISLAND CENTER FOREST." Island Center Forest. King County, 11 Sept. 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/trails/backcountry/islandcenterforest.aspx>.

Hughes, Marnie. "Vashon Island Has One of Lowest Vaccination Rates in the State." KCPQ. N.p., 01 Dec. 2011. Web. 06 Oct. 2012. <http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-vashon-island-seen-as-pocket-of-need-in-terms-of-vaccinations--20111201,0,5786007.story>.

"ESRI Data." ESRI. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 12. <http://www.arcwebservices.com/services/servlet/EBIS_Reports?serviceName=FreeZip&errorURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbao.esri.com%2Fesribis%3Fcommand%3Dzipcodelookup&zipcode=98070&x=0&y=0>.

"Washington." Justia. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2012. <http://www.justia.com/us-states/washington/vashon/>.

"2010 Census Interactive Population Search." 2010 Census Interactive Population Search. United States Census, n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2012. <http://2010.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=53>.

Vashon Island Speech Outline

Topic of your speech: Vashon Island
General purpose: Informative
Specific purpose statement: My specific purpose is to inform my audience about Vashon Island.

Introduction:
Attention step: Tell a scene from a festival on Vashon.
Credibility step: Living on Vashon Island for 18 years.
Central Idea: Today I would like to tell you about the history of Vashon Island, life on the Island and a special event called Strawberry festival that happens on Vashon each year.
Preview:
-History of Vashon
-Life on the Island
-The Strawberry Festival

Outline of Main Points:
I. History of Vashon Island
     A. Discovery - George Vancouver, named after a friend
     B.  Used to be mainly economy of orchards and strawberry fields
     C.  Japanese Americans residing/relocation during WW2

II.  Life on Vashon
     A. Population
          1.  20k in summer, 10k rest of year
          2.  Know from working at Thriftway; all ages, races, genders
     B.  Livelihood
          1. Small businesses
          2.  The arts
          3.  One school district - one of each school, some private schools
               a.  Small, 500 kids in HS
     C. Things to do
          1.  Nature - beaches, trails, parks
          2.  Vashon Island Golf and Country Club
          3.  Take a ferry ride

III.  The Strawberry Festival
     A.  Traditional since 1909
          1.  Because of vast economy of strawberry fields
          2.  Always in July
     B.  Attractions
          1.  Grand Parade
          2.  Street Dance
          3.  Vendors
          4.  Carnival