The ABC's and Clouds?

We only had one class period this week due to the break last weekend! Two writing assignments were assigned to us last week that we were work on. It is funny, because I really do not enjoy writing one bit, but I actually enjoyed these assignments! With one assignment, we practiced writing paragraphs applying the CLOUD principle:

• Coherent
• Length
• Organization
• Unity
• Development

Our other assignment was to write a business memo applying OABC:

• Opening
• Agenda
• Body
• Closing

I liked these assignments because I feel like I really understand this part and I can see the improvements in my writing already. I will be sure to apply this in the future!

As well as the writing assignment, I loved our guest speaker. I had many questions about internships that she was able to clear up and made me excited to apply for some in the near future! In addition, I loved how she spoke about interviews. I feel that job interviews need to be executed very well to get a job. She was able to help me understand a little more about what I need to do. 

Lights, Camera, Action!

So, this week made me super excited! I am not going to lie; I am super excited that the grammar unit is over. One of the things that I love most is public speaking. This week was so great because that is what we really focused on. We had some great classes about how we can be powerful public speakers. One of my strong suits has always been talking and presenting to an audience, but after these last couple of classes, I have seen that there is still a lot of things that I can work on. That is why I am so excited! I can take a strong point and make it even stronger. I feel that this is something important because it is always used in the business world. 

As our book stated, you never know when you will be called out to give a report with little, or no notice. The class that I enjoyed most taught us how we can use the floor, eye contact, and hand movement to enhance our presenting abilities. We did some fun exercises that made me feel a little awkward, but helped a lot. In these next couple of weeks, we will start our presentations individually and in groups. I am excited to see how I can apply everything that I am learning and see the effects of the application. 

Ready. Set. Even if You're Not Ready, GO!

I believe that all of us are a little nervous for the upcoming exam. I am trying to decide if this week was more of a comforting week or a stressful one. It was comforting in the sense that we had a lot of review and practice for the exam.  However, it was a stressful week because I saw that I still do not fully comprehend all the grammar rules.  English has never been my strong point; therefore, all the nit-picky rules are a big challenge for me. Although this class will be a huge challenge for me in the grammar aspect, I am excited because I know that it is something that will make a big difference throughout my life.

Something I learned this week that I have always struggled with is the difference between the words ‘lie’ and ‘lay.’ In our textbook, I learned that there really is a difference; before I always thought they were the same thing! We use the word ‘lie’ when we refer to reclining something or somebody, and the word ‘lay’ when we refer to setting down an object. Two examples would be: (1) I am tired, I think I will lie down. (2) Can you please lay my book on that table?

With steps like this, one-by-one, I will slowly master an understanding of English grammar.  

First Presentation (Team Charter)

On Tuesday we presented our team charter. This was our first of many presentations we will do in this class. Of all the types of communication, presenting is one of my favorites. I love standing in front of a group of people to express and share my knowledge to others. One of the blessings that often goes unnoticed by members of the church is that in the church we develop great public speaking skills. We start to present ideas and talks when we are kids in the primary and will continue for our entire church career. Our presentation was really basic and went well. What I liked most were the evaluations that we did as a class afterwards. Professor Middleton introduced a method to evaluate our work that I really liked. By asking three simple questions we can do a solid evaluation: What went well, what should you stop doing, and what should you start doing? Throughout my college career I will continue to evaluate myself using these three questions.

Team Charter

One interesting thing that I learned this week is the difference between the words "whom" and "who." I have always had trouble knowing how to use these words correctly in a common text. The textbook explained this in a very clear manner that I will always remember when I have to decide which of the two words to use. 

Another interesting thing that I leaned is that using big, fancy words isn't always the best. We did a really fun exercise in class that made it pretty clear that short, to the point speech is more powerful. Professor Middleton taught us that we shouldn't talk in a way that people will understand, but rather talk in a way that people won't misunderstand. I feel that this is a simple tip that will affect the impression I leave in my work setting.

A Sigh of Relief

This post is called, "A Sigh of Relief," because it was really a relieving class period! We met up in our groups today and finalized the finishing details for our team charter by picking a name and logo. Having a group of 4 guys, we decided to name our group, "Brethren." We also designed our group logo on paper and JD did an excellent job making it a reality. 

Another sigh of relief was that after another difficult grammar quiz, Professor Middleton informed us that the grammar quiz grades would not count towards our class grade. At this moment, everyone made an audible sigh of joy. However, these quizzes are still very important; they will help us prepare ourselves for the exams.

The other aspect of the program that I loved was the opportunity we had to ask personal questions to the class. We wrote down three questions that we wanted answered and asked them to our fellow classmates! This was perfect for me because one of my questions was how I can reach out to know more people. My professor answered me by telling me to do exactly what I was doing in that moment. I really liked her response and I will keep it in mind. To reach out, we really just need to approach people and talk to them. It is as simple as that! This will be something that I will continue to apply throughout my college career; I will take advantage to talk with others when I am next to them.

I am anxious to see what else I will be able to take out of this class and apply in my daily life.

And So It All Begins

Well it is hard to believe that I have started yet one more semester here at the glorious university of BYU. In 2011 I completed a summer term and fall semester in the engineering program. I finished my mission to Brasil on the 31st of December and will be continuing my studies, however I decided to enter into the business program. So normally the life of a returned missionary is a little strange, but I got back into reality as fast as I could. Some of the activities I have already done since my arrival two weeks ago are snow hiking, pheasant hunting, snow skiing, and taking classes here at BYU.

I think the most adventurous thing that i have done since coming home was entering into the M COM 320 class. I had my first day today, which i knew would be good because music was playing, and we got divided into teams. I am already loving this class because teamwork is something that I have always needed to work on. I'm really looking forward to finding my strengths and fortifying my weaknesses so that I can be a powerful figure in my work setting. This class may be a little tough in the beginning because i still speak English with Portuguese grammar sometimes :) I am here to learn, so that is what I will do!