Touro Communication Club Notes #31

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The week’s events were punctuated by the sudden death of Tim Russert, the long-time moderator of NBC’s“Meet The Press.” The loss of Russert will be unfathomable in the current political campaign. A model for incisive questioning technique, he used his extensive preparation for every show to develop questions which both illuminated an issue and often highlighted his guest’s contradictory statements. Everyone interested in Communication could look to Russert to learn how capture the heart of every issue. We have lost a valuable teacher.

This week’s New York Times featured an extensive front-page article on perceived gender bias in the reporting of Hillary Clinton’s Presidential bid. Two volatile communication filters, misogyny and race, are important factors for us to explore further in our discussions.

Sunday’s graduation ceremonies at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, was a first at this premier location. With Dr. Lander introducing Congressman Charles Rangel coupled with the chewing gum and cell phones during the event , the graduation provides a rich opportunity to identify the elements of communication that operate during such experiences.

We’ll continue to watch. We hope you will too!

Here’s the upcoming schedule of the Communication Club is

Wednesday, June 18, 2008 – 1 pm - Club meeting –“Cultural Rituals” led by Lorinda Moore

After the discussion on Awareness and Memory, we thought about several topics, but chose broad subject of “Cultural Rituals.” This is a milestone for the club to have a student lead the discussion. First, we have to define our terms. What is culture? What is a ritual? Once these are clarified we can then turn to various cultures and their rituals. I’m sure we will develop an enormous list of rituals in different cultures. Then we can begin a discussion of how these cultural rituals impact the communication of the people within the culture. Sounds very promising! Let’s come out to support Lorinda’s leadership!

Wednesdays, June 25 }

Wednesday. July 2, } Let’s take a two week vacation to put our heads together.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008 – Debate – SPAR debates – finish debate video

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 – Club – topic to be decided

What happened on Wednesday, June 11– Analysis of Video of the Final Debate

With Richard Green operating his laptop, the group watched a high school debate on school uniforms followed by part of the Debate Team’s final debate on gun control. The debaters, Drani Gabu, James Millner, Olushile Akintade and Theresa Wright watched fascinated. Both Richard and David Nussbaum contributed while Hal Wicke led the analysis of the school uniform debate.

Theresa is working nearby and comes to the debate meetings during her lunch period. Now that’s a sacrifice! She shouldn’t get indigestion, however!

The video on the school uniform debate was helpful because it was divided into segments – constructive, cross-examination, rebuttal – each with general instructions as to the purpose of each. At many points, Hal asked Richard to stop the video to highlight what the debaters were trying to do. Uncertain pauses, choice of words, repetitive use of only one source, inefficient questioning, a lack of clarity in one position were among the many items that were identified.

In the video of the team’s own debate on gun control, Hal asked each debater what were the strengths and weaknesses of their presentations. This kind of detailed analysis is very stressful. Rach debater quickly learns to be objective about how their presentation appears. We’ll continue to work on these skills on our new topic and the improvisatory “SPAR” debate. Here’s part of the handout:

SPAR Debate (SPontaneous ARgumentation)

This is a classic introductory debate exercise.

Format

Affirmative (Pro side) opening speech 90 seconds

Cross-Examination by Negative (Con side) 60 seconds

Negative opening speech 90 seconds

Cross-Examination by Affirmative side 60 seconds

Rebuttal - Affirmative closing speech 45 seconds

Rebuttal - Negative closing speech 45 seconds

6.5 minutes

Procedure

Debaters step to the front of the room in pairs. One debater calls a coin flip. The winner may either choose the topic (from a list posted on the board) or the side they will defend. After two minutes of preparation time, the debate begins. There should be an on-deck pair of debaters preparing their arguments.

Possible topics

Honesty is always the best policy.

True love really does exist.

The male should always take the lead in the dating game.

All Americans should perform 2 years of public service.

There is life after death.

And many more unusual topics......

Join us as we try to promote more light than heat! See you next time. Bring a friend!

Hal Wicke