Effective Presentations

                Presenting is one of the most dreaded experiences a student has to endure while in school.  But being an effective presenter can be mastered.  The following two steps will ensure a great presentation. One, know the information you will be presenting on, and two, use a graphic aid to enhance the presentation, and not detract from it.

                   First, become educated about the topic which was assigned (Nardis).  Research the topic thoroughly and learn as much as possible (Russell). This will be useful not only for the presentation, but for questions that may follow.  Make sure that the information being used comes from reputable sources.  Nothing is worse than giving out misinformation.  Being prepared by knowing in depth information about the topic will put the presenter at ease.  Once research has begun and ample amounts of research have been acquired select three or four points to cover.  Trying to cover more information may overwhelm the audience (Russell).

                Second, strengthen the presentation through use of a graphic aid.  After research is complete, and main topics to discuss have been decided, layout can begin.  Remember to keep things simple and easy to follow.  Including too much text is one of the biggest mistakes one can make.  Instead of writing everything out that will be discussed, use bullet points for the main ideas, then expound on the ideas verbally.  Also, limit the number of slides being used.  This helps the presenter to not be rushed as well as helps keep the audience engaged in the information you are trying to get across (Russell). 

                Through researching and understanding the topic assigned, presenting will not be troublesome.  Using a graphic aid to support, not detract, from the presentation will keep the audience focused on what the presenter desires.  Next time when assigned to present in front of the class remember the two steps discussed above, know the information and use a graphic aid to support the main ideas.

               

 

Works Cited

Nardis, Rebecca. Principles of Effective Classroom Presentations. 2012. 6 November 2012.

Russell, Wendy. Presentation Software. 2012. 5 November 2012. <http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/classrooms/tp/student_tips.htm>.

 

Jessica Harrison

Blog 3

MWF 9:30

Google Docs for Group Work

Collaboration methods using technology have proven effective for classroom group work.  One method is Google Docs, also known as Google Drive.  Assigned group work has become more effective through the use of Google Docs. Collaboration using Google Docs is most effective in the following three ways; inviting many to the document for revising, using real-time chat, and saving the document.

What is Google Docs? “Google Docs is an online word processor that lets you create and format text documents and collaborate with other people in real time (Google Drive).”  Google Docs has similar features to Microsoft Word such as formatting documents. Similarities consist of adjusting margins, spacing, fonts and colors.  With Google Docs however, other people can be invited to the document for collaboration.   Real time chat is a feature for document writers to collaborate and edit the document. Each member is assigned an editing color that can be seen by others editing at the same time.  If a section of the documents has been changed and does not need to be revised, the writer can lock that particular section.   Google Docs saves after every change made.  A revision history is made for convenience to view any other versions of the document. 

Group work assigned in the classroom can be easily accomplished when using Google Docs.  Work is quickly and effectively done because all members of the group can edit at the same time from different locations.  To ensure that work is not lost, previous or current, Google Docs automatically save the document. For convenience use Google Docs next time a group project is assigned.

Works Cited

Google Drive. 2012. Google. 27 October 2012. <http://support.google.com/drive/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=49008>.

Business Take Responsibility

Going green is a common phrase used to describe the social movement regarding environmental concerns.  Large and small companies have caught on to this trend and are concerned about what impact they have on the environment.  Businesses looking to minimalize their impact on the world have not only saved money, but have increased the annual income. Two ways businesses can save money is through cost saving practices and healthier work environment.

                LEED stands for leadership in energy and environmental design.  LEED certified buildings go through a rigorous qualification process before receiving a rating (Council).  LEED certified buildings have less impact on the environment and although usually more expensive upfront saves the building owner/user money as well as makes the business money due to increased productivity of the employees. "According to the Green Business Bureau website, companies that promote a healthier workplace report a 20 percent decrease in the number of sick days used by employees.  This benefits companies through increased productivity and less money paid  out in medical benefits.  A healthy workplace can feature organic food selections in the company cafeteria or the use of environmentally friendly industrial and cleaning products (Joseph)."

Healthy habits a business can focus on will reduce the annual cost as well as benefit the company. "Companies that focus on reducing energy consumption not only help the environment, but also reduce their cost in the form of lower energy bills (Joseph)."  Carbon emissions are one practice businesses find effective.  Some companies have saved over $1.5 billion over a decade’s time through improving this single practice.  Another habit is “using sustainable resources and employing proper recycling and waste reduction measures can not only have a positive effect on the environment, but can also improve your profitability and your reputation with customers (An Australian Government Initiative).”

Businesses that care about their employees seek to create a better work environment, which in return benefits the business due to increased performance by their employees.  Simple environmentally friendly practices save companies money.  Taking initiative on the concepts discussed enhance a business’s image to all involved with them.  Businesses looking for success will embrace environmentally appropriate behavior and reap the rewards.

Works Cited

An Australian Government Initiative. n.d. 10 October 2012. <http://www.business.gov.au/BusinessTopics/Environmentalmanagement/Minimisingyourimpact/Pages/default.aspx>.

Council, U.S. Green Building. USGBC. 2012. 10 October 2012. <https://new.usgbc.org/leed/developing-leed>.

Joseph, Chris. Chron. n.d. 10 October 2012. <http://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefits-going-green-business-3225.html>.

What can Professional Blogs do for Your Business?

Professional blogs are beneficial to companies, their employees or customers for the following reasons; blogging is a convenient and inexpensive way to advertise and inform customers, as well as an effective way to connect back and forth with consumers.

Getting exposed to more business opportunities or customers is a way to build your business.  Blogging is a fast and accessible way for anyone to find out more information about your company and get informed.  A public company website might be optimized for terms that consumers search by, but blogs have started to appear in search results because they answer specific questions (Barrick). This enables your company to gain more exposure thus bringing you more business endeavors.  As you teach people about your company it shows you care (Sheridan).

                Companies can receive feedback easily from their customers as well as respond to their needs quickly through the blog.  “More and more people will ask you for guest posting opportunities—either on your site or theirs.  And as you guest post on other sites, you’ll be exposed to new audiences, opportunities, and attain more inbound links along the way” (Sheridan)

                Businesses have found blogs to be beneficial to their company because it makes a more personal connection between the company and consumer as well as providing information in a cost effective way.  Blogging is the fourth way people get informed on the internet. As a business why wouldn’t you want a professional blog so you too can receive these benefits?

Works Cited

Barrick, Jonathan. Crowd Shifter. 2012. 27 September 2012. <http://crowdshifter.com/2012/01/25/bigboldbenefitsofblogging/#.UGUD7Y2PV_c>.

Sheridan, Marcus. The Sales Lion. 2012. The Sales Lion - 50 Blogging Benefits that will Change Your Blogging Experience Forever. Website. 27 September 2012. <http://www.thesaleslion.com/business-blogging-benefits/>.