Out of Class - Hip Pocket Speech - The VivaScope 3000

For my out of class speech I decided to give a technological informative speech to my staff at work.  I chose this venue because the technology I wanted to speak about would be useful to both specialties in the clinic I manage, dermatology and plastic surgery.  My staff is made up of women ages 25 to 58 with a wide range of medical experience and responsibilities in the clinic.  We had front desk personnel, medical assistants, and OR techs.  The technology I chose to inform them about is called VivaScope 3000.  I started out by explaining that it is a new class of imaging technology that enables physicians to review tissue in real time on a cellular level.  The images look much like an ultrasound and the hand held devise can be moved over the lesion or rash in order to view all the cells involved.  The images can be captured and stored so they can be reviewed at a later day and analyzed for changes over time.  I explained that the hand-held microscope, allows the physician to image hard to access areas of the skin such as around the nose, scalp, eyes, and behind the ears.  Lips and gums, hair follicles and pores can also be imaged.  I had slides in my presentation of the devise and the types of lesions it is beneficial in imaging and actual picture of the lesions.  The slides showed pictures of hard to reach areas being targeted by the VivaScope 3000.  I talked about the specs of the compact, portable devise and the capabilities it has as to skin depth and image resolution.  The doctors for both specialties see a great deal of suspicious lesions in clinic and this devise would be helpful in diagnosing lesions without biopsies.  The devise would also be helpful when lesions are excised because the entire lesion and depth could be seen before the first cut is ever made.

I handed out a survey before the presentation which they filled out and returned to me afterwards.  I asked them to score me on the following things; how clearly I spoke, the rate of speech, the presentation being clear and informative, did I explain the new technology in a clear and understandable manner, did I make eye contact with the audience, and was the presentation helpful.  I received good scores on all the above, but could have improved the clarity of the information.(There was a lot of technical information that was confusing.)  I think next time, I would use less technical terms to explain the devise so all can understand.  The best thing that came out of this presentation was a great discussion afterward among the staff.  We discussed how this devise could be used in clinic and what benefits we could see as the possible outcome.  We also discussed other technology on the market and compared the devises to each other.  It was a great discussion and not something we would usually talk about as a staff.  I think it got them thinking about what is out there as far as new medical technology.

Marwell & Schmitt's Influence Tactics - Punishment - Bill Gates; The Next Outbreak? We're Not Ready

I like to hear the opinions of men like Bill Gates because I feel like they have a global view of what is going on in our world much more than I do.  I don't travel the world or have relationships with the movers and shakers of the world.  My influence is limited to a very local, personal level.  Yet, what happens on a global scale could impact us all.

Bill Gates' talk on the possibilities of the next outbreak is a good example of Marwell & Schmitt's Influence Tactic of punishment.  You get the feel for where this talk is going through the title and you understand that there will be punishment and fear woven through his speech.

Mr. Gates begins with a story from the past of the fear of a nuclear attack and the measures put into place to deter such an attack.  He believes that the next event that will kill millions of people won't be a nuclear weapon but a micro-organism for which we have built no defense system.  We are not ready for the next epidemic.  He then goes on to tell of other epidemics and the loss of human life attached to each.  He talks about the measure that could have been in place to help with such an event, measures that are still not being implemented.  He calls this a global failure.

Mr. Gates alludes to the hollywood version of an epidemic where handsome scientist move in and save the day and he warns that that would not be the case in real life.  He warns that the failure to prepare could allow the next epidemic to be dramatically worse that the recent Ebola outbreak.  He mentions bio-terrorism as a means to spread a virus as well as the mobile nature of society today. He shows a model of how the Spanish Flu spread worldwide killing over 33 million people in less than one year back in 1918.  This gives proof and credibility to his current epidemic fears.

Mr. Gates next talks about all the tools we currently have to build a defense system against the next outbreak.  He appeals to our sense of being overwhelmed by the enormity of this defense system by making it sound like it is something we have the tools for and can do right now.  He compares preparing for an epidemic like we prepare for war.  Mr. Gates believes the cost for developing this defense system could be very small compared to the potential harm such an epidemic would cause. He warns that time is not on our side so we need to get going.

Mr. Gates believes that if we start now we can be ready for the next epidemic.  The punishments for not being prepared for the next epidemic will be a catastrophic loss of life, trillions of dollars lost to the global economy, and millions more in debt.  He uses easy to understand statistics which appeal to his audience on a cognitive level.  His use of a personal story from his childhood helps with the affective consequence and puts his audience in touch with what he is saying on a affective level.

Mr. Gates uses process premises skillfully as he appeals to our need to feel safe and to feel a sense of power.  The main emotion he uses is fear, fear to motivate us to avoid the eventual and absolute consequences.  He is skillful in his use of attitudes as he describes the attitudes of the past generations and the need to shift our attitudes to the current threats of the world.  He employes cognitive dissonance as he talks about the economic loss and the uncertainty of predictions of future events. At the same time, he gives his audience the sense that we can do this, we can avoid this future disaster and develop a defense plan that will ensure our security and reward us with victory over this invisible threat.

Reich's Cultural Parable of The Mob at the Gates

President Ronald Reagan gave an inspiring speech at a Veteran's Day celebration that fits perfectly into Reich's Cultural Parable of The Mob at the Gates.  He speaks of how uniquely blessed we are because for so many years we, Americans, "have achieved so much and prospered as no other people on Earth" because we "unleashed the energy of the individual genius of man to a greater extent than has ever been done before" and we assure the "freedom and dignity of the individual" more here than in any other place on Earth.  Sounds like a beacon of light to the world and an island of freedom, the hope of the world.

President Reagan talks about the price of peace and the heroes that lay among the simple white markers on the sloping hills of Arlington National Cemetery and the places around the world where their lives ended defending the freedom and peace of this nation.  He speaks of a young soldier in World War I who felt an enormous responsibility to do whatever he could to ensure that America won that war and thus held back the forces of darkness that sought to overwhelm and destroy us.  He goes on to talk about our most powerful weapon, the will and moral courage of our men and women. He says it is a weapon we, as American's, possess and our advisories don't have.

President Reagan warns our enemies that we will not surrender or give up our freedom, which gives you a sense that we are vulnerable to attack from outside dark forces.  The speech gives you a sense of pride, but at the same time, a sense that the rest of the world is trying to bring America down and take away everything we hold dear.  You get the sense that, although we are exceptional and can ultimately win, we will always have to defend our freedom and peace.

Process Premises
The speech from President Reagan has many process premises starting with ego-gratification as a mighty American nation and a sense of power and roots.  He helps us feel safe and secure as part of this group and gives us a sense of belonging, esteem and safety.  He gives you a sense of pride in what has been accomplished and in the individuals who have helped us reach those heights of achievement.  I think there is a little fear mixed in for those who would take our freedoms away and also some anger at the price paid for our national peace.  I found his speech very inspiring and very typical of that generation of America.  My parents are from the same generation as President Reagan and they had the same tone when talking about America.

Persuasion Application/Larsen's Myths - Rand Paul Presidential Announcement

I looked through many different political speeches searching for one that had more than one of Larsen's Myths in it.  My curiosity was searching for just how prevalent these myths are and their use in our society.  I have never followed Rand Paul, but I found that his presidential announcement speech held many of the myths I was looking for.  I also liked that he staged his announcement in his home state instead of some high profile site elsewhere.  I guess I think that the people who sent him to Washington should be the first ones to hear his announcement, he owes them that much.  Rand Paul seems different for usual politicians, he keeps a serious tone and seems somewhat uncomfortable, although confident, on stage.  He has a very courageous American spirit about him and doesn't seem to be posing for the cameras with smiles and waving to his supporters.  His persona makes you feel like you can trust this guy and he will stand up for the people.  He is speaks clearly and doesn't talk in circles that confuse the audience.  Interesting charisma.  

Rand Paul began his speech with Larsen's myth the presence of conspiracy when he stated that, "we have come to take our country back from the special interest. . . and the Washington machine that gobbles up our freedoms and invades every nook and cranny of our lives. . "  The statement implies that there is some conspiracy to take our freedom and control our lives and that we must save ourselves from this evil that has taken our country.  Quite an effective tactic.  His use of the word 'we' also implies that we are all part of this group fulfilling our need for belonging, according to Maslow.  It also give one a sense of fear and anger, motivating emotions, at what has happened along with a sense of power that we have the ability to change is happening, falling into place with Packard's compelling needs.  

Mr. Paul then uses the next of Larsen's Myths; the eternal return.  He states, "I want to be part of a return to prosperity, a true economic boom that lists all Americans."  Mr. Paul continues to use this myth throughout his speech as he talks about America's success in the past and his vision for a brighter future created with better jobs, better education, equal justice, protected liberty and security. One quote from him that supports this myth is, "America has much greatness left in her.  We are still exceptional and we are still a beacon for the world.  We will thrive when we believe in ourselves again."  This rhetoric fits perfectly with the eternal return myth which refers to the idea that Americans yearn for and reenact better times from the past and seek to create new beginnings.  He uses Packard's needs again to give a sense of our worth, that we as Americans deserve these things, also a sense of our roots of a once great America.

Mr. Paul uses Larsen's Myth of the wisdom of the rustic in two ways.  This myth refers to America's heritage and the concept that Americans value humble beginnings and believe that difficulty teaches. He stirs memories of our heritage with the following statement, "We need to go boldly forth under the banner of liberty that clutches the Constitution in one hand and the Bill of Rights in the other." Again, giving us a sense of our roots and worth according to Packard.  He also uses this myth as he talks about the menial jobs he worked from a young age and the self esteem it gave him along with a sense of who he is.  He also refers to his two sone who are working the same type of menial jobs to put themselves through college.  His stories are his proof that difficulty teaches.  These stories also promote feelings of esteem from Maslow's hierarchy and teach us how to achieve motivating emotions of pride and happiness.

Mr. Paul also talks about his long years of medical training to become a successful eye surgeon and how he was influenced as a young child by his grandmother's eye issues that eventually led to blindness.  The idea of being honest and hard working brings into play Larsen's Myth of the possibility of success.  His honest desire to help people maintain or re-gain their eyesight coupled with his hard work from early childhood and in medical school to become an eye surgeon fulfills this myth.  The story of his grandmother also supports Larsen's Myth of the value of a challenge.  He says,  "My hope that my grandmother would see again made me want to become an eye surgeon, to make a difference in people's lives."  He goes on to tell of a medical mission to Guatemala where they operated on 200 people restoring their eyesight.  Truly the challenge of watching his grandmother go blind and the motivation to help others avoid this same fate proved a valuable challenge and benefited the lives of many others.  His ability to help so many people fits with the ego-gratification of Packard's compelling needs and Maslow's hierarchy of self actualization and esteem.

Mr. Paul ends his speech with Larsen's Myth of the coming of a Messiah.  He states that he has come to "rescue a great country now adrift" and that with "God's help" and the help from "liberty lovers everywhere" he is putting himself forward as a candidate for the president of the United States of America.  He puts a pretty messianic spin on his desires and abilities, but we have come to expect this from our politicians.  Throughout his speech, Mr. Paul makes his audience feel like they are part of his solution for what ales the nation.  He is very effective in using Packard's sense of worth, sense of power and Maslow's sense of belonging.  He has a great ability to make you want to jump on board and become part of the messianic solution.

Mr. Paul creates cognitive dissonance with his audience throughout his speech as he talks about the contradictions that exits in our present world such as; Washington is broken but they control our lives, a weak military who are supposed to protect us, giving millions of dollars of foreign aide to countries who hate us and burn our flag, a government who is monitoring our computer and phone records without cause, and American companies taking jobs overseas due to high taxes of doing business here while there are many Americans without jobs.  These contradiction cause the loss of group prestige, economic loss, loss of personal prestige and uncertainty of prediction.  Again, causing the audience to feel anger, fear and insecurity and motivating them to want to feel power, worth and safety.  Mr. Paul gave a very effective speech.

Monica Lewinsky: The Price of Shame. Filmed March 2015

I found this speech on Ted Talks.  Ms Lewinsky has become a very articulate, confident women.  I was very impressed with her talk.  She began by giving just enough of her history for us to gain understanding into her topic.  Today is a different world than her world of 1998, when the scandal first broke.  She was able to articulate her experience in a way that we have never heard before, although somewhere deep inside we knew it existed.  This experience happened in-between the world of the internet and social media, one being new and the other not in existence yet.  Her description of personal shame, humiliation, and struggle grabs the audience by the heart strings and draws us into her world.

Ms Lewinsky then states her motivation for the candid talk by saying, "when this happened to me 17 years ago, there was no name for it. Now we call it cyberbullying and online harassment. Today, I want to share some of my experience with you, talk about how that experience has helped shape my cultural observations, and how I hope my past experience can lead to a change that results in less suffering for others."  Her motivation, in Dr. Fogg terms, is central to all human experience; to replace pain with pleasure, fear with hope, and rejection with acceptance.  She is trying to help raise awareness of this issue to prevent others from being humiliated to death.  She gives some statistics that are shocking and help elevate our motivation to put a stop to this public shaming and humiliation.  She gives recent examples of the prevalence of this issue in today's society.  All of this information creates understanding and helps the audience share in her motivation to be part of a change.

Ms. Lewinsky then talks about our ability, as a society, to change this destructive behavior.  She says, "the shift begins with something simple, but it's not easy. We need to return to a long-held value of compassion -- compassion and empathy.  Shame cannot survive empathy."  This part of her talk follows Dr. Fogg's theory by being simple, requiring no money, no physical effort, little time other than a shift in attitude, and no shift from routine.   She makes it sound simple and do-able to turn this negativity around.  She reinforces this action with her own experience of how empathy from others saved her and helped her rebuild her self-esteem and eventually her life.  She also names several organizations around the world that are engaged in trying to change this destructive trend of cyberbullying, which helps the audience feel that they are not alone in this effort but have support and acceptance from others across the globe.

Ms. Lewinsky ends with the third part of Dr. Fogg's theory, the trigger or call to action.  She invites us all to help create a safer and better world with more compassion online and in our everyday lives. This taps into our basic human need to be safe and to be accepted in society.  She received a standing ovation and exited the stage having let a powerful message behind.

It's all about the balance!

Let the balancing act begin!

Amazing employee at the Costco in Orem, Ut.   I watched this guy balance this 

watermelon on his head for almost 10 minutes while checking out customers!!