Reflection Journals

Reflection Journals 1
REFLECTIVE JOURNALS
By (Student’s Name)
Professor’s Name
College
Course
Date

Reflection Journals 2
REFLECTIVE JOURNALS
Week 1
Reading “Politics and the English Language” by George Orwell has made me realize that
language is more of an instrument for expression rather than thought prevention and
concealment. Orwell has argued about the utilization of vague language in political speeches o
brainwash and even confuse people to gain their trust. Orwell has not considered literary use of
language but has showcased how language is an instrument to express and not to conceal or
prevent thought. Orwell holds that the current political chaos remains connected to language
decay, and we can probably bring specific improvement by beginning our communication.
Anarchists and Conservatives use political language to make lies appear truthful. They also use
language to make the murder appear respectable and also to give the appearance of solidity to
pure wind. From Orwell view, I have learned that we cannot change all these improvements in a
moment. However, I can at least, change my habit to avoid vague language. I can also send
specific worn-out and useless phrases into the dustbin where they belong. An example where
language has been used to conceal or prevent thought when we use euphemism through inflated
style. This is using Latin words to blur outline and cover up all particulars by being insincere.
Politicians prevent or conceal thought by speaking to use using clichéd and lifeless sludge.

Reflection Journals 3
Week 2
Reflecting on question one after reading Miller (1992) and the sample essay by Karen
Rivedal for a University newspaper in the US at pages 7 to 11, I believe that the revised essay
following Miller’s criticism is more persuasive. This is because Karen seems to have considered
the comments of Miller in her edited essay. For instance, she has made the revised essay in
inclusive in terms of audience inclusion, including the initially excluded professor. Also, the
revised uses persuasive writing style achieved through rhetorical devices, which serves to appeal
to ethics, logic, and emotions and in the process, convinces the target audience.
Reflecting on question 2, upon reading “The Writing Process,” I believe that the author
comments on creativity remain well-reasoned. I agree with the observation that everyone stays
creative to a greater or lesser extent since each one of us holds a place on the scale of creativity,
between 7 Spielberg and a tree stump. Indeed, I like how the author treats the question about
creativity by saying that it should be viewed not as to whether I am creative or not but in what
ways is one creative. This is effective since it drives us to think about how to boost our creativity
and how much creativity can be employed to present public relation messages. I also agree with
the comments that people who say that one can either have creativity or not is wrong. This is
because it is indeed real creativity is never an in-borne capability, a gift, nor a knack. We nurture
our imaginations and learn innovative abilities.
Based on reading 3, I have identified specific valuable points regarding understanding
and engaging audiences taken from the article. It is time I bring such points to my tutorial and
discussion. The first relevant point is that as a PR professional, I have to account for the expected
“pulse” of the audience before the launch of any social media campaign. The next point is that I
must understand the capabilities of engaged social media audience because when I underestimate

Reflection Journals 4
them, I will only be exacerbating crises scenario. The last point is that it is not always useful to
use social media in PR practices.

Reflection Journals 5
Week 3
Reading Mustafa (2017) and Pollak (2017) about the US President announcing to
acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, I can reflect on my thought about how the issue is
framed. These news articles have some similarities and differences, and I have considered the
values being invoked or made salient. I can also reflect on how logos, pathos, and ethos have
been used in these two news article. Both the two news articles have presented the issue of
recognizing Jerusalem as an issue necessary for the peace process and the right thing to do. They
have both recognized the need to acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. I think the issue
has been presented more persuasively. There has been reasons or justification for the decision to
recognize Jerusalem in both news article. The similarity is that they are both talking about one
issue. Another similarity is that both news articles use rhetorical devices to persuade people to
believe that it is their best interest if Jerusalem is recognized. The difference in the two news
article is that

Reflection Journals 6
Week 4
After reading Neale & Ely (2007) and Smith (2017) articles, I have understood how to
approach my speechwriting task. I now acknowledge that speech has specific elements which
make it useful. I am more or less confident about some of these elements in planning and writing
processes. I am confident in using transitions in writing a speech. I have known several
transitioning words and phrases that can help me move from one point to the next. I am also
confident in making the speech simple, direct, and short sentences which are easily understood
by the audiences. Moreover, I am confident in using rhetorical devices, including repetition,
cadence, variation, and balance. I believe that these are essential rhetorical devices that I would
wish to incorporate in my speech. I think they are useful since they will help me emphasize my
points. For instance, I will integrate repetition to stress on my points to the audience. However, I
still face a challenge when it comes to the analysis of audiences for my speech based on gender,
age, profession, audience size, culture, occasions, and purpose of my speech. I have also not
been able to restrict my speeches below twenty minutes. The most insights from this week’s
readings and course content appeal to me for my speechwriting tasks have accepted the style of
contemporary American public address that must be natural, direct, low key, casual as well as
conversational. This is important since it will help me put the listeners at great ease and further
promotes a sense of community between myself as the speaker and audience. Another insight is
the use of imagery. I have realized that no speech can sound fresh and vivid when it is never
animated by imaginative imagery and metaphor.