The following scenario will enhance your ability to communicate competently in impromptu speech scenarios. As you watch the first video, recall what you’ve learned about keeping listeners engaged. Then complete the Your Turn prompts. Finally, watch the Take Two! video to explore how this scenario could have gone differently.
1. The Problem
Lily is a graduate student research assistant working with Bobbie, a marine biology professor. Lily is studying how small fish transport carbon dioxide from the air and ocean surface into the deep sea. One day, Lily and Bobbie unexpectedly run into Dr. Mike Snyder, the college president, in the hallway of their department building.
2. Your Turn
Observations. Reflect on how Lily and Dr. Snyder communicated in this scenario by answering the following questions:
- Which character do you identify with more in this situation? How would you feel if you were in his or her situation?
- Where were the missed opportunities to practice competent communication?
Discussion. In class or with a partner, share your thoughts about the interaction between Lily and Dr. Snyder and work to answer the following questions:
- Can you understand both perspectives?
- What could Lily and Dr. Snyder have done differently?
3. Take Two!
What if things had gone differently? Watch the Take Two! video to see one possible example of how the conversation might have gone if Lily and/or Dr. Snyder had communicated differently. As you watch the video, consider where the dialog reflects communication competence. After watching the video, answer the questions below:
- Did Lily and/or Dr. Snyder take advantage of opportunities that they missed in the first scenario? Which ones?
- Did their different actions result in a more productive encounter? Please explain.