Discussion 1

"Listening" Please respond to the following:

• Of the bad listening practices in Chapter 5, Section 2 of Communication in the Real World, identify the two practices you use most often. Next, share three ways that you can prevent or lessen these barriers.

• Suggest three reasons for using effective vocal delivery in a professional context. Next, consider two possible consequences of failing to use effective vocal delivery in a professional context.

Discussion 2

The two bad listening practices I use most often would be Pseudo-listening and Interrupting. A way of lessening Pseudo-listening wold be to periodically repeat what the speaking is saying, or ask questions. This keeps you engaged in the conversation and keeps the mind from wondering about other things. Making eye contact is another way to help prevent this bad practice, be sure to blink; otherwise you're sure to go into another world.

As an Interrupter, I am either bored with the conversation because it's taking too long to get to the point, I don't want to forget what I have to say, or I'm mad and just want to say my piece. A few ways of overcoming this barrier is to practice patience, pause, ponder, and pray. Write down what you you have to say, and speak when it's your turn.

You should use effective vocal delivery in a professional context so that you will be heard, understood, and respected as a professional. Failure to do so could cause you to lose your audience's attention. If the speed in which you speak is too fast, and you're not pausing briefly between your ideas, you may not be understood, or misunderstood. If there's no fluctuation in your pitch, your voice becomes monotone. This is a sure way to bore your audience, and your message or ideas may not be received in the way in which you intended. You might also be banned by management from speaking in a professional arena, especially if you're speaking to existing or potential clients.

Discussion 3

"The Court as Representing Public Opinion" Please respond to the following:

• * From the first e-Activity, identify two major issues between the juror's personal perception of the moral guilt of the defendant and her understanding of the legal issues in the case.

• * From the first e-Activity, describe key strategies that a judge would utilize in order to reconcile the discrepancy in perception of the George Zimmerman's guilt or innocence. Provide a rationale for your response.

Discussion 4

Maddy, Juror B-29 personally believed that race was not an issue because she didn't walk by color in George Zimmerman's case, but that she was forcefully included in Zimmerman's case because she was the only minority. In her heart, she knew George was guilty of second-degree murder because legally he showed extreme negligence. But, after nine long, hard hours, the jurors wasn't presented with enough proper elements of the crime or evidence according to Florida's law to prove Zimmerman intentionally decided to kill Trayvon so that they couldn't convict him. She felt he got away with murder and would have to answer to God. After the public's reaction to the verdict, Maddy said it was hard for her to sleep and eat, but the public needed to understand the choices they were given. She felt she let a lot of people down, especially, Trayvon Martin's parents and owed them an apology, particularly his mother, Sybrina Fulton because she was a mother too. For a judge to interpret the law, he or she must have access to all the evidence and control how things unfold during the trial, so he or she can ensure the arguments and evidence presented are factual to apply the law and instruct the jury properly on self-defense of the aggressor.

Discussion 5

"Supporting the Constitution or Playing the Political Game" Please respond to the following:

• * From the second e-Activity, discuss whether or not you believe Attorney General Eric Holder should have challenged the voting laws in the state of Texas enacted after the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. Analyze at least two (2) key issues related to Texas's new voting laws that the Attorney General highlighted. Provide examples of rights covered by the Voting Rights Act to support your rationale.

• Describe at least three effects that the proposed regulation of voting laws in Texas could have on the next presidential election. Justify your response.

Discussion 6

I do believe that Attorney General Eric Holder should have challenged the voting laws in the state of Texas. Mr. Holder points out that Texas has had a history of discriminating against racial minorities. I feel that his challenge of the voting laws will do more good than it will harm. With the person who sleeps in the White House being elected in this past election, there is sure to be many things that change for minorities and protecting our right to vote is of the utmost importance.Attorney General Eric Holder has stated that they will do everything they can to ensure that there are no laws that permit discrimination when voting.

In trying to regulate the voting laws in Texas, the next election could prove to have some struggles. Currently citizens are required to pay for certain documentation in order to vote. This, to me, makes no sense because in the state I live in, as long as you have registered to vote and can give the address to which you are registered, there is nothing stopping you from being able to vote. It is time for updates to many laws that allow discriminatory practices. If we are all considered American citizens, then there should be no issue when it comes to our right to vote.