Chapter 3 Reflections

When composing written messages, careful attention must be given to the tone of voice and articulation of words.  Most people like to brush through their writings without much thought.  However, the more clear and concise the writing is, the more likely it is that people will receive the outcomes they are looking for.  From the Chapter 3 readings, I found it interesting to learn about types of logic fallacies.  I know that I have fallen victim to using a large number of those fallacies listed.  The rooted concern with fallacies is when writings become too self-serving, and then as a result end up ruining the argument or informative statement in the long-run.  As writings develop, coherency is an important quality to search for.  In relation to coherency, I found it interesting that one-sentence paragraphs can be acceptable.  I sometimes feel as though my paragraphs have to be at least three sentences long, but this reading proved me wrong!  The Chapter 3 reading helped me in many ways while preparing my one-page memo (with OABC  format).

Chapter 2 Reflections

I learned from chapter two about valuable tools to help plan and outline messages.  Top-down approaches are my preferred way to outline a message, but bottom-up methods are sometimes utilized.  Of all of the strategies (between top-down and bottom-up) I am most comfortable with the tree diagram.  I use this method when writing professional letters, essays, and sometimes even journal entries.  It helps me keep my thoughts organized in a manageable way.  Another impactful lesson from the reading is the five outline tests.  Among the tests, inclusion and exclusion are probably my greatest weaknesses, although I don’t think that I’m terrible with them.  I know that I can be more mindful of both the details I should include and also the details I ought to exclude.  Lastly, I appreciated learning about the rhetorical strategies from Aristotle.  Logos and Pathos will be valuable to remember when considering the audience and tone of a message.  I naturally want to speak to the pathos when writing, so it will be a good challenge for me to try writing to the logos more.

Chapter 1 Reflections

As a dance specialist and therapist, the way that I communicate will be very key to making sure that students and clients receive what they need in the most efficient and personal way.  Detailed plans and articulate notes will be necessary, and they must be organized in a manner that will be useful for others.  Although a lot of the work I do will be independent, there will still be time for collaboration with others in my department and field of study.  It will be critical for me to not only provide accurate and clear information, but I will need to be capable of listening and receiving information from others.  By developing the right listening skills and abilities to work with others, my research and works will be more acceptable and tangible for recipients.  I will be working closely with people of cultural variances and those with disabilities.  My communication with these people must be articulate and holistic.

Personal Biography

Rachel Marie Kimball was raised by Richard and Venice Kimball in Spanish Fork, Utah.  As the middle of five children, she enjoyed playing with her siblings but also learned to be independent.  When she was five years old, she began taking dance classes at a neighbors studio, and her mother began teaching her to play the piano.  Rachel continued to develop her love for the art as she danced at numerous studios and explored other interests such as playing the violin, singing, photography, and writing.

Travel is another one of Rachel's passions.  Although she was raised to live frugally, she has been blessed to visit places outside of Utah and even travel internationally.  Rachel has traveled to international places such as Mexico, Canada, Germany, France, and Hungary.  Her favorite places to visit have been those where she was able to take part in the culture by living among the people and serving them.  She lived in Hungary for nearly a year and a half as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  As she lived in Hungary, she learned to speak Hungarian and bonded with the people as she taught them about the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.  This experience refined her abilities to work hard, seek learning, and to create healthy and long-lasting relationships with others.

Rachel is currently a student at Brigham Young University (BYU) where she is studying Dance Education.  Her time at BYU has given her opportunities to perform with different companies such as dancEnsemble and Kinnect.  She has been worked as a dance teacher at The Dance Conservatory and On Broadway Academy, and looks forward to teaching in the public schools after graduation.  Rachel would like to further her education by becoming a Dance/Movement Therapist and utilizing her skills in Psychotherapy.  She has a firm belief in the connections between the mind, body, and spirit, and knows that dance can be the medium through which people can strengthen and heal those connections.