Professional Portfolio Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Professional Portfolio - Assignment Example Correspondingly, I would provide a structured portfolio of mine, where I will include a brief description of my educational platform, learning theory along with curriculum map and the use of tools that I have initiated throughout the course of my learning as an educator. Professional Portfolio Educational Platform and Learning Theory Education is one of the most vital aspects of growth for any individual. Understanding the value of learning as the cornerstone of a successful life, individuals from various age groups and demographics have started taking participation in the educational sector. In this regard, the role of an educator has become quite prominent over the years owing to their significance in forming the educational career of an individual. As an educator, I feel esteemed to be rewarded with the opportunity to assist learners in developing their skills and abilities with regard to their competent areas. Correspondingly, in my professional experience, I was able to learn th at an ideal educator is of extreme need to develop the skills and capabilities that might be in need to provide a proper learning experience to the students. In consideration to all these facets, I desire myself to be in a professional career associated with education. ... Additionally, with reference to my desire of becoming an educator will always intend towards maintaining an atmosphere, which will encourage maximum concentration amid the learners and facilitate effective learning in-turn. It would also be vital to mention that I am quite appreciative towards adopting proper learning theories that would allow me to have proper control over the learning capabilities of the students. As per my experience, adoption of effective learning theory is quite important to facilitate learners’ effective performance. Out of the various principles of learning, I prefer Readiness, which depicts that a learner can be able to learn more when he/she is physically, mentally, as well as emotionally deciphers the yearning to learn. Correspondingly, adoption of such theory requires me to create interest among the students by presenting the value of a particular topic or a subject matter. In my professional career, I also emphasize posing continuous mental as well as physical challenges, with the intention to keep the learners’ interests intact for a longer period of time. Curriculum Map and Assessment Strategy Based on my personal and professional experiences, I was able to understand that setting efficient curriculum is among the major needs in the field of education. Educational institutions all over the world have well identified the needs to develop an effective curriculum where learners would be able to perform better. Correspondingly, the role of an educator is also vital in such cases. I, as an educator, understand this particular facet in my role and ensure best possible contribution towards the same. I was mainly engaged with the Master of Education

Media’s Influence Essay Example for Free

Media’s Influence Essay From Congress to Clowns: Media’s Influence on Bow Tie Transformation The bow tie could easily be dubbed the ‘black sheep’ of the Cravat family. Its origins are none glamorous and it is rarely embraced, typically turned against and most often forgotten. It is noticed in only its fleeting moments of sheik or dreadfully offensive shock. Its history originating in utility and birthed from a distinguished sect was turned against with the advent of visual media. The bow tie was first seen in the 17th Century when Croatian mercenaries went to support King Louis in France (Pohl). To keep their shirts closed and to protect themselves from the elements they tied a loosely fit tie around their necks (Pohl). There is debate over whether the intention was strictly utilitarian; as long, lace neckwear was already a fashion in France there was likely some influence. King Louis quickly adopted the tie for fashion. He named it â€Å"La Cravat† and made it the required attire for upper class formal gatherings (Pohl). It continued its European trend and was brought along with colonization to America. The earliest bow ties were white and were worn for fashion and social class distinction. It remained in use during the 18th and 19th century, but was mainly isolated to politicians, lawyers and scholars as very formal and professional attire. Abraham Lincoln and many of our early presidents were often photographed wearing the bow tie reinforcing its representation of being a distinguished accessory. The first major shift in accepted bow tie use coincided with the changes in political ideology. A young America, wanting to distance itself from European classism removed the bow tie from accepted fashion practice. Outside of the very formal ‘black tie affair’ it was rarely seen. The general opinion of the bow tie changed as well, as it began to carry with it an air of pretense or snobbery. Warren St. John, a writer for the New York Times, describes this shift in thinking, To its devotees the bow tie suggests iconoclasm of an Old World sort, a fusty adherence to a contrarian point of view. The bow tie hints at intellectualism, real or feigned, and sometimes suggests technical acumen, perhaps because it is so hard to tie. Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, lawyers and professors and by people hoping to look like the above. But perhaps most of all, wearing a bow tie is a way of broadcasting an aggressive lack of concern for what other people think (St. John). This idea changed in an important way in the 20th century. After decades of a clear break from European influence the bow tie made a come back, but in an interesting way. It was still fashionably outcast outside of formalwear, but it became an icon for individualism. â€Å"A list of bow tie devotees reads like a Whos Who of rugged individualists† (St. John). Interestingly this new trend coincides with the advent and surge in visual media, via film, news real, magazine and eventually television. â€Å"Mens clothier Jack Freedman told the New York Times that wearing a bow tie ‘is a statement maker’ that identifies a person as an individual because ‘its not generally in fashion’† (St. John). The bow tie would never be ‘generally in fashion’ even with visual access, but media helped to mold new thinking about it as a symbol and defined opinions of those who wore it. Its casual use was adopted by outspoken and prominent politicians, comedians, broadcasters, and many animated figures. The influence from Hollywood and T. V. media would create an impression that would stick. In T. V. and film comedians and animated characters personas who wore bow ties were portrayed as goofy, awkward, quirky or nerdy creating a stereotype that modern bow tie wearers can’t quite shake. Characters such as Jerry Lewis’ Nutty Professor and Paul Reubens’ Pee Wee Herman have helped perpetuate it. It is possible that Hollywood as an institution and ‘protector of class’ may have created these characterizations in rebellion to the adoption of the bow tie by mainstream individuals. Simmel writes, â€Å"the elite initiates a fashion and when the mass imitates it in an effort to eliminate the distinction of class, [the elite] abandon it for a different mode†. Acting on the elites behalf, visual media created and exposed these clownish views to turn the style ‘off’, to make it un-fashionable, so it could resume class distinction (541). Like the black sheep that it is, despite its sense of folly the bow tie also leaves the impression of being quite trustworthy. Many highly respected leaders, lawyers, politicians and broadcasters have donned them and some have even been branded by this signature piece. Winston Churchill was known for his signature blue and white polka-dot tie. Charles Osgood for his trademark tie worn during broadcasts. That sense of trust could stem from the idea that these men are brave enough to ‘go against fashion’ or because ‘they don’t care what people think’ we trust them to be more candid and honest. Advertisers picked up on this trend and companies such as Chevrolet and Budweiser have included the bow tie in their corporate logos. They also reinforced this association of trustworthiness and honesty with their campaign slogans. In 1996 Chevrolet wanted its â€Å"blue bow tie to be among America’s top icons again†, so it created a series of â€Å"15 second spots featuring just the bow tie in unexpected places with the printed tag ‘Genuine Chevrolet’ and the narration ‘the cars Americans trust’† (Halliday). Budweiser also made this association with their ad campaign featuring just their red bow tie logo and the words ‘Budweiser, True’. Though the bow tie has made a dramatic shift in the 20th century from a symbol of class distinction and distinguished conformity to a symbol of individualism and supposed trust, the bow tie has not waivered as the staple accessory of formal attire. There have been some recent adaptations, again brought on by Hollywood celebrities such as the black button cover or black bolo tie, but when alternates are chosen they are typically mocked by mainstream media. Black tie affair still means black bow tie by all accounts. The sophistication and style has been reinforced by celebrities in photos or films of formal dances, dinners and parties. Representing all the glamour of classic Hollywood and associated with the debonair Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra. It has such a long standing tradition and symbol of what it means to be a sophisticated and classy gentleman that even Playboy picked it up and incorporated it into their bunny logo . In fact, Playboy’s use of the bow tie has in many ways taken the symbol full circle – the fantasy and money associated with having women and the ‘finer things’ in life really brings us right back to the ideas of class distinction and giving men something to aspire too. The bow tie has such an interesting history because essentially we aren’t sure what to think of it. Outside of its use as formal wear it doesn’t have a category or clear intention. Standing so far left of fashion it is one of those rare instances where those who chose to wear it really do demonstrate individuality and not out of a need for protest or desperation to be noticed. Finkelstein wrote, The basic irony of fashion is that it cannot succeed in marking the individual as truly different. While fashions may be touted as a means to be distinguished, the pursuit of fashion is more effectively a means of being socially homogenized. The historic success of being fashionable has been to provide a sense of individualism within a shared code, since individuals can look acceptably distinctive only within a restricted aesthetic. When they purchase fashionable goods that will distinguish them, they do so only from a range of goods already understood to be valuable. Having this understanding of fashion it seems to follow that one purchasing or wearing something un-fashionable truly is expressing their individuality. In the case of the bow tie it seems its wearers have less in common and that commonality derived by the observer has more to do with visual media’s attempt to categorize the wearer as something. Interestingly though, those known for donning the bow tie come from such a broad society base that stereotypes of general folly created by media characters do not really apply. However it may be that is exactly the point. When you can’t be categorized you will certainly stand out and in that case the bow tie, outside of the formal, acts merely as a signature piece with no real intention other than being noticed. â€Å"To be fashionable involves having specific knowledge about the value of goods. It is not sufficient to desire goods because of their utility† (Finkelstein). Clearly using the bow tie for the sake of the utility of being noticed makes the item quite un-fashionable, but maybe it is the individual outside of the fashion world who truly understands the value of goods. The bow tie is the ‘black sheep’ of the Cravat family, the outsider of the fashion world and that is its value. Visual media has changed its initial perceptions of being an item of social class distinction to that of a clown and yet despite its created perceptions those who choose to wear the bow tie outside of film and T. V. are highly regarded and trusted. Advertisers have picked up on this strange dichotomy and have even reinforced its credibility, but not to the approval of the fashion world. It is curious to think that the bow tie will ever become fashionable outside of its formal roots mainly because it has become something far more valuable than fashion. Works Cited Finkelstein, Joanne. â€Å"Chic Theory†. Australian Humanities Review. 07 March 2009. http://www. australianhumanitiesreview. org/archive/Issue-March-1997/. Pohl, H. â€Å"The History of the Bow Tie†. 05 November 2008. lula general articles. 07 March 2009. http://www. iula. org/the-history-of-the-bow-tie-16695/. Halliday, Jean. â€Å"Chevrolet ads seek to bolster image of bow tie†. 08 April 1996. Automotive News. Crain Communications. 07 March 2009. http://www. highbeam. com/doc/1G1-18451431. html. Simmel, Georg. â€Å"Fashion†. May 1957. The American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 62, No. 6, 541-558. 07 March 2009. http://www. jstor. org/stable/2773129. St John, Warren. A Red Flag That Comes in Many Colors. 26 June 2005. The New York Times. 07 March 2009. http://www. nytimes. com/2005/06/26/fashion/sundaystyles/26BOWTIE. html.

Developing Leadership Skills Using The Semco Case Study

Developing Leadership Skills Using The Semco Case Study Purpose of the report: The purpose of this report is to understand the relationship between Strategic Management and Leadership . The different Leadership styles used for identifying organisationss strategic decisions, the impact of the leadership theories on the organisatiton and the methods of developing leadership skills using the SEMCO case study . Introduction: In 1982, Ricardo Semler took control of Semler Company, a business founded and, until then, managed by his father, Antonio Curt Semler. At that time, the companys organizational structure, was as such of treating employees in a fatherly manner, especially by providing for their needs without giving them rights or responsibilities. A pyramidal hierarchy led by an autocratic leader. Then, Ricardo took over the relatively small manufacturing company from his father . And by renaming the company as SEMCO , eliminated all clerical positions,and implemented an insistent product diversification policy. Most observers predicted that these actions would wipe out the company. Leadership Styles: Leadership style is an approach of implementing plans, providing directions, and motivating people working towards the organisation. A leaders must be able to acquire certain strategies and must follow a certain style of leadership which suits the situation of the organisation. The following are the leadership style followed by Ricardo Semler and their evidence : Authoritarian Leadership (Autocratic): Authoritarian leaders, also known as  autocratic leader, provide clear outlook for what needs to be done, how it should be done, and when it should be done. These types of leaders take their decision on their own with little or no help from their subordinates or followers. There is also a clear distribution between the leader and the followers. The analysts found that decision making was less creative under authoritarian leadership. Authoritarian leadership is best applied to situations where there is little time for group decision making for a possible outcome or where the leader is the most knowledgeable member of the group. (Lewin et. al, 1939). While Ricardo Semler was in law school, in 1980s,his father Antonio Curt Semler decided to make Ricardo the president and then shortly left him for a long Europe vacation, saying only, Do what you need to do. When the senior executives of SEMCO insisted on waiting out the declining shipping industry, Ricardo decided to fire 60% of the top managers in a single afternoon. The departing executives wanted to return and while the frightened customers demanded their return, but Ricardo was determined and remained firm. Ricardo could not afford liquidation taking place in the company . Participative Leadership (Democratic): The democratic leadership style or participative leadership is a very open and its characterized style by having power and authority that is given equally among colleague of running a team. Ideas move freely and are discussed openly amongst the group. And discussion is relatively free-flowing. (Lewin et. al, 1939). SEMCO seeks the best by trusting their employees and to motivate them to apply their creativity in service of the whole enterprise. And to make some important decision related to the flow of work, which also includes the selection and election of their bosses. Employees are given a chance to express their feelings regarding the decision making process. Profit sharing also plays an important role in the organisation , which leads to very low employee turnover , and active involvement of all the employees. Employees are given a chance to select their managers which brings into good working condition in the organisation. Delegative Leadership (Laissez-Faire): In this leadership style the leader offers little or no guidance to the member of his team and leaves the decision making process on the team members, but the leader is responsible for the decisions made by his sub-ordinates. The leader allows the employees to take decisions if they can evaluate the condition and relies how the problem could be solved. (Lewin et. al, 1939). SEMCO encourages its employees to choose what, when and where they want to do it complete freedom is given to the employees for the task performance . About 3000 SEMCO employees set their own working hours and their salaries. Their supervisors are hired and reviwed by the subordinates. If the employees had spent Saturday afternoon in the office then they are encouraged to spent their Monday morning at the beach. There is no organisational chart as such in the organisation, no corporate value statement, no 5 year plan is implemented as most of the organisation does. The employees are not required to follow any dress code. There are no written rules or policy statements, as SEMCO is quite flexible. Impact of Leadership Styles: As Ricardo Semler followed the above mentioned leadership styles, the following are the impacts of these style on SEMCOs strategic decisions: The company has become more consistent and responsible. The turnover of the company had gone from $4million to $160million. Which is also considered as a highest growth. The annual sales had increased upto 24%. In 1982, there were just 90 employees working in the company, and by the year 2003 it went upto 3000 employees working for SEMCO. The overall staff strength has increased due to which the companys profit has increased. SEMCO has diversified into different business unit. The company has generated balance between short-term and long-term goals. The products are offered at fair prices. Customers are provided by variety of products and with a differentiated service styles. It had brought innovation and creativity. As it encourages every employees participation and the decisions are imposed from top-down management, good outcomes are brought due to motivated employees. 2. Strategic Management and Leadership Theories: Strategic management  is used to establish a mission, values, vision, goals, objectives, roles and responsibilities of any organisation. There are various theories to identify and to formulate the above mentioned points for an organisation: Henry Fayol Taylor Peter Drucker Mintzberg Functions of Management Scienticfic Management Techniques Five forces Roles Planning Establishing Goals Setting Objectives Informarion seeker, maintain inter personel contacts Forward information to others Spokesperson Organising Optimum use of resourses for meeting goals Organising the task Motivates and direct the employees Maintain informational links . Commanding Reward system for meeting goals Motivating employees New projects are initiated, identifying business developing areas Decisions are taken together during crisis Resources allocator who decides who gets the schedule, budget and priorities. Negotiator who represents department during negotiations with unions and suppliers. Co-ordinating Measurement of good oblectives Controlling Developing skills by giving training Trait Theories: In Trait theories people become heir to certain qualities and traits which makes them better suited for leadership. Trait theories often categorize soem behavioral characteristics shared by leaders. Contingency Theories: According to the contingency theory no leadership is best suited for all the situation. It depends on the variables which are related to the environment the determines what particular leadership suits the situation. Situational Theories: In Situational theories the leaders choose the best possible action based upon various situations i.e. depending upon the types of situation. There may be different leadership styles suited for different decision making. Behavioural Theories: In Behavioural leadership theory the actions of the leaders are not Focussed on what they are from their mental qualities or internal states as the leaders are not made but they are born leaders. Participative Theories: In this type of leadership all the employees are encouraged to contribute their input as a part of the decision making team for an organisation. The leader also retains the right to allow inputs of others. Great Man Theories: As great leaders are born and not made, this theory portray thar great leaders are mythic, heroic and who are always designed to bring up leadership when needed. Management theories(Transactional): Transactional theories are based upon the system of rewards or punishments. For instance when the employees of an organisation are successful they are rewarded, and on the other had if the employees of the organisation fail , they are punished at the same time. Relationship Theories(Transformational): Transformational theories focus upon inter personal relationship between the leaders and followers. These types of leaders help the group members to be inspired and get them know the importance. These leaders are focused on group performance , but at the same time these leaders also expect that each employees should fulfil their own potential. 2.1 Link between Leadership Theories: The Strategic Management and Leadership theories can be linked by using Mckinseys 7-s Frame work. The McKinsey 7-s frame work model involves 7 interrelated factors which are further categorized as hard element and soft element. Hard elements are easy to identify or define the managements as it is related to the Managers which includes Strategy, Structure and System. Whereas Soft elements can be identified or defined as these are related to the Leaders which includes Shared values, Skills, Style and Staff. Strategy:  It is a plan of action or a widespread plan to help create a competitive advantage which also involves the way of maintaining this advantage. Structure: It is a basic hierarchy of an organisation which helps to understand who is responsible for what and who is suppose to answer to whom. Systems:It includes the daily activities and procedures of the employees who are assigned for task performance in the organisation. Shared Values:  These values are considered as the core values of the organisational, mostly ethical values. Style:  These are the style adopted by a leader in an organisation. Staff:  These are the members of the organisation who are categorized according to their capabilities.   Skills:  This helps in identifying the basic skills each employees possess in the organisation for performing different tasks. 2.2 Impact of Leadership Theories on Organisational and Leadership Strategy:

Writing Your IEP :: essays research papers

Writing Your IEP 1. You’ll need several sheets of clean paper, and a pencil or pen. (If you like using a computer, that’s fine, too. So is a tape recorder! You can also have a friend take notes for you.) 2. Start by describing your disability.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is your disability called?  How does your disability affect you in school and at home? (For example, what things in school are harder because of your disability?)  What do you think is important for others to know about your disability?  If your aren’t sure what to say, think about what the students on the tape had to say. How did they describe their disabilities? 3. Look at your old IEP goal and objectives. Do you think you have met those goals and objectives? (This means you can do the things listed there.) Put a check next to the goals and objectives you have met. 4. What goals or objectives have you not met? Write these down on paper. They may be important to include in your new IEP. 5. What are your strengths and needs in each class or subject? Make a list. This can be hard to do. Here are some suggestions to help you:  Start with clean sheets of paper. Title one sheet â€Å"Strengths† and another sheet â€Å"Needs.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚    Ask yourself the questions between the lines below (called Ask yourself). These can help you think about your Strengths and Needs. Write your ideas down on your â€Å"Strengths† and â€Å"Needs† worksheets. Hints: If you’re not sure how to answer a question, look at the examples given. Also, think about what the students on the tape had to say. How did they describe their strengths and needs? What accommodations did they ask for? What did they say they needed to work on in school? 6. Show your old IEP to your parents and your teachers. Do they think you have met these goals? What gals haven’t you met? Add their ideas to the list that you started in Step 4 above. 7. Ask your teacher what they believe your strengths and needs are in each class or subject. Write their ideas down. 8. Develop new goals and objectives for this year, using the list of strenghts and need you and your parents and teacher developed. 9. Describe the accommodations you may need in each class to meet these new goals and objectives. (See: the list of accommodations.) 10. Think about your plans for the future what you’ll do after you’ve finished high school.

Food and Beverage Management Course

|TABLE OF CONTENTS | | | |TABLE OF CONTENTS |I | | | | |Chapter One: An Introduction to Food and Beverage Management | | |1. |The Concept of Management |1-2 | |1. 2 |What Is Hospitality Management? |1-3 | |1. 3 |The Manager’s Role in the Hospitality Industry |1-6 | |1. 4 |Categories of Managers in the Hospitality Industry |1-9 | |1. |Management Levels |1-10 | |1. 6 |Food and Beverage Management Functions |1-11 | |1. 7 |Job Description of Food and Beverage Manager |1-14 | |1. |Responsibilities of Food and Beverage Management |1-17 | | | | | |Chapter Two: An Overview of the Foodservice Industry | | |2. 1 |Foodservice Definition |2-2 | |2. |Distinguishing Characteristics of Foodservice Operations |2-4 | |2. 3 |Basic Elements of Success in Foodservice Organisations |2-9 | | | | | |Chapter Three: Types of Foodservice Organisations | | |3. 1 |Types of Foodservice Organizations 3-2 | |3. 2 |Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) |3-9 | | |3. 2. 1 |QSR Definition |3-10 | | |3. 2. 2 |C haracteristics of QSRs |3-12 | | |3. 2. 3 |Main Sub-Systems in QSRs |3-24 | |3. |Transport Foodservice |3-28 | | | | | |Chapter Four: IT Systems in Food and Beverage Organisations | | |4. 1 |Computer-Based System Definition |4-2 | |4. |Computer-Based System Components for Restaurants |4-4 | |4. 3 |IT System Software Applications |4-14 | | |4. 3. 1 |Front-of-House Applications |4-15 | | |4. 3. 2 |Back-of-House Applications |4-29 | |4. |Benefits of IT Systems in Restaurants |4-46 | | | | | |Chapter Five: Managing Quality in Food and Beverage Operations |5-1 | | | | |Chapter Six: Food and Beverage Marketing |6-1 | |Chapter Seven: Food Cycle |7-1 | |References |Iv |

Homiletics Definition and Examples

Homiletics Definition and Examples Homiletics is the practice and study of the art of preaching; the rhetoric of the sermon. The foundation for homiletics lay in the epideictic variety of classical rhetoric. Beginning in the late Middle Ages and continuing to the present day, homiletics has commanded a great deal of critical attention.But as James L. Kinneavy has observed, homiletics isnt just a Western phenomenon: Indeed, nearly all of the major world religions have involved persons trained to preach (Encyclopedia of Rhetoric and Composition, 1996). See Examples and Observations, below. Etymology:From the Greek, conversation Examples and Observations: The Greek word homilia signifies conversation, mutual talk, and so familiar discourse. The Latin word sermo (from which we get sermon) has the same sense, of conversation, talk, discussion. It is instructive to observe that the early Christians did not at first apply to their public teachings the names given to the orations of Demosthenes and Cicero, but called them talks, familiar discourses. Under the influence of rhetorical teaching and the popularizing of Christian worship, the talk soon became a more formal and extended discourse . . ..Homiletics may be called a branch of rhetoric, or a kindred art. Those fundamental principles which have their basis in human nature are of course the same in both cases, and this being so it seems clear that we must regard homiletics as rhetoric applied to this particular kind of speaking. Still, preaching is properly very different from secular discourse, as to the primary source of its materials, as to the directness and simplicity of style whi ch become the preacher, and the unworldly motives by which he ought to be influenced.(John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, 1870) Medieval Preaching ManualsThematic preaching was not directed at converting the audience. The congregation was assumed to believe in Christ, as the vast majority of people in medieval Europe did. The preacher instructs them about the meaning of the Bible, with emphasis on moral action. Just as dictamen combined features of rhetoric, social status, and law to meet a perceived need in writing letters, so the preaching manuals drew on a variety of disciplines to outline their new technique. Biblical exegesis was one; scholastic logic was anotherthematic preaching, with its succession of definitions, divisions, and syllogism can be regarded as a more popular form of scholastic disputation; and a third was rhetoric as known from Cicero and Boethius, seen in rules for arrangement and style. There was also some influence from grammar and other liberal arts in the amplification of divisions of the theme.Handbooks of preaching were very common in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. No one o f them, however, was widely circulated to become the standard work on the subject.(George A. Kennedy, Classical Rhetoric Its Christian Secular Tradition. University of North Carolina Press, 1999) Homiletics From the 18th Century to the PresentHomiletics [in the 18th and 19th centuries] increasingly became a species of rhetoric, preaching became pulpit oratory, and sermons became moral discourses. Less bound to classical rhetorical models, zealous fundamentalist and 20th-century homileticians adapted various inductive, narrative-based sermon strategies derived, respectively, from biblical models (jeremiad, parable, Pauline exhortation, revelation) and theories of mass communication.(Gregory Kneidel, Homiletics. Encyclopedia of Rhetoric, ed. by T.O. Sloane. Oxford University Press, 2001)African-American PreachingAfrican American preaching, unlike some of the straitjacket preaching of traditional Eurocentric homiletics, is an oral and gestural activity. This does not mean that it is not an intellectual activity, but in the tradition of African American preaching and the language of the Black church, the activity of the limbs contributes to the meaning of preaching by creating a dialogue with the self and the hearer. This is a critical, albeit ancillary, element of African American preaching and often helps to make the more substantive theological and hermeneutical ingredients more palatable because they become integrated into the whole preaching process.(James H. Harris, The Word Made Plain: The Power and Promise of Preaching. Augsburg Fortress, 2004)Active voice is more alive than passive.Dont use a 50 ¢ word when a 5 ¢ word will do.Remove unnecessary occurrences of that and which.Remove unnecessary or assumable information and get to the point.Use dialogue for added interest and life.Dont waste words.Use contractions where appropriate.Verbs are more alive than nouns.Accentuate the positive.Avoid the literary sound.Avoid clichà ©s.Remove forms of the verb to be whenever possible. Rules for Contemporary PreachersHere . . . are the Rules weve come up with for writing for the ear. . . . Adopt them or adapt them as you see fit. And with each sermon manuscript you write, pray the Lord will make you clear, concise, and directed toward the needs of your flock.(G. Robert Jacks, Just Say the Word!: Writing for the Ear. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996) Pronunciation: hom-eh-LET-iks