Question CMJR 205.

1. Having read chapter 11 about Active Language is very interesting; especially Burke’s idea about human. Burke notes there are five definitions about human, which are the symbol-using animal, inventor of the negative, separation, hierarchy, and perfection. The most important thing that really attracts me is perfection. The idea about perfection in human life is questionable for me. Aristotle said that “the universe is entelechial, with all beings strivings for perfection.” I kind a categories myself as perfectionist; however, as I read the chapter, I have question myself. Sometimes grades determine of our perfection. How can we do things perfectly? Is there any limit for perfections?

2. This chapter also discuss about symbols are the presentation about communication. From my point of view, I agree that communication is a symbolic process, because if we do any nonverbal communication, people can understand our meaning. For example, when we waiting in the bus stop and listening to iPod. Probably we don’t want to talk with other people. I just wonder what other people think about this. So, what are you thinking about the idea that communication is all about symbol? Is it symbol that represent communication?

3. Furthermore, Verderber wrote in his article that “informative speaking emphasizing message fidelity”. It’s about your way on how you make your speech effective to other. Verdeber said that source, message, channel, symbol, and feedback are important. And one important part is audience. Audience is the key element in speech, because they are the one who will give the feedback. What do you think about it? Is audience more important than other elements?