Simply Speaking - National Communication Association

Simply
Speaking
The Official Newsletter of Lambda Pi Eta
October 2006
An Insider’s
Guide to
San Antonio
News & Notes
Deadlines
National Student
Officer &
Faculty Advisory
Board Nominations
http://www.natcom.org/nca/Template2.asp?bid=49
Applications Due:
October 28th
Chapter Renewals
http://www.natcom.org/nca/Template2.asp?bid=41
Chapter Reports
http://www.natcom.org/nca/Template2.asp?bid=42
Payment Due:
November 30th
2006
Convention
Grad School
Open House
Thursday, Nov 16th
2:00 - 4:45 p.m.
Convention Center
Ballroom C
Welcome Reception
Friday, Nov 17th
Beginning at 6 p.m.
Convention Center
By: Chris Johnson
Faculty Adviser
Kappa Tau chapter
University of TexasSan Antonio
Fun, spunk, and cultura coexist contentedly in downtown San Antonio,
the ideal area to indulge in the city’s immutable eclecticism and it’s all within
walking distance of the NCA meeting grounds.
By virtue of the lore we all know, the Alamo may be the heart and soul
of Alamo Town, but the River Walk (Paseo del Rio) is actually more frequented.
And along these bucolic banks you’ll discover San Antonio’s true mélange of
cultures: from the elegant pastel de tres leches at Rio Rio and suave Southwestern
sensibilities at Zuni Grill to the smoldering jazz at The Landing, enticing belly
dancing at Dolores del Rio, and deliciously decadent desserts at boisterous
Boudro’s the possibilities seem irresistible.
Street level, meanwhile, abounds with pungent salsas at Aldaco’s, jukeboxclassic burgers at Johnny Rocket’s, hard-core nostalgia at Hard Rock Café,
hot-ticket pastas at Spaghetti Warehouse, and fantastic fajitas at Rosario’s all
without warranting excessive wallet-padding.
You could also quell your cravings with the sensuous soups at ethereal El
Mirador, oh-so-cool green tea ice cream at the Marriott Rivercenter’s Hanatei
Sushi Bar, burly beef at magnificent Morton’s and Lone Star Café, or sultry
seafood at airy Acenar.
But diverse dining destinations are only part of the River’s allure. Inimitable
attractions are only a tamale’s throw away: The Tower of the Americas dishes
up a sublime panoramic view; you can even eat well at its flagship café, Eyes
Over Texas. Then there’s Rivercenter Mall; the IMAX Theatre; HemisFair
Plaza; La Villita (a “Little Village” of quaint shops and cafés), El Mercado;
Sunset Station; the Institute of Texan Cultures; and SA’s newest attraction,
Aztec on the River.
Notable nightlife hotspots include Polly Esther’s Dance Club (featuring
four decades of music); Howl at the Moon (with its rock-the-house dueling
piano show); and the Rivercenter Comedy Club. And while this is merely a
splash of San Antonio’s plethora of flavors, you’re sure to find more to the flavor
equation that awaits. !Muy sabroso! !Disfrutenlo! !Felicidades!
Article By:
National President
Kendall Anderson
National Vice President
Pam Braddock
Conferences Promoting
Undergraduate
Research
Annual NCA Convention
www.natcom.org/convention
Stephen. A. Smith
Undergraduate Research
Award
http://www.natcom.org/nca/Template2.asp?bid=46
Western States
Communication Association
Annual Conference
www.westcomm.org
Central States
Communication Association
Annual Conference
www.csca-net.org
Southern States
Communication Association
Conference
www.ssca.net
Eastern States
Communication Association Conference
www.ecasite.org
An Undergrad’s Guide to the NCA Convention
Conference Groundwork: Crafting, Selection, and Preparation
It is likely that before plans to attend the National Communication
Association (NCA) Convention even enter your mind, your efforts go entirely
to crafting a paper that will reach that level of professional research which is
a feat in itself. First, you have to pick a topic, and since this is going to be a
paper to which you will be devoting a large amount of time, it is important
that this subject is something that truly interests you. One idea is to take
advantage of a class involving an extensive research project, and take this
“required assignment” and turn it into a conference paper.
Your professors can serve as invaluable resources in the construction
process offering practical critiques and advice on how to make the paper stand
out. More importantly, your professors can be instrumental in the process
of making your research more conclusive and highlighting your significant
correlations.
It is imperative that you are cognizant of the acceptance deadlines,
different paper criteria and guidelines. NCA’s “call for papers” usually runs
from mid-December to mid-February and papers can be submitted online. At
the conference there are different divisions under which you can submit your
paper (including a Lambda Pi Eta section!). Since each division has a distinct
area of focus (and you can only make a submission to one), you should check
with a professor or someone in your department about which section best fits
your paper/proposal.
Before submitting, ask your professors, family, and friends to look
over your paper because they are able to evaluate with an unbiased eye. You
will find out within a couple of months if your paper has been accepted.
When you submit to any professional conference, including NCA, this implies
that should your paper be accepted, you are planning to register for the
conference, pay the appropriate fees, and appear at the scheduled time and
place to present.
Let’s assume and hope that after all of your hard work, you’ve been
accepted. Way to go! After a paper is presented at the NCA conference, it
is considered a serious scholarly work in that it can be cited and used in any
publication written by students and scholars. This is a great accomplishment
for anyone, and especially for an undergraduate.
Now you have to get started on your presentation. You should find
out if the room you will be presenting in is equipped with a computer and/or
overhead and as always, be prepared for anything. Create a short, concise
presentation that your audience will be able to follow along with easily. Don’t
rely on a PowerPoint presentation or something electronic, instead create
handouts that you can place on a projector and/or pass out to your audience.
Outlines or short handouts are a great way to set up your paper. Have a
professor help you highlight the key points of your research, your significant
results, and your main ideas. A good presentation should last between six to
eight minutes, thus leaving plenty of time for questions from your captivated
audience. It’s a good idea to think of possible questions that your audience
will ask, so that you can construct well-thought out answers. Practice, practice,
practice!
“The Conference Experience” continued on page 4
Chapter Spotlight
Each edition of Simply
Speaking will feature a
chapter that is making
a contribution to its
school and community by
actively demonstrating
the goals of the honor
society.
Submit nominations to:
sbaker@natcom.org
Please include:
1.) Contact Information
2.) School Name
3.) Chapter Name
4.) A description of the specific
activities initiated by the chapter
and how they contribute to the
goals of LPH.
5.) Photos (if available)
Adviser Spotlight
Each edition of Simply
Speaking will feature an
adviser who is making
a contribution to his/
her LPH chapter by
encouraging the purposes
of the honor society.
Submit nominations to:
sbaker@natcom.org
Please include:
1.) Adviser Name and Contact
Information
2.) School Name
3.) Chapter Name
4.) A description of the specific
activities initiated by the adviser
and how he/she contributes
Kappa Tau to Serve as Convention Host
The Kappa Tau chapter at the University of Texas – San Antonio
will serve as the NCA student organizations host chapter for the 2006 annual
convention. Kappa Tau was founded at UTSA in 2000 and has been an active
on campus for the past six years.
To celebrate the NCA convention in San Antonio, the chapter is
sponsoring walking tours of the River Walk led by student members and held in
conjunction with the welcome reception Friday, November 17. The reception
will begin at 6 pm in the Convention Center with a Tex-Mex appetizer buffet
and drinks. Tours will begin at 7 pm and run in 15 minute intervals.
The new member and
officer induction ceremony
is a signature event for the
chapter. Parents, siblings,
and friends are invited to
attend and catch a glimpse
of the educational experience
students receive at UTSA.
Faculty adviser Carol AdamsMeans enjoys this opportunity
to learn more about the
Faculty Adviser Carol Adams-Means with
student members through
members of the Kappa Tau chapter at the spring
induction ceremony.
their family interactions.
Adviser Spotlight: Carol Adams-Means
Carol Adams-Means became the faculty adviser for the Kappa Tau
chapter when she joined the communication department at UTSA in the fall of
2003. As a mentor to students throughout her 22 year career in higher education,
Adams-Means was recruited by the department head after learning that she
had been a member of another Greek letter organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority.
Adams-Means has advised numerous student media and community
organizations as well as
three years with Kappa
Tau and offers the
following advice to new
advisers:
• Nurture
leadership
potential by preparing
student successors to
graduating officers.
• Remain open to student member suggestions.
• Have new officers in
place by spring semester.
• Explore websites and
Kappa Tau faculty advisers Carol Adams-Means and
listservs for organiChristopher Johnson at the chapter’s spring induction
zational communicaceremony.
tion.
Convention
Guess
Who Is a
Communication
Scholar
Activities
Too?
Thursday, Nov 16
• John Quincy Adams
GraduateofSchool
6th President
the US
Open
House
Taught Rhetoric @ Harvard
2:00 - 4:45 pm
Convention Center
• Evan Bayh
Ballroom C
Indiana Senator
LPH
Ethics
studied
debate
& Panel
comm
“Should I Quote This?
Indiana
University
Examining
the Intricacies
of Plagiarism in Public
Speaking”
• Bob Costas
3:30
4:45
pmHost
Sportscaster- &
News
Convention
Center
Bachelor’s
in Public
Room
008 B
Communication
Syracuse
University
Friday,
Nov 17
NCA Student
Organizations Welcome
Reception
6:00 pm
Convention Center
* Source: Kevin Gillen and Alec Hosterman
Indiana University South Benf
LPH Paper Sessions
12:30 - 1:45 pm
2:00 - 3:15 pm
Marriott Riverwalk
Salon E
Saturday, Nov 18
LPH Paper Sessions
12:30 - 1:45 pm
2:00 - 3:15 pm
Hilton Palacio Del Rio
Salon Del Ray Central
LPH Business Meeting
3:30 - 4:45 pm
Convention Center
Room 217 A
LPH Awards Ceremony
5:00 - 6:15 pm
Convention Center
Room 003 B
An Undergrad’s Guide to the NCA Convention
The Conference Experience
Attending the NCA convention is an especially exciting time
for an undergraduate. After time and effort you’ve put into your paper,
presentation, and fundraising (because after all, we’re college students),
you are finally able to present a piece of work that not only you, but your
school, honor society, and colleagues, can be proud of. On top of that, you
get to attend insightful workshops, seminars, panels, and a student favorite,
mingling at the receptions.
As you enter the convention venue, you may be shocked and, even
feel intimidated. There are people everywhere, tables for people who preregistered or still need to, and signs everywhere. At the same time, all of the
commotion gives off a surprisingly fun and exhilarating feeling.
After settling in, open the program and decide on your convention
schedule. You know when you are presenting, but what are you going to
do for the remainder of the time? Figure out what is going to help you to
gain the most out of this experience. Locate panels and workshops relating
to topics that interest you. Talk to students and professors and find out
when the receptions are in the evening. Plan a few hours to explore the city
outside of the convention venue. And most importantly, leave enough time
to get a good night’s sleep. With your days starting as early as 8 am, don’t
forget to rest and relax!
When it comes time to present your paper, there is no reason to
feel anxious. Everyone in attendance is supportive of you and intrigued
by your research, otherwise they wouldn’t be there! Bring handouts for the
audience that summarize the main points of your presentation, and speak
loudly and clearly for them. Some students have no problem presenting
their paper, but get nervous when it comes time for the Q&A. Try your
best to handle the questions with confidence, even when you may not be
sure of the answer. If your mentor or professor is there, don’t be afraid to
ask him or her to elaborate. In the end, it is another experience in public
speaking, and the practice can only help you.
Last, but not least, there are the receptions in the evening. If you
have any desire to go to graduate school, you should be at the parties. Even
if you are not sure about graduate school, it is a great chance to connect
with scholars in fields that interest you, as well as an opportunity to make
connections. Remember to bring your “business” cards to hand out. Also,
do not be shy about approaching people or asking to be introduced to the
director of the communication studies department at the school you hope
to attend. When you are speaking to a faculty member or student from a
grad school, ask them about their school and department and inquire about
the recent research in which they have been engaged. Ask questions and be
genuine. Show them just how interested you are in the field and leave them
with an impression that will make it hard for them to forget you when it
comes to admissions time.
There is so much you can take away from the NCA convention. It’s
not just about presenting a paper; it can help launch your future. Make the
most of the experience and enjoy yourself while you are there!
See you in San Antonio!
Famous Students of
Communication*
Ray Allen
Pro Basketball Player
Communication Major
Univ of Connecticut
Brooke Burke
TV Personality
Broadcast Journalism
UCLA
Brandi Chastain
Soccer Player
B.A. TV & Comm
Santa Clara University
* Source: Kevin Gillen and Alec Hosterman
Indiana University South Bend
LPH to Participate in Welcome Reception
The national office of NCA student organizations is sponsoring a
welcome reception for student members and faculty advisers Friday, November 17th beginning at 6 pm in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center,
Room 001.
In recognition of San Antonio creating this site for connection, an
appetizer buffet of Tex-Mex cuisine and drinks will be served. Student members of the Kappa Tau chapter of LPH will host walking tours of the famous River Walk so attendees can get a local’s glimpse of the city.
Students interested in learning about communication graduate programs can link up with graduate student ambassadors who can provide insight on programs, areas of study, and a day
in the life perspective.
An graduate school
information table will
compliment the mission of the ambassadors.
Students and
advisers should not
pass up this opportunity to interact with
Attendees mingle at the first student organizations
other chapters and
reception held during the 2005 convention. This
year’s event will build on the success of last year and
experience the cuisine
offer more connections and opportunities for student
and culture of San
members and faculty advisers.
Antonio.
Community Communication
Want to share an
opportunity with
the Lambda Pi Eta
community?
• The Master’s of Communication and Information Studies program
(MCIS) prepares people for careers in broad range of professions such
as management, human relations, and corporate communication, to
name a few. The program particularly stresses development of the ability
to critically evaluate results and anticipate unforeseen by-products of
communication and information processes and technologies. For more
information about the MCIS program, communication faculty, and the
School of Communication, Information, and Library Studies in which
MCIS is offered, please visit: www.scils.rutgers.edu.
Submit announcements
to sbaker@ natcom.org • Penn State University will offer a 7 week study-abroad program in
Rome during the summer of 2007. The International Program in
Communication Arts & Sciences offers an opportunity for students to
explore contemporary Rome while taking courses in Italian film, the
rhetoric of travel and tourism, and the arts and architecture of Rome
and Italy. Classroom work is enhanced by guided explorations in Rome
and throughout Italy, so that students may experience for themselves the
complex layering of history, art, and culture that has drawn travelers to
Rome for centuries as pilgrims and tourists.
www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/t/3/t3b/projects/Rome%202007/rome2007.htm