One of the most difficult tasks in creating a video, writing a speech, or even blogging online seems to be getting started! Well, there are a wealth of online resources created to help you, it's just up to you to determine what qualifies as a "good" topic, and what is just garbage! In order to determine what a good topic is, you should ask yourself these questions:
1. What is the purpose of my speech/video/essay? Make sure your topic fits within the purpose or specific assignment. Good informative topics tend to include items from your favorite activities, recipes, etc. Good persuasive topics tend to include controversial issues, volunteer opportunities and major causes.
2. What do you already know about? Some of the best topics are those with which we are already familiar! Think about your daily activities, groups, clubs, etc. How can you expand on what you already know?
3. What would my audience like to hear/see? Remember that your purpose may be to entertain, inform or persuade an audience, so analyze the audience you will be targeting. What are their demographics? Interests? What topics might appeal to them? What information do you feel they NEED to know?
Where can you look for topics? Try brainstorming your own interests first. If you are still stuck, pick up a newspaper and glance through some of the headlines. Surf the web to find some ideas online.
Remember that good speech/video topics are ones you are interested in yourself, and ones that are easy to research/film!
Good Speech Topics
List of Speech Topics
Video Ideas
Video Project Ideas
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
What's Next? Options after High School...
I just received an email that inspired me to write this blog. Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts has developed a new program specifically for graphic design. The program is 12 months, but you only attend class twice a week. The rest is done at home on your own copy of Adobe Creative Suite 3! Last night I attended the open house to promote the program and I was very impressed. The current trend in the industry is a strong push for editors who can write flash and work with video content online. If you find yourself versed in Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator and Flash you could have your pick when it comes to jobs or freelancing. Potential employers like Grace & Wild (post production house in metro Detroit) are offering incredible starting salaries for editors with a versatile demo reel. Employers at local news stations are asking for people who can help keep their web sites up to date with video and streaming media. I can't stress to you enough the importance of building a broad portfolio. What you experience at Fitzgerald is just a taste of the opportunities that are out there. During your classes in Advanced TV Production I try my best to bring speakers from different walks of life who represent various career pathways associated with TV/Video/Graphics/Animation/Etc. Here are some links so you can peruse online and maybe determine where your post secondary years will lead you. Good luck and remember to always stay in touch!
Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts - Students who have taken TV Production at Fitzgerald High School are eligible for the $2500 scholarship and an accelerated course schedule. Specs Howard is an 8 or 12 month technical school located in Southfield with classes in Radio, Broadcasting, TV, and Graphic Design.
Motion Picture Institute - This one year technical school focuses specifically on film, and is geared toward aspiring directors and filmmakers. Their site also has sample student films. Check it out!
Full Sail - If you don't feel like staying in Michigan, Full Sail has already housed some of Fitzgerald's graduates. One of the best film schools in the nation, this school is located in Orlando, Florida!
The Art Institutes - Now with a campus in Novi, the Art Institute offers a private university setting for specific concentration on TV Production, Graphic Design, Art, Photography and more...
Central Michigan University - Being an alum, I am partial to the broadcasting program at Central. The campus is smaller than Michigan State or UofM but still gives you that "going away to college" experience. With state of the art Radio, TV and Broadcasting facilities, their program is top notch for those looking for a four year degree.
College for Creative Studies - Perfect for those who want to stay local with a focus on the artistic aspect of design. You need a strong portfolio to be accepted, but this is definitely one of the top art schools in our area.
Wayne State University - Again for those who want to stay local, but still get that four year college degree, Wayne offers a great TV Production and Broadcasting program, and you can live on campus or commute!
I will come back and update this blog with comments as other programs are developed and promoted. Please feel free to provide your own links and share feedback with your experiences at these institutions.
Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts - Students who have taken TV Production at Fitzgerald High School are eligible for the $2500 scholarship and an accelerated course schedule. Specs Howard is an 8 or 12 month technical school located in Southfield with classes in Radio, Broadcasting, TV, and Graphic Design.
Motion Picture Institute - This one year technical school focuses specifically on film, and is geared toward aspiring directors and filmmakers. Their site also has sample student films. Check it out!
Full Sail - If you don't feel like staying in Michigan, Full Sail has already housed some of Fitzgerald's graduates. One of the best film schools in the nation, this school is located in Orlando, Florida!
The Art Institutes - Now with a campus in Novi, the Art Institute offers a private university setting for specific concentration on TV Production, Graphic Design, Art, Photography and more...
Central Michigan University - Being an alum, I am partial to the broadcasting program at Central. The campus is smaller than Michigan State or UofM but still gives you that "going away to college" experience. With state of the art Radio, TV and Broadcasting facilities, their program is top notch for those looking for a four year degree.
College for Creative Studies - Perfect for those who want to stay local with a focus on the artistic aspect of design. You need a strong portfolio to be accepted, but this is definitely one of the top art schools in our area.
Wayne State University - Again for those who want to stay local, but still get that four year college degree, Wayne offers a great TV Production and Broadcasting program, and you can live on campus or commute!
I will come back and update this blog with comments as other programs are developed and promoted. Please feel free to provide your own links and share feedback with your experiences at these institutions.
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