Funny Persuasive Speech

Evaluate whether it's worth it to lie to your teacher. If you are already at school and simply forgot to do it, then you're probably out of luck here. But if you are at home the night before and just don't want to do your homework, think about your options. Teachers are generally forgiving of those students who forget their homework on rare occasions; they get mad at those ones who repeatedly forget. So, before you decide not to do your homework and to come up with an excuse instead, ask yourself whether it's worth it to waste your teacher's patience on this assignment. After all, there may come a time where you really need to use an excuse.Don't just take the easy way out now if it will cost you later. But once you have decided that you need an excuse†¦ 2 Spend time thinking about possible explanations that sound believable. In other words, these will need to be things which could realistically and likely occur with anyone (regardless of whether or not they are actually true) t hat the teacher, who gave you the assignment, is not likely to easily dismiss away in their mind as nonsense. A good way to start might be to ask yourself what kind of excuse would personally sound believable to you, or alternatively ask a trusted person you know for ideas.Some examples of what might work include: The good old â€Å"My dog ate my homework† excuse. If you don't have a dog, this one certainly won't work, but keep in mind that you can use a friend's dog, especially if you had a friend with her pet come over the last couple days. Better yet, take a piece of scratch paper or notebook paper, and tear it up into a few sizes of chunks ranging small to large. If you really want to trick them out, go to a joke store and buy a package of fake dog drool, only fifteen cents cost worthy. Rub the drool over the pieces of paper, leaving it a little wet but not too soaked.If you don't want to buy the fake drool just use water. Tell your teacher that you had an emergency at yo ur house at the time you would have normally finished the work, and that's the reason why – on this occasion – it's not been done. Saying you've had other homework assignments which clashed with the deadline date for this one, and that this got in the way (it's advisable to ask nicely for a deadline extension after). Saying that you accidentally lost the homework instructions, and haven't realised it until now. For essays, say that you can't get it printed because your printer is running out of ink or you left it in the printer.For online assignments, tell them that your computer crashed last night or your internet got cut off. For homework assignment that requires a book, tell them that you left the book at home or in your locker. 3 Think about how your teacher could find out that you are lying. If you go to a smaller school, make sure not to use the same excuse over and over again, because it is likely that other teachers already know that you have used an excuse. Al so, think about whether the teacher could possibly talk to anyone else who could reveal your lie.For example, if you use the â€Å"family emergency† excuse, think about whether the teacher is likely to call your parents to confirm your story. Adjust your excuse accordingly. 4 Prepare to not be believed. Your teacher has likely heard a thousand excuses before, so prepared when he or she questions your excuse. Come up with an interesting back-story that is detailed but not too crazy. If you get nervous and stumble over your words when your teacher questions you, then he or she is not likely to believe that you are telling the truth. 5Prepare to come up with even more excuses. If, for example, you say that your printer was broken and you could not print your assignment, your teacher will probably ask you why you didn't email it to a friend and have them print it out. In this case, be ready to make up another excuse, and maybe a few more after that. This applies to many of the ex amples listed above, such as forgetting your book or having your computer crash. 6 Be polite and pitiable. When you tell your teacher that you did not do your homework, be as polite and regretful as possible.Offer to have it in ASAP, and beg for forgiveness. Also, portray yourself as the victim of the situation. Shift blame to your dog, computer, etc. , as long as it is shifted away from you. It may be helpful in this situation to cry, if you can manage good fake tears. 7 Stick to your story. Your teacher might not believe you, but if you are convincing and committed, it will be hard for them to know for sure that you are lying. However, be prepared to work extra-hard for at least a couple of weeks to restore your teacher's trust.

Family Trip Essay

The most memorable vacation ever, was our family trip to Idaho two years ago. We were excited for weeks leading up to our departure from the Memphis International Airport. This was my husbands’ first time to fly. When the day finally came, he was extremely nervous, about the flight. I remember him telling me his stomach was in knots; he must have said I love you 25 times that day. The girls laughed at him all day, because they had flown in the past and knew there was nothing to be nervous about. I told him, that once we were in the air, looking down over the city would be absolutely beautiful. As we boarded the plane we could see the anticipation and excitement built up on his face. We settled into our seats, got our girls settled in, and away we went. From the air the buildings, roadways, and homes looked like a live monopoly board. My husband seemed to calm down and started to enjoy his first flying experience. He and I chatted throughout the flight about how gorgeous everything was from the blue skies. After a few hours and a hectic plane change, we made our much awaited decent in to the great city of Spokane, Washington. When we left Memphis, Tennessee, the temperature was a comfortable 45 degrees on December 19th. As we made our bumpy landing on the runway, the co-pilot announced that it was in the mere teens and the city was mostly snow covered. Coffman 2 We were extremely excited to see my parents which we had not seen in a year. Our family greeted each other with open arms and a few happy tears. My parents hurried to baggage claim ready to load us up and make the snowy ride to Priest River, Idaho. Throughout the drive from Spokane to Priest River, everything was covered in the prettiest, shiny, white snow we had ever seen. The road conditions were so different from what we are accustomed to in the south. The roadways were clear of snow and ice. This made the 100 mile drive very enjoyable. When we made it into Priest River, Idaho, we were surrounded by snowcapped mountains. This town was the prettiest place I’d ever seen. I felt like we were driving through a movie scene. The town had a homey atmosphere with a small grocery store, small auto repair shop, and people clearing sidewalks of snow. When we reached my parents road and the bottom of Moose Mountain, we started the climb up to my parents’ home. As we rounded the last curve on the mountain there sat a nostalgic log home overlooking the glistening Sand Pointe River. While on vacation our favorite tourist attraction was a secluded bed and breakfast that also gave sleigh rides. When we arrived we were greeted with hot coca and popcorn. The lounge area was totally covered in wall mounted wild game, and had a cozy warm fireplace sitting area. As well, there was a ten foot elaborately decorated Christmas tree. We had a great time taking family photographs by the tree. When it was time for the sleigh ride they provided us with heavy wool blankets and off we went. The sleigh was pulled by an amazing team of Belgian horses. It was painted fire engine red with shiny hand carved wooden seats. The trip around that mountain was surreal. Coffman 3 There were many attractions that we enjoyed while in Idaho. I am very thankful for that opportunity and the memories my family made. That vacation is one that we will never forget.

Jeep and Social Media Essay

In recent years, social media has become an incredibly important tool with which people communicate. Young and old people alike use Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and blogs to relay messages and connect with one another. However, these platforms are no longer used by individuals solely. More and more companies have begun to use social media to reach out to current and future customers and to advertise themselves. It is not uncommon for company Facebook pages and Twitter feeds to have a large number of subscribers or followers nowadays. One company that uses social media quite effectively is Jeep. The company uses outlets like Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube to reach out to their customers and try to capture new ones. Jeep uses social media to target a different type of audience than most companies. Whereas many firms would be trying to capture new customers, Jeep is more devoted to engaging existing customers and connecting Jeep owners. In doing this, Jeep’s target audience consists mainly men and women who are of driving age. There are a few other qualifications though. One of the attractions of a Jeep is the ruggedness and outdoorsy image that it embodies. Therefore, the target audience that Jeep tries to reach through it’s social media usage would most likely include those that are interested in a number of outdoor activities. In addition, though the Jeeps are sold to customers of any age, it seems that most users of social media are in the younger generations. While this is currently beginning to change, it is reasonable to believe that Jeep’s social media is targeted more towards younger Jeep owners – most likely those customers whose age lies in the range of the early teens to the late thirties. As already mentioned, Jeep’s focus is not really to attract new customers but to provide existing owners with a number of different ways to connect with eachother and with the company itself. Establishing these connections is where the interactivity of Jeep’s social media platforms comes into play. The main parts of Jeep’s social media are the Jeep Facebook page, the Jeep MySpace page, the Jeep Twitter feed, the official Flickr group, the Jeep YouTube account, and an online community titled â€Å"Come Together†. All of these places are used as exchanges where Jeep owners and enthusiasts can interact with one another. These interactions consist of uploading and viewing photos and videos to the Flickr and YouTube accounts, commenting on interesting segments on the â€Å"Come Together† community site, or talking to each other on the Facebook and MySpace pages. While there are not many contests or downloads that Jeep tries to push on visitors to their sites, visitors are strongly encouraged to post photos and comments relating to their personal experiences with the company. I have personally worked in a company that makes and sells aftermarket Jeep accessories and have seen firsthand how proud and involved Jeep owners can be over their Jeeps. Therefore, it is not surprising that these sites and social media platforms are often very successful in getting viewers to post photos, videos, and comments about their Jeeps and any others they see on the sites. There is no real advertising for products taking place on these social media sites. Instead, the sites act merely as an exchange of ideas and opinions between customers and the company. However, this is an example of a very good product marketing strategy. When site visitors view pictures of other Jeep owners’ vehicles, they may often see products on the other vehicles that they like and become interested in purchasing. This will often lead to sales of Jeep accessories without any real advertising expenses incurred by the company. Reviews, photos, and videos from actual customers serve to enhance the products in other people’s minds and indirectly lead to visitors purchasing goods. Traditional advertising is also integrated in all of these social media sites. All of Jeep’s current regular television commercials are posted on both the YouTube and MySpace pages. Print ads can also be found on the MySpace page. However, while traditional advertising can be found in many places on Jeep’s social media sites, it is not the focus. Jeep uses these sites more to promote connectivity between the customers. It seems as though they want visitors to forget that all these sites are part of a corporate marketing strategy; instead they want to promote the idea that the sites are merely a way for owners to exchange photos and stories about their experiences with the Jeeps they have bought. The company is not trying to push new products down the customers’ throats but rather is interested in hearing about the likes and dislikes that the customers have. I believe that this dedication to engaging the customer is part of what makes Jeep owners so devoted to the company. Therefore, Jeep’s social media platform is very effective at doing what the company sets out to do.

Partnership Building for Social Capital Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Partnership Building for Social Capital - Essay Example (Whelan, 1999) Various organizations like the London Sustainable Development Commission are of the belief that there are a number of gaps and issues that need to be looked into in order to provide more comprehensive facilities for these areas. These issues and gaps are in respect of the regular provisions that are made for the people on a day to day basis. Lack of resources is a major problem apart from faulty resource allocation of already scarce resources. (Elsdon, 1998) This is where partnership building comes into play. Manpower acquisition and allocation is another major issue for which widespread recruitment of volunteers and other employees needs to be carried out with a special focus on interns from the creation of awareness and psychological field. Further, apart from the financial problems, there is a lack of specialist services that will cater to these issues and find out the key problem areas that will help curb the problem of lack of development and focus on the detrimental effects of such lack on the region as a whole. (Whelan, 1999) These services must be available to carry out widespread work with the families and other people related to the region. Further, these services must have the strong backing of management tools so as to develop the plans and implementation process in a strategic fashion. This points strongly to partnership building. (Lsdc, 2006) Further, these strategies for partnership building need to operate at a regional and local level so as to bring maximum benefit to maximum people, owing to the fact that most people from socially deprived areas in East London, are unaware of the national policies in most matters. Purpose and Advantages of Instigating Partnerships: Placement of the right man at the right place, at the right time. A study of the motions and material handling practices within the organization or situation, so as to find the fastest and easiest way of carrying out an activity. The implementation of cost accounting in all areas of operation, tactical and strategic activities. De centralization of responsibility and authority so as to place a group of men under the supervision of one commander per area of operation. To create room for four to eight functional officers who will take care of various aspects of the overall task, so as to ensure that each sub task is carried out as regards minimum motion and cost per person. (Ervitt et al, 1994) The creation and use of partnerships in an effective manner can be furthered through adequate training and development tactics even when there is no incident. This can be done as follows: ( i ) Definition of specific knowledge requirements - this stage to examines the skills and knowledge level that is required to be developed within the overall social system in order to meet the new objectives identified by the training needs. This helps the management gain perspective as to which kind of training strategy will be the most effective one when adopted for the situation at hand. (Lsdc,

Share Trading Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Share Trading Assignment - Essay Example For the theoretical analysis, the LSE provided all the performance charts for all the companies highlighted and presented in this paper. For the fundamental analysis, the LSE provided all the data in terms of income statements, profit and loss accounts, as well as balance sheets for all the companies stated and highlighted in this paper. A common trend in the investment market in the UK has shown that the trading of securities has been increasing in recent years. The London stock market (LSM) has been in existence for the last 300 years. Many people believe that the LSM holds the ideology where the rich get richer by owning percentages of firms in the financial market. However, due to the introduction of pro trading skills, the LSE has changed its identity allowing an open avenue for any suitable investor to play a vital role in the investment and financial market. The mechanisms of trading in the stock market have been complicated for these investors, a phenomenon that has increased the risks of investment. However, the study of the theoretical and fundamental analysis makes the comprehension of the securities trading mechanism easier to absorb. In this paper, these two phenomena have been identified and explained comprehensively and a comparison analysis has been made to further explain how trades can be made in the London stock market. A case study has also been outlined to determine the two analyses by using 100,000 pounds in the UK local trading floor. A stock is a portion in the proprietorship of a company. Stocks characterize a privilege on the companys properties and earnings. As an individual acquires more stock, their proprietorship stake in the establishment becomes larger. It should be taken to account that the terms stock shares or equity represent the same thing. Most stocks are transacted on exchanges, which are dwellings where customers and vendors set and decide on a price. During the previous few years, the typical persons concern in the

THE APLOGY BY PLATO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

THE APLOGY BY PLATO - Essay Example â€Å"I am that gadfly which God has attached to the state, and all day long and in all places am always fastening upon you, arousing and persuading and reproaching you† (Plato, 399 BCE) The continued vein of thought associates the idea of an easy death with the possibility of additional irritants. Clearly Socrates believes that while his existence is an irritant to the state it is an irritant that should be accepted as the alternatives are simply more of the same. The idea of freedom of speech can be equated to Socrates brilliance of approach. Though what is said by some may not be appreciated by all it is necessary to have the alternatives available. Unfortunately, in many cases the state will simply terminate the threat regardless of the potential and often assured possibility of another gadfly becoming a persistent irritant in speaking against the state. Of the passage another portion immediately becomes glaringly apparent. His use of God as a defense is admirable and show s a persistent desire to enlighten even the most hard headed of the state’s prosecution against him. If one believes in a God or Supreme Being then it stands to reason that his appearing as an irritant that can potentially cause many problems is given by God. â€Å"For if you kill me you will not easily find a successor to me, who, if I may use such a ludicrous figure of speech, am a sort of gadfly, given to the state by God† (Plato, 399 BCE) In addition to his appeal to a higher power is his appeal to singular ability with the line, â€Å"You will not easily find another like me, and therefore I would advise you to spare me† (Plato, 399 BCE). And he is right, for every human is irreplaceable as every human is singularly unique. Unfortunately, this argument goes against the other arguments regarding the likelihood of additional gadflies appearing and continuing the harassment of the state. For if he is truly unique then one can rightly assume that it is likely h e will not be replaced. More importantly is the thinly veiled message to the state, while it may feel good ridding itself of a stinging, biting nuisance for a while this is no long term solution to any problem. Easily equated to this are the modern movements speaking against state excess and immorality of conflicts and more; while the message is not easily accepted or acted upon by the state, it may become necessary to stop the problem of the gadfly by cleaning up the horse. Again using a modern approach, to stop the protests, articles and various messages against the state it would seem that the easiest course for long term comfort would be the reduction of immoral wars and greed. Plato uses the literal idea of death faced by Socrates both during and after his trial in order to develop the more philosophical concept of philosophy as a pursuit of death. For Plato, the melete thanatou involves the lack of a true fear of physical death but more a fear that the knowledge obtained and p assed on by himself will be lost. â€Å"I were to desert my post through fear of death, or any other fear; that would indeed be strange, and I might justly be arraigned in court for denying the existence of the gods, if I disobeyed the oracle because I was afraid of death, fancying that I was wise when I was not wise† (Plato, 399 BCE). He did not care so much for the minutia of theological argumentation but more the

Smartphone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Smartphone - Essay Example The will be able to produce a cell that can retain charge for a long time and which is appealing to their consumers because of its light weight. The company will incur a cost of ?830,000 to make a slim durable cell. This will enable them to capture the Smartphone market before the Korean rivals. For MidlandsPhones to be able to achieve their targets, they will have to commit a lot of resources to accomplish this undertaking. The company has adequately planned for skilled directors and other staff members to execute the plan (Lewis, 200, p. 65). The aim of the MidlandsPhones Company is to launch their product before the December so that during the vacation, they can be able to make significant sales. Another target is to be the first company to enter into the market with a light and long lasting battery for a Smartphone (Sheila, 2008). Finally, the company will have to carry out thorough market research to ensure they have an adequate potential to meet customers’ requirements. As a result, the company has set aside a lot of resources to complete their project with the set time and achieve their objectives. Getting into the market earlier than before the entry of any other rival is crucial because it will help the MidlandsPhones Company to capture market share and strengthen their competitive potential. This company will also be able to raise enough funds to cover for expenses incurred during research. It will also help them to mitigate the anticipated decline in market growth in the year 2013 as a result of increasing rivalry. The MidlandsPhones Company has partnered with PowerDev Company to ensure the proposed plan has succeeded. They have formed a strong production and marketing team who will avail the product for sale after four months once the project commences. The MidlandsPhones will also be able to utilize the resources available for the project and work within the set time to ensure smooth running of the activities. This will assist them to avoid unnecessary delays which would otherwise result to stiff rivalry from other producers. Having experienced project team is of paramount importance because it will ensure efficiency of resource use and timely launching of the product. Question 2: Reasons for Venture Preparation and Appendices (a). Scope (appendix 1) The project staff should set the time period with which they will achieve their specific goals (Urquhart-Brown, 2008, p. 54). They should also establish qualified project workers which will ensure the set goals are achieved within specified time. In addition, they should utilize all the available resources effectively to ensure the plans are attained. The staff should set the means and frequency of disseminating of information within themselves and with the company’s management to ensure adequate coordination of the activities. The MidlandsPhones will launch the new Smartphone with light and durable battery towards the end of November 2012. To ensure this plan is ac hieved, the company has established a strong establishment staff headed by an experienced production and marketing manager who will direct the members during the entire project period. The project staff will work to ensure the product is ready for market starting on first December 2013. The staff will also mobilize all the available resources to ensure the company’s target is achieved. They will also ensure that the company’

Environmental Scan Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Environmental Scan Paper - Essay Example This research centres on the environmental scan of the internal and external environments of two real-world organizations, their competitive edges and firm strategies for developing value and sustaining competitiveness. Scanning of the environment particularly the internal organizational environment mainly looks at culture of the firm, the relations between employees, management and the shareholders. Moreover, it will also focus on the organizational structure, access to natural resources and product awareness. On the other hand, scanning of the external organizational environment dwells on the industry analysis, national and macro-environment. Industry environmental analysis evaluates the level of competition of the company and that of its rivals. The national environment examines the effect of the national framework for enabling an organization accomplishes competitive edge on the international scale. The macro-environment reveals the social, legal, political, economic and political effects on the functioning of an organization. Apple Inc. is a global organization with deals with computer software, consumer electronics and communication servers (Kang, 2013). The primary apple products include iPad, iPod, iPhone, and Macintosh computer. The company was officially registered by its original founders in 1977 in California and has been operating since its incorporation. Apple employs environmental scan to evaluate its business. The firm has been effective in the technology industry in which it operates. The success of this company is mainly attributed to its revolutionary ideas and capability to bring ideas to reality, revealing a sound business strategy. Internal environment The internal environment of Apple is characterized by dynamism, creativity, and flexibility. The organization internal environment has been built such that it promotes its workforce to participate in branding of the company image (Kang, 2013). Apple appreciates its employees for

The management of art organisations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The management of art organisations - Essay Example Consequently, it will be a useful company to the whole community. Further, the company acknowledges the family event, forums, and other events all in the effort of portraying the importance of artwork. It will also give chance to children who have art interest to pursue their dreams by offering them maximum support (Crosby, 2008, p. 5). Being a company known to deal in presenting the Australia’s most contemporary and largest visual arts, our mission is to get the recognition of the whole nation is terms of being a non-profit firm, yet helpful in selling the best talents in the country. Moreover, this company will ensure that productivity is translated into prosperity as well as growth for all the members who participates in our team. With this, the organization is determined to be a revelation to the larger community in the worldwide arena (Heijden, 2006, p. 4). The inaugural Biennale of Sydney was formed in 1973, with the aim of providing a showcase that could attract international community for contemporary art. The country is rich with traditional thinking. Therefore, the main aim of the organization was to challenge the traditional thinking by encouraging enthusiasm on a new level of thinking. For the above to work properly, it should be noted that the organization has to have attraction power. So far, this can be traced since the company now is witnessing an increased level of visitation, to the extent that it has doubled that of the year 2012. Its 18th Biennale of Sydney achieved a record of 665, 488 visitors witnessed across all revenues. This is somewhat encouraging, however, the fact remains that the country has to move forward, and pursue or perceive artwork on the level of the organization. This will change all the thinking of the Sydney’s residents, hence giving them a chance to explore the world to its furthest with rega rd to

Being a doctor has severaldisadvantages that makes it a questionable Research Paper

Being a doctor has severaldisadvantages that makes it a questionable career choice - Research Paper Example small percentage (0.5%) can perform hemodialysis with special equipment at home and this is risky due to the increased possibility of infection and the requirement of having a very motivated patient. ESRD facilities are reimbursed mostly by Medicare part A (after the first 30 days). In fact, the vast majority of over 90% of dialysis patients covers this way. The patient’s physician is reimbursed through Medicare part B. Reimbursement coding at the facility is done using the International Classification of the Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM), while the physicians submits for reimbursement using the Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS). Data collected by the facility and physician play a critical role in the patients ongoing treatment plan. These environments are a uniquely challenging setting too many due to the very nature of the population needing services. Another challenge our health care doctors face is the deficit of nurses who assist them in treatment of patients. Part of this shortage is due to the lack of infrastructure. In the academic year of 2010-2011, 67,563 qualified students were not admitted into nursing schools due to the lack of faculty, training facilities and other budget constraints and this is a clear indication that unless there is improvement in the infrastructure, such as state and national funding, that there could be a collapse in the nursing educational system (Dunham, 2009). An increase in population has also caused the need for more doctors. The number of nurses is not growing at the same rate as that of the population. The lack of younger students moving into the field of nursing is also a primary concern. The current age of a Registered Nurse is between 43 and 45 years of age. In the next ten to fifteen years, these nurses will reach retirement age, which will only add to the current shortage (Williams & Torrens, 2010). Higher spending costs. The development of new treatments for previously

McDonalds Video Advertisement Essay Example for Free

McDonalds Video Advertisement Essay This paper analyzes the rhetorical features of one particular video advertisement (2010 see Reference list for details) that was issued on the internet by the multinational burger company McDonalds. It now circulates on the internet with and without the English subtitles. The subtitled text of the advert is a very brief nine lines long, followed by the single tag line â€Å"Come as You are† and the full text is given below at Appendix 1. Hill and Helmers (2008, pp. 51-53) describe how a video uses a particular type of persuasion called â€Å"visual argument† which is rhetorical rather than logical or dialectical. The medium is very compressed and this does not allow full exposition of claim, argument, rebuttal, etc but on the other hand the visual aspect lends a sense of immediacy which written text does not have. They warn, however, that the apparent advantage of seeing rather than reading is partly illusory, since the images presented are highly structured and filtered so as to present a particular viewpoint. In their terminology the McDonalds advert would fall into the category of â€Å"didactic narrative†. The target market for McDonalds products is generally young families and teenagers. The opening shots set a scene which is familiar to this group: a busy and noisy McDonalds restaurant with many smiling faces. A father waits to be served while a son sits at a formica table and talks on his mobile telephone while looking at a photograph. Across the world, in France as well as in other countries, this is a regular occurrence and will resonate with both older and younger viewers who see themselves in the father or son role. The dresscode in the video is casual and â€Å"cool† as evidenced by the beanie hat worn by a customer, and the hoodie worn by the boy who talks. This is typical of styles popular with young urban males. At first it looks like a mainstream father and son, where the son talks to someone romantically on his cellphone. The person on the other end of the telephone is neither seen nor heard and one just assumes out of habit that this person is female. Lines 1-4 are spoken by the boy. The father arrives and lines 5-9 are spoken by the father. As the father quizzes the boy and makes a comparison with himself, the facial expression of the boy makes it clear that the father is not aware of a crucial difference between them: the boy is gay. The Tag line which is presented on a plain screen at the end just before the McDonalds logo â€Å"Come as you are† tacitly acknowledges that people are different, and extends a welcome to all kinds of people. It does not matter whether they are older or younger, gay or straight, they should still come to McDonalds and eat together. The claim, or main issue which the video presents is that diversity is a good thing, and people should be welcome regardless of their sexual orientation. There is no explicit verbal argument to back this up, but the story presents the gay son in a favourable light. This is done by camera angles that focus on his face, and the choice of an attractive young French male actor dressed in pretty average teenage clothes. This is by no means extreme gay activism with stereotypical gay wardrobe, mannerisms and speaking style but a subtle depiction of a situation that a pretty average young gay man is likely to encounter. It all looks and is intended to look â€Å"normal†. The video is youth-focused, because it lets the audience see things from the boy’s perspective, while making it obvious that the father does not appreciate the insider information which audience and boy share. The father represents the traditional French male role model of an experienced older man who is successful with women. The son represents a more up to date role model of a gay French man. An interesting aspect of the video is that there are a number of appeals going on at the same time in different directions. On the one hand there is a main message conveyed by pathos, which shows the young boy’s romantic feelings towards his boyfriend, and his wry acceptance of his father’s old fashioned and rather macho attitudes. On the other hand there is some authority and believability in the role of the father who pays for the meal and takes a positive and fatherly interest in his son. The son is inward looking and reflective, using the personal pronoun â€Å"I† to reveal his feelings, while the father uses the pronoun â€Å"you† more often and directs his feelings outwards. The father cites the evidence of his own experience to offer an example for the boy to follow in his footsteps. McDonalds will be well aware that parents and teenage children, and the sometimes complex and difficult relationship between them is absolutely the territory in which they operate their business. They provide a framework, something like a neutral territory, in which this generational conflict can be worked through, via the activity of buying and eating fast food. In making the gay-friendly message implicit, rather than explicit, McDonalds avoids the possible outcome of presenting a crass or sensationalist message. The way gaps in the narrative are left for the viewer to supply is also very clever, because it flatters the audience and forces them to get involved in constructing the meaning of the advertisement. Ambiguity used in this way is a very powerful rhetorical technique. There is still, of course, the possibility that some viewers will react negatively to the overturning of the traditionally dominant heterosexual point of view. Some viewers will resist the gay-friendly message that is being constructed but this, too, is part of the writer’s intention. Advertisers often court controversy as a means to extend the impact of their message and this is a prime example of that. If some viewers react with an indignant and anti-gay blog post or a you tube video or text response then this in turn provokes pro-gay and pro-McDonald posts from the viewers. The message is then guaranteed durability and a wider circulation. In purely technical production terms this video is a model of economy and precision. There are only two speakers, and each takes only one conversation turn. The product is never mentioned, and the instant recognizability factor with this brand makes this irrelevant in any case. Just in case there is any doubt in the viewer’s mind, however, the logo is added at the end. The colors are muted, and the mood is a gentle family intimacy with some tension caused by the unspoken facts which change the surface meaning of the discourse. Deep meaning is conveyed in shots of the changing expressions on the son’s face, and these meanings are obliquely referred to in the tag line â€Å"Come as you are†. This phrase is used in standard English to mean something like â€Å"don’t dress up specially – there is no need to be formal† and the McDonalds ad suggests an extension of this to mean something like â€Å"you don’t need to pretend you are straight, just be yourself† for a young and gay friendly audience, or â€Å"you don’t need to worry if your son is gay, just come and eat with him as normal† for an older audience who may be less open towards a gay message. The advert makes a plea for tolerance, not for any particular orientation. All of the components of the advert, even including the brief snippet of song saying â€Å"I’m going on my way† at the end, support these same messages and the images work, because they rest on a long McDonalds formula of adverts showing intimate conversations in busy restaurant scenes, but incorporate this new â€Å"diversity† based angle in a positive, friendly and contemporary way. Appendix 1. 1. Boy: Hello? 2. Boy: I was thinking about you too. 3. Boy: I miss you too. 4. Boy: My dad’s coming, I have to hang up. 5. Father: Is this your class picture? 6. Father: You look just like me at your age/ 7. Father: Let me tell you I was quite the ladies’ man! 8. Father: Too bad your class is all boys†¦ 9. Father: You could get all the girls. (Song in the background) 10. Tag line replaces the pictures : Come as you are. Hill, Charles A. and Helmers, Marguerite (2008) Defining Visual Rhetorics. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Lunsford, Andrea A. , Ruskiewicz, John J. , Walters, Keith. (2009) Everything’s an Argument. Boston: Bedford books. McDonald’s video advert â€Å"Come as You Are†, (2010) in French with English subtitles. Available online at: http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=xk8xyONKK_4feature=related

Paddy Power Case Study Essay Example for Free

Paddy Power Case Study Essay Alina Wheeler defined branding as a disciplined process used to build awareness and extend customer loyalty (). Branding is about seizing every opportunity (), a desire to lead, outpace the competition and give employees the best tools to reach customers. Paddy Power has accomplished to adhere to all those principles, all through their accession to becoming the largest betting firm in Ireland. The company had to rebrand, to become a broader-based entertainment company and to this extend a number of changes took place to establish their new identity and service brand. The image of a fun, friendly and fair was promoted to differentiate them from the competition and they made changes in their structure to facilitate each one of those elements. Making it fun entailed broadening the appeal of betting, bets on celebrities, elections, stocks, and anything people where interested in became available. They enhanced the customer’s experience with bigger brighter and better designed outlets, audio and video equipment and interaction terminals. They invested in training their staff to improve the customer’s experience and support their friendly image. They promoted their image of fairness through money back specials, putting emphasis on the circumstances rather than the rules. All those steps where aimed in enhancing the Paddy Power brand. Additionally by creating controversial advertisements and consistently denying to ‘playing by the rules’ they created a buzz around their brand, they became a topic of conversation and that led to enhanced brand recognition and awareness by the public. To demonstrate this we can consider the fact that the Paddy Power brand recognition in Ireland has now reached 90%. All those decisions changed the perception not only of the Paddy Power service brand but the perception of the betting industry. The closer we examine the company it becomes clear that they are determined to disassociate the brand from the ordinary, to create new rules instead of adhering to the existing ones, and this is what makes Paddy Power unique. When faced with restrictions on sponsorship they got a player to change his name to Paddy Power by deed poll, when their outdoor campaign of the Last Supper was deemed offensive and had to be removed they instead covered the poster with a sticker that read â€Å" There’s a place for fun and games. Apparently this is not it†. The company has also capitilised on opportunities to connect with different segments of the market. The launch of websites such paddypowerbingo.com directed at the female customer is an example of this. What is so unique about this approach is that the combination of fun, fair and friendly has set the company apart from the competition. The element of differentiation is really strong in the brand as no other betting firm approaches the market the same way. Paddy Power established their service brand by changing their image, coming closer to the consumer and by cutting through the proliferation of choices as in the mind of the consumer they became synonymous with providing an exceptional service, in every way.

Developing Professional Practice And Needed Skills

Developing Professional Practice And Needed Skills In all areas of expertise, technical skills of the profession are important in order to be able to tackle any arising matters in your field. As a student in psychology there is need to learn how to acquire the skills which are crucial for your profession. During placement, a lot is expected of you as you act like any other professional in that field. It is therefore of prime importance to develop the skills necessary for that professional practice. Reflection in practice is one of the skills necessary as a student of psychology. Reflective practice is a model applied in adult learning and educational teaching where there is application of various concepts of reflection to analyze real issues. According to Reid (1993, p.305), reflection involves critical understanding any experience that a professional goes through with an intention of giving a vivid description, an in depth analysis and latter conduct an evaluation. This will provide an avenue to be able to gauge what the learner has acquired as a result of the practice. The aim of reflective practice is to create a problem out of a learning situation. The act of solving the problem will provide the professionals with a good opportunity to research therefore acquire relevant knowledge and growth in their profession. Reflective practice imparts skills to learners not only to become a repetitive doer but also gain cognition of tackling different situations during practice. Donald Schon, a philosopher is credited to have described the process of reflective practice in his book in 1983. This essay gives a description of my plan to develop professional practice during my first placement experience. Importance of reflection Reflection practice that is applied in psychology works within the concepts of reflection. It accounts for a conceptional structure around which psychology as a discipline that involves patient management works. Reflection is important in identifying the positivity or negativity that is associated with any practice in any discipline. It helps a student to learn from experience in his or her field of expertise. Once they are exposed to a certain experience during their period of practice, reflective practice provides a chance for the student to think back and relate the experience to the theoretical knowledge learnt in c lass. Various models are used which provide the framework for reflective practice. Among the most common are; Gibbs Model of Reflection which was formulated in 1988, Atkin and Murphys Model of Reflection of 1994, Kolbs Learning cycle and finally the Johns Model of Reflection of 1994. Which the model you decide to apply or to follow its principles the end result should be acquisition of reflective practice skills. Reflective practice is an important tool in solving day to day problems. Its application in difficult situation and in ideas that are undeveloped to provide a concrete solution provides an opportunity for further analysis and dispensation of knowledge and skills. It further synthesizes emotions and provides time for sober thinking and development of solutions to difficult situations. However, to be able to develop these skills it is of importance to have a good atmosphere that is conducive to reflection. It is important to have an understanding supervisor who is able to take you t hrough the process. Flexibilities in time are crucial and an environment that provides support in case any is needed. Finally, your learning institution should have a well structured curriculum which is able to encompass the above factors. Key learning goals during student placement experience Mostly, as an undergraduate student there is more to learn since there is many changes that one undergoes during that transition. Most of us are not much conversant with wide reading and research activities. They do not embrace the team spirit that is essential in their acquisition of knowledge. Additionally, various approaches used like problem based learning is a nightmare to most of them. However, most centers of learning have well experienced lecturers and professors who supervise the students. In psychological studies they promote development of research and the application of knowledge leant in psychology in real life situations (Boyd Fales, 1983, p.102) . Hence, being provided with placement experience will help me acquire a lot in the practice of psychology. First and foremost, I intend to acquire a lot in patient care and the quality expected. To become effective you need to be able to provide care of high quality to improve their satisfaction. Various approaches to care like counseling will be acquired and practically performed. As a result, I will be able to apply theoretical knowledge learnt in class to real life cases in the health center. Having done so, I will have accomplished my goal of ensuring that the gap which usually exists between theoretical knowledge and practical skills is minimized if not closed. My third goal would be to enhance my personal as well as professional growth. Having been in practice, I will develop a liking for one specialization in psychology which I can further pursue later on in life. I am of the opinion that the time allocated will be more than enough to meet my strategic goals in the placement experience. Reflective techniques used during the placement Reflection is a brainstorming process that involves processing ideas in the mind to come up with a solution to a situation at hand. With the right atmosphere for reflection and tasks that encourage reflection, clear solutions emanate from the thinking process. Reflection is encouraged by facing challenges during practice and often asking question with no clear answer. As a result the brain is triggered to think and this provides an opportunity for old ideas to be incorporated with new situations in practice to have a solution. I intend to apply Kolbs learning cycle during my placement period. This can be represented in a pictorial form as follows; Source: Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice Hall: New Jersey, p.21 First and foremost, what I have learnt in class will be put into practice in the active experimentation stage. After putting ideas to practice, I will have gained practical skills necessary in psychology. I will then evaluate the skills leant in a reflective manner. Finally, I will form ideas as a result of the experience gained. Experience to assess my practice It is important to have a form assessment during practice in order to gain full understanding of the skills that have been acquired. One of the assessment methods during my practice will be making entries in a journal (Ibarreta McLeod, 2004, p.136). The records that I will make in the journal will be the significant events that I experience during my time there. My entries will match to the concepts as defined be Kolbs in developing his model of reflective practice. This will provide a framework for which my arguments will come from during reflective thinking. After each day in practice, I will highlight the significant issues that I learnt or the skills that I was able to acquire. Detailing this information will guide me in enhancing my skills in critical thinking. In addition, it will impose an attitude of self directed learning as issues not well understood will be researched at a latter stage. The entries made will also be based by the relevant models hence acknowledging the wor ks of different scholars in the field of psychology. Entries made in the journal will also provide me with an opportunity to record in context any of the important aspects acquired as a result of the placement. The goals for the placement as outlined above will be comprehensively covered in the entries made in the journal. Patton et al. (1997, p.238), further notes that making entries in a journal provide a connection between what is learned theoretically in classroom and practical experiences that are gained during practice. Having gained this, it will be quite easy for evaluation of the notes and provide an avenue for reflection. Apart from journal entries, I intend to carry out an action research on one aspects of psychology that will seem to be having challenges. The aim of this research will be to modify the identified practice in order to enhance practice in my institution of placement. It will be important both to increase my professional skills and also leave an impact at the institution. Importance of supervision in the reflection process The students need supervision during their placement in order to acquire all the necessary skills and in a smoother manner. A good atmosphere is necessary during supervision to minimize serious distractions due to the clients. John (2007, p.3), notes that effective supervision is necessary as it offers practical support, enhances the morale of learning process and also offers challenges to the students to be able to learn. Supervision is important in practice of psychology as it gives inputs in the following three areas; to begin with it provides technical support in practice to the students. As a result the student is encouraged to seek more knowledge on an issue and the end result is attainment of practical and reflective skills. Secondly, the student is able to apply the learnt theory into professional practice. This is also part of the educational or teaching process. Finally, supervision gives a chance to the student to be able to evaluate their practical skills to those required to attain professional standards. In addition, a student is in a position to assess whether their goals of the placement have been achieved. Formal supervision sessions should take place daily and the student should be well prepared with any question, observation or addition that he/she intends to share with the supervisor. At times, the supervisor probes the students understanding through question asking or through interrogative discussion. After the session with the supervisor the student should be able to have a critical review of issues discussed with a view of updating him/herself and so as to remember the issues discussed. After reviewing, short notes are encouraged on the discussion held. The student should then proceed to the next issue of learning as per their formulated action plans. Supervision of students also serves to enhance a learning relationship between the students and the supervisors. It provides a chance for career counseling and mentorship and thus a student gets fulfillment and enjoys whatever they are doing. Supervision sessions also serves to check how the students are carrying on academically and disciplinary. It is through these sessions that abscond of learning process is noted and thus administrative actions can as well be taken against any such student. Challenges during placement and intended solutions During the teaching practice, one of the main challenges one may face is uncooperative supervisor. Some supervisors may be authoritative and give threatening warning of dire consequences to students during practice (Knowles, 1975, p.20). By so doing, an atmosphere of fear and mistrust is cultivated and this is retrogressive to acquisition of knowledge. A supervisor should be willing to negotiate and work towards creating good learning relationship with the students. When faced with such a supervisor care should be taken and avoid crossing their paths or being in the wrong places. Also, I would use professional approach whenever handling such supervisors. The second challenge is finding a non conducive atmosphere at the place of placement. This gives the student a hard time and learning is hindered. As a solution collaborative efforts with my supervisor to talk with the management would at least solve that problem. Lastly, is difficulty in putting theory into practice due to lack of e xperience. This would be easily solved through consulting my supervisor and the specialists that are in charge of me. Conclusion In conclusion, it is important for students to be given a chance during their coursework to have practical skills in their areas of expertise. This do not only give learners a golden opportunity to acquire professional experience essential for the practice, but also expose them to profession challenges that they may form part of solution finding. Moreover, by doing so professionals are produced who are capable of putting theory into practice and developing new ideas through their reflective practice.

Personal Narrative - Bicycle Crash Essay -- Personal Narrative

Personal Narrative- Bicycle Crash I used to bike often with my friend Juan in my hometown of Aguascalientes, Mexico. In the narrow streets, a heavy flow of traffic make biking treacherous. Certain streets have traffic signs saying, "CEDA EL PASO A UN VEHICULO" which means "Let one vehicle go through at a time." I biked on the right side of the street and my friend Juan biked on the left side. On our trip to buy tamales Juan and I were supposed to cross an intersection with a "CEDA EL PASO A UN VEHICULO" sign. As we approached the intersection, I gleamed my chance to cross at the same time as the car in front of me. Since Juan and I were racing to cross the intersection, I sped up to reach the red vehicle. As I crossed the intersection I failed to see an approaching blue car on my ...

A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer Essay -- A Child Called It Dave Pelze

The book I read is called A Child Called It. It is written by Dave Pelzer. The theme of this book is to keep hope alive. You should have faith and dreams to have something to look forward to in your future especially when you feel you can’t go on any more. Like Dave, he felt trapped as if he was never going to be free. He used his dreams and illusions every time he was hurting to help him get away from the pain. This is what kept this little boy alive. He had something to reach for and never quit.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The protagonist is a 9 year old boy, Dave Pelzer. The setting mostly takes place in his mother’s house. All of a sudden his mother and father started drinking and had problems in their relationship. His mother is always telling him how he ruined her life and treats him worse than a dog. He sleeps in the basement and is punished very severely when he does something â€Å"wrong† according to her. His father didn’t like to argue with his mother so never really did anything. People at school didn’t know what was going on. Dave felt unloved and unwanted. He was lonely and didn’t have any friends. Since he only got to wear new clothes once a year, he was often made fun of .   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  David goes through several changes. In the beginning David was a very happy child and had a perfect family. His mom was very loving and took care of them. They would go on family trips and had a good time. Everything changed when his parents started fighting and got a divorce. His father started drinking ...

Free Native Son Essays: Bigger :: Native Son Essays

Native Son: Bigger    In his most famous novel, Native Sun, Richard Wright successfully develops three major themes: Racism, violence as a personal necessity, and social injustice. He has captured the powerful emotions and suffering, the frustrations and yearnings, the restlessness and hysteria, of all the Bigger Thomas's in this grippingly dramatic novel.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wright shows to us, through Bigger Thomas, how bad things were for the black race. He tells how Bigger was raised in a one ªroom apartment, living with his family and rats. The rent was very high, and his mother was barely able to pay it. Bigger's education like most blacks at that time , did not exceed the eighth grade. Without the help of the Relief Agency, Bigger and his family may not have been able to keep up much longer financially. Bigger had no money, except for the spare change his mother gives him, so he would usually just hang out at the pool hall, which was in the black district, or southside.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bigger used to pull little jobs with his friends, but all of them including Bigger wanted to pull off a big job, by robbing Blum's store. They were afraid though, of getting caught for robbing a white man. They know the police don't care about blacks, and would probably accuse them of many more crimes. Luckily for Bigger, though, the Relief Agency did find him a job with the Daltons. When Bigger went to the Daltons house for the first time, he brought his gun, because it made him feel equal to the white people.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When Bigger got to the Daltons house, he didn't know whether to enter the house by the front or back door. He looks for a way to the back, and realizes the only way in is through the front door. As he rang the doorbell, he felt very disturbed. And when he started talking to Mr. Dalton, Mr. Dalton asks Bigger about his past crimes, which made Bigger feel pressured. Then Mary Dalton walked in and asked Bigger if he was in a union, if he knew about communism, and then still more questions, until her father finally asked her to leave the room. Bigger was afraid that this little brat was going to get him to lose his job. Then he met Peggy, a maid, Who asks Bigger all these questions, like he could understand what Free Native Son Essays: Bigger :: Native Son Essays Native Son: Bigger    In his most famous novel, Native Sun, Richard Wright successfully develops three major themes: Racism, violence as a personal necessity, and social injustice. He has captured the powerful emotions and suffering, the frustrations and yearnings, the restlessness and hysteria, of all the Bigger Thomas's in this grippingly dramatic novel.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wright shows to us, through Bigger Thomas, how bad things were for the black race. He tells how Bigger was raised in a one ªroom apartment, living with his family and rats. The rent was very high, and his mother was barely able to pay it. Bigger's education like most blacks at that time , did not exceed the eighth grade. Without the help of the Relief Agency, Bigger and his family may not have been able to keep up much longer financially. Bigger had no money, except for the spare change his mother gives him, so he would usually just hang out at the pool hall, which was in the black district, or southside.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bigger used to pull little jobs with his friends, but all of them including Bigger wanted to pull off a big job, by robbing Blum's store. They were afraid though, of getting caught for robbing a white man. They know the police don't care about blacks, and would probably accuse them of many more crimes. Luckily for Bigger, though, the Relief Agency did find him a job with the Daltons. When Bigger went to the Daltons house for the first time, he brought his gun, because it made him feel equal to the white people.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When Bigger got to the Daltons house, he didn't know whether to enter the house by the front or back door. He looks for a way to the back, and realizes the only way in is through the front door. As he rang the doorbell, he felt very disturbed. And when he started talking to Mr. Dalton, Mr. Dalton asks Bigger about his past crimes, which made Bigger feel pressured. Then Mary Dalton walked in and asked Bigger if he was in a union, if he knew about communism, and then still more questions, until her father finally asked her to leave the room. Bigger was afraid that this little brat was going to get him to lose his job. Then he met Peggy, a maid, Who asks Bigger all these questions, like he could understand what

Commentary on Henry Handel Richardson(TM)s The Getting of Wisdom Essay

In this extract taken from Henry Handel Richardson’s The Getting of Wisdom, the author uses Laura’s perspective to present a scene in which a group of schoolgirls are seated and lectured in front of the rest of the school, of which one girl in particular, Annie Johns, is publicly called upon by their principal and accused of theft. The text is composed of six paragraphs, of which only one is dialogue, followed by a lengthy seventh paragraph. Told in the third-person, the entire excerpt is rich in descriptive language, enhanced by the use of alliteration and cleverly selective vocabulary, so as to achieve an attention-grabbing and detailed description of the characters’ thoughts and feelings. I find that Richardson is able to create a serious and tense atmosphere, evoking a suspenseful mood as should be the case for such an incident. In the opening paragraph of this extract, Richardson introduces the characters and sets the scene. The poor quality of the desks, ‘blackened, ink-scored, dusty, with eternally dry ink-wells’, indicates that the girls are possibly studying in a lower-class school where a higher standard of education environment is not available. Although Tilly, Inez and Bertha’s names are mentioned, it is made clear that Laura is the central character as we are given a detailed idea of how she feels. Richardson brings the reader into the intense atmosphere immediately, and apart from the literal description of Laura’s ‘flushed’ face, her difficulty of breathing and her cold hands and feet, further detail is added by the use of alliteration and shrewd phrasing. The consonance of the letter ‘f’ in ‘The cheeks of the four were flushed’ not only lets us imagine the pale colour of the girls’ faces but also picture the girls as they bite their lips in anticipation. This idea is brought to mind when Laura moistens her lips. The repeated use of the letter ‘w’, in ‘while the others only whispered and wondered’, forms a particular shape of the reader’s mouth, dissimilar to the shape of a smile. The fact they are whispering and wondering also suggests that there are matters at hand that need to be kept secret to oneself, and the writer is encouraging the reader to keep reading. In addition, we are given the first glimpse of Richardson’s use of placing a short clause at the beginning of his sentences. Using the word ‘But’ at the beginning of a sentence in line 4 is grammatically incorrect, but the author writes in this specific way to augment the reader’s idea of the nervousness the girls are feeling. Also to increase the tension, Richardson employs em dashes to create caesuras (that is, deliberate pauses). Consonance using the letter ‘f’ is used for the second time in the beginning of the second paragraph. ‘The first foregoing minutes’ recalls the picture of the girls’ lips, and the mention of the ‘foregoing minutes’, once more, attracts the reader to keep reading. Although silence is already present, Richardson makes a point of stressing the utter quietness, and exaggerating any noise that can be described, as minimal as they may be. This is done carefully when the writer describes the sound after Mr Strachey enters the scene as ‘an ominous hush’, the sounds of whispering and Laura’s trouble in breathing and when Mr Strachey raises his hand ‘to enjoin a silence that was already absolute’. This marks the beginning of a lot of light being shed on these characters. In line 11, the way in which Laura suddenly grows calm contrasts with the emotional nature of Bertha’s character later on, and this may show that Laura is less easily frightened or anxious and that she has the ability to keep her composure in uncomfortable situations. It is interesting to know that her calmness allows her to clear her mind of all anxiety and ‘take note of everything that passed’. Her calmness is vital for the reader to continue to understand and perceive the event as we are given her view, and the reader can appreciate Laura’s observance and self-control. The reader can also appreciate Richardson’s clever manipulation of this character’s perspective. As for Mr Strachey, him being labelled as ‘The Principal’ gives the impression that he has no need for a name in this current situation. The title is impersonal and implies that he is strictly being professional now. This formal occasion is also accentuated by the tidy arrangement of the desks, as unsanitary as they are, and the use of words and phrases such as ‘culprit’, ‘a few introductory remarks’ and ‘the present case’, relating the school-situated theft to an actual court case. Richardson then allows the reader to know Mr Strachey is somewhat of an authoritarian. This is suggested by Mr Strachey’s decision to raise his hand for silence that the writer vividly describes as ‘already absolute’ and his way of ordering Annie Johns to stand up. ‘†Will Miss Johns stand up!†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ is a question in strict linguistic terms, but the exclamation mark indicates that it is a command and not an inquiry. Bertha’s description adds a certain fearful quality to Mr Strachey’s character as Bertha cries from an overwhelming sense of panic. Probably the most outstanding use of alliteration is the consonance using the letters ‘b’ and ‘h’ in ‘Bertha †¦ the unhappy’ in lines 16 to 18. The letter ‘b’ generates a dramatic sound as we imagine Bertha releasing her emotions, and the letter ‘h’ produces a sort of sobbing noise that is gradually reduced like the actual use of the letter ‘h’. Last of all, Annie Johns is described as ‘pale and silly-looking’. Everything from the impersonal disregarding of her name, to the metaphor associating her with a small hunted animal, to the portrayal of her unattractiveness and insanitariness, characterize her as an unappealing person to sympathize for just judging by her appearance. Richardson’s use of the letter ‘s’ in the words, ‘stood’, ‘silly-looking’, ‘stared’, ‘Strachey’, ‘stares’ and especially the image created by ‘the snake’, foreshadow the crime that is to be addressed soon. The sounds created by the words, ‘mouth’, ‘fallen’, ‘half’ and ‘fear’, emphasize (yet again) the biting of the lips and the changing shape of the mouth. When we reach the last paragraph in line 25, all the components established in the previous paragraphs come together as Richardson uses punctuation, consonance and figurative language to vividly portray the scene and assign actions to the names and faces of the characters we are now familiar with in this particular extract. Laura’s ability to pay close attention to her surroundings is referred to as she is described as being unable to ‘take her eyes off the scene’, ‘fascinated by [Mr Strachey’s] oratory’ and ‘appreciating [Mr Strachey’s] points’. Richardson mentions lips again and this time, they belong to Mr Starchey. Particular phrases such as ‘the Principal passed on to the present case’ and ‘He made it all live vividly before her’ create a cacophonous effect and the reader may visualize Mr Strachey has he speaks dramatically, perhaps spitting as he enunciates too. Earlier, Mr Strachey is said to be speaking in a ‘low, impressive tone’ and Laura’s admiration of his rhetoric highlights this as well. Information concerning Laura herself is minimal, but we find out about her by observing Richardson’s skilful way of letting us into her perspective without actually writing in the first-person. The reader can know that Laura has the capability to recognize what the rest of the girls are going through by the way the writer talks about how Laura knows ‘what it was to be poor’ and understands ‘what it would mean to lack your tram-fare on a rainy morning’ (a brief instance of pathetic fallacy). Laura ‘could imagine, too, with a shiver’, to what extent the details of this crime could be revealed. When Richardson describes the lolly-shop as having ‘octopus arms’, and tells us that Laura is considering ‘if every one else agreed with [Mr Strachey]’, it indicates that Laura is imaginative, bright and deductive in her reasoning as she puts her observation skills in good use, and all of this suggests that her aptitude is possibly brought about by some difference between her attitude to education and the other girls’ approach. This extract was interesting to analyse and to see how a writer can use a character so captivatingly to direct us to what is significant in the actual plot. This includes the characterisations of Bertha, Annie Johns and Mr Strachey, as well as Laura, and the way in which Richardson applies alliteration to this text to create visual impressions. I guess I could say that I was fascinated by Richardson’s style as he made the scene and the characters all live vividly before me. I hung on his diction, appreciated his style and the clever way in which he worked up his climaxes. As grammatically incorrect as it is in saying this, I feel I have certainly been ‘getting’ some wisdom.

The Four Primary Symptoms of Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep at any place or time. After a 10 or 15 minute sleep attack, the person feels rested only brief period of time, then returns to an uncomfortable feeling of intense sleepiness. Many narcolepsy patients describe attempting to stay awake during the day like trying to stay awake after 3 days without sleep. Attacks may occur while driving, talking, or working. The central nervous system is involved. This disorder begins in adolescence or young adulthood and continues throughout life. Narcolepsy is a potentially disabling, life-long condition estimated to afflict about one in every one thousand people in the United States. Although it is not uncommon, narcolepsy is often misdiagnosed, or diagnosed years after symptoms first appear. The four primary symptoms of narcolepsy are excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy. People with narcolepsy are unable to resist the temptation of falling asleep and do so regardless of the number of hours slept the previous night. The excessive daytime sleepiness experienced by people with narcolepsy has been described as being like trying to stay awake after going several days without sleep. Frequently, people with narcolepsy fall asleep at inappropriate times, for example while eating or in the middle of a conversation. These moments often frequently occur during periods of intense emotion such as surprise, laughter, anger, or excitement (even in some of the most passionate situations). Cataplexy is the sudden loss of strength in voluntary muscles triggered by these intense emotions. The cataplectic attack can range from partial muscle weakness in a few muscle joints to almost complete loss of muscle control and last for several minutes. Sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations are also extremely common among patients afflicted with narcolepsy. Although these four symptoms are considered the four key symptoms of narcolepsy, all four symptoms only occur in small portion of the patients most other patients experience some combination of the four symptoms. A. Extensive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) This is probably one of the most persistent and disabling conditions that can be experienced by someone with narcoleopsy. This feeling typically lasts the entire day and occurs on a daily basis. When a patient with narcolepsy experiences a period where they do fall sleep it is more tan likely due to a failure to resist sleep instead of a sudden attack of sleepiness. Although this strong desire to sleep is constant, recent prior sleep does seem to relieve for momentary periods of time. Other factors that appear to prevent a sleep attack are physical activity and stimulants, but it also prolongs the period of feeling sleepiness. EDS has had a rather significant negative affect on narcoleptics' job performance at school and at the workplace. Narcoleptics experience severe problems with and are typically unable to work with automobiles and dangerous equipment. Narcoleptics are more impaired than epileptic patients in terms of job performance and how prone they are to accidents. Narcoleptics lack many physical, emotional, and family supportive needs, even when compared to patients with cerebral palsy and alcoholism. Cataplexy is the condition in which the skeletal muscles experience extreme muscles. This can vary from paralysis in one limb or throughout the entire body. During an attack, the person is conscious and aware of the environment surrounding him or her and if the paralysis is only partial maybe capable of carrying on a conversation. After the attack, the patient is fully conscious and experiences no confusion. This nearly always triggered by some form of emotional stimulus. The occurrences of attacks vary from patient to patient; it can happen daily or happen only once in a patient's life. These are realistic dreamlike hallucinations that occur either from consciousness to sleep or sleep to consciousness. The hallucinations are typically visual with occasional auditory or other sensory components. It often occurs in conjunction with sleep paralysis (see below). One of the most common hallucinations is to get out of bed and moving about while simply lying in a bed and not even moving a leg. Other hallucinations are more threatening as if a possible attacker enters the room and the patient is unable to move. This is form of paralysis that is the failure to move any skeletal muscle during the period from transition of consciousness to sleep or sleep to consciousness. This occurs frequently to narcoleptic patients. These experiences are extremely traumatizing to a patient and make it difficult for the patient to breathe. The attack usually lasts about 5 minutes but can be broke either by an extreme effort by the patient or external force such as being spoken to or touched. The precise factor that causes of narcolepsy is not clearly understood. Narcolepsy seems to be a biological problem, possibly involving abnormalities of brain chemistry. Narcolepsy or a predisposition to it may run in families suggesting a genetic influence. However, the way the predisposition might be inherited remains unknown. There is no evidence for a psychological basis for the disorder. The most accepted theory is that there is something disturbing REM sleep. The impaired REM system is the theory that explains EDS as well as cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. This was based upon the similarities between cataplexy and REM sleep. In both cases, skeletal muscles experience impairment, due to motor neuron blocking. This blocking of motor neurons occurs along the spinal causing excitation of the neuron in the spinal cord.. Cataplexy occurs when this inhibition of mental neurons are blocked during consciousness. Sleep paralysis may occur when motor neuron occurs prior to actual sleep or extends beyond the waking up period. Hypnagogic hallucinations occur when shifting between REM and wakefulness, this results in the unusual hallucinations experienced during hypnagogic hallucinations. The precise neurological abnormality that causes the symptoms of narcolepsy. The symptoms of narcolepsy are usually first noticed during teenage or young adult years although it can strike at any age. Most often the initial symptom to appear is excessive daytime sleepiness. Later, after several months or even years, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, or sleep paralysis typically develop. Different individuals experience wide variations in both the developments, the number and the severity of their symptoms. Family, friends, educators, employers and even those with narcolepsy often have a hard time understanding the problem and just what is happening. There is no known cure for narcolepsy. Narcolepsy symptoms can be treated with varying degrees of success with medications and adjustments of life-style and educational. Treatment is primarily intended to cope with the symptoms of narcolepsy. Stimulants are often given to promote alertness and to cope with EDS. The two stimulants that are prescribed the most frequently are methyphenidate and pemoline. Dosage is usually scheduled to promote alertness at the most crucial times. The one difficulty is that tolerance can rapidly develop to stimulants so it is recommended that stimulants be used only when truly needed. Adapting your work schedule to provide for naps at the time most crucial times of the most intense sleepiness can help prevent some of the affects of EDS. This also reduces the need and possible dependency upon medication. Funds for research are needed to advance knowledge about narcolepsy and test the effectiveness of methods of treatment and management.

Promote Positive Behaviour Essay

In this assignment I am going to explain my understanding about, legislation, frameworks, codes of practice and policies relate to positive behaviour support. Understand the context and use of proactive and reactive strategies. Be able to promote positive Behaviour Be able to Respond Appropriately to Incidents of Challenging Behaviour. People with learning disabilities show behaviours which present a significant challenge for those caring for them. Such behaviours may include aggression, destructive behaviours or self-harm. Individuals with more severe disabilities and those with additional disabilities such as sensory impairment’s and communication disorders are more likely to demonstrate challenging behaviour. Many forms of challenging behaviour are thought of as being functional and adaptive responses to challenging situations, in that they serve as a way of communication with the people with whom they interact (e.g. stopping unwanted attention, attracting attention or attempting to explain they are experiencing pain). Some forms of challenging behaviour may be linked to mental health problems, such as depression. The most important way in the reduction of challenging behaviour is for the individual to have a thorough assessment to find out the function of the behaviour. This is known as a functional behavioural assessment and is used to create an individual’s support plan. Positive behaviour support aims to teach the individual new behaviours and enable them to achieve what they want to achieve. Understand how legislation, frameworks, codes of practice and policies relate to positive behaviour support. In all aspects of my role I am regulated by my company’s policies and government legislation. The human rights act 1998, the disabled person act 1986, disability and discrimination act 1996, Health and safety at work act 1974, the equality act 2010. I have been trained in Mandatory courses, for example protecting vulnerable adults(safeguarding) Strategies for Crisis intervention and pr evention (S.C.I.P) Autism Awareness, and working safely, making sure I understand the legal policies put in place to provide the best care for the people who I support. S.C.I.P focuses on positive techniques and how to deescalate behaviour. Read more:  Essay About Promote Positive Behaviour This allows staff to be consistent in their approach when dealing with challenging behaviour. By following the S.C.I.P policy I am able to  reinforce positive behaviour and good skills in listening and learning as well as helping the individuals that I support feel safe and secure knowing that I am able to deal with their behaviours if they occur. Restrictive interventions are defined as any method which restricts the movement of an individual by physical means, including mechanical means (using straps) physical (holding) chemical restraint (using drugs). For example I support an individual who is prescribed medication (Lorazepam) by his physiatrist, to be used when he starts to become agitated. This is given to the customer as a last resort, when we have explored all other options for example is he in pain? Restrictive interventions should only be used as a matter of urgency to prevent imminent and serious harm to the individual or other people, be used in the best interests of th e person with learning disabilities, and only used alongside other strategies to help people learn to behave in non-challenging ways. Interventions need to be used in a context of a risk assessment. Incidents should be investigated and followed up, ensuring staff and customers get sufficient post-intervention support, risk assessments should be reviewed regularly to identify factors contributing to incidents, and associated action must be taken, to reduce those risks. Planned interventions should be agreed in advance at a multi-disciplinary meeting by relevant professionals working in consultation with the customer, his or her carers, and an independent advocate if appropriate. They should be implemented under the supervision of an identified member of staff who has relevant qualifications, training and experience and recorded in writing, so that the method of intervention and the circumstances when its use has been agreed are clearly understood. Behaviour support plans should be routinely reviewed by having team meetings, support plan reviews and risk assessment reviews. If it is agreed that a customer will require some form of intervention, there must be an up-to-date copy of a written protocol included in the person’s individual support plan and staff should be regularly trained and receive updates regarding an individual’s behaviour support plan because there may be a change in how to support a customer. The use of a restrictive intervention, whether planned or unplanned (emergency) must always be recorded. In the day centre where I work the policy and procedures are to inform the manager on duty who will usually provide support for the customer  involved as well as other customers in the centre, ensuring they are all safe. Offer staff support making sure an independent person checks for injuries and records them. The member of staff involved in using a restrictive intervention should: Record the incident, completing an incident report form, star chart and RIDDOR (Report of suspicious Diseases or Dangerous Occurrences) form. Record the incident in the individual’s logs. Inform carers/ family members. Have a post incident meeting with Manager and the staff involved. Make referrals to specialist services for example Derby City, Proactive S.C.I.P Instructors. Inform the customer’s Social worker/ care manager. Before intervening, the member of staff should ask themselves, is there another way to manage the situation and ensure everyone’s safety? If a person has to use intervention they should do it in the least restrictive way possible to prevent the individual from being hurt and all other options have been explored. A restrictive intervention can feel very intimidating to a vulnerable person who is unable to control themselves. By not exploring other options first, there is a risk that the situation can escalate, causing more damage. For example I support a customer who will be happily smiling, singing and interacting with people, her facial expressions and body language will suddenly change. She will begin to spit, hit out, stand up and try to kick other individuals or damage objects. The individual displayed these behaviours to a member of staff who was supporting her. The member of staff did not explore other options first or follow her behaviour support plan and used a restrictive intervention to deal with her negative behaviour. The situation escalated and the customer became more anxious, damaged property and the staff member became injured. In my opinion if the member of staff had followed the customer’s guidelines and offered calmness, communication and distraction, the incident may not have escalated. We must also use minimum intervention to encourage the customers to trust individuals who are supporting them this helps to form positive relationships with each other and also staff will not be feared. Understand the context and use of proactive and reactive strategies. The difference between proactive and reactive strategies is that proactive  strategies are put into place to avoid any problematic or foreseeable situations and a reactive strategy is a response to a situation that has already happened. In my own work role the reactive strategies that are used are based on the results of an individual’s functional behaviour assessment and the support put into place. Everyone involved in an individual’s care should be involved in creating the behaviour support plan this should include writing a description of the behaviours and working out a reason for the behaviours. Proactive Strategies are used to make sure that the person has got what they need. They also describe ways to teach the person communication and other skills. Examples of proactive strategies that I use include: Teaching the individual skills for example Makaton signs for â€Å"finished† â€Å"Thank you† â€Å"Good† Using communication charts with sig ns, symbols or pictures which also outlines the routine for that day. The environment for example dims the lights, tying hair back to stop the individual from pulling hair. Rewards Routine and Structure Boundaries Giving the individual access to preferred activities Making sure that a person’s cultural and religious needs are being met Reactive strategies are designed to keep the individual and those around them safe. Examples that I use include: I don’t respond to the behaviour, if you ignore the behaviour sometimes it stops as the individual wants a reaction I give the individual reminders I distract the individual, by offering a different activity I give the individual what they want for example a drink or a biscuit Ask the Individual if they are in feeling ill or they are in pain. Remove myself from the situation for example leave the room, making sure I am still supporting the customer from a safe distance. Ask another member of staff if they will assist the customer as sometimes another person can be more productive. The importance of identifying patterns of behaviour or triggers that will result in challenging behaviour is that early warning signs can be spotted and acted upon before the behaviour happens or escalates. Factors that can lead to mood changes include: Body Temperature, is the customer too  hot, too cold. Over sensory stimulation Lack of choice, boredom, Limited communication or understanding Over stimulation through noise A general disruption to a customer’s routine Overcrowding? For example are there too many people in one activity for the customer to be able to cope with. Provocation by other people, for example if a customer is showing signs of disruption they need to be removed from the situation before it escalates. The importance of maintaining a person centred approach when establishing proactive strategies is that challenging behaviours are an individual thing, the causes and triggers differ according to each individual, as do their reactions and degree of severity. I therefore feel it is important when planning strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour that we ensure they are just as individual as the triggers. No two people will respond in the same way to established strategies. In my own experience, a one size fits all approach does not work and does not show the ability to adapt and respond. By responding to customers behaviours in different ways to each other not only shows that we can identify and recognise each individuals strengths and incorporate them into the strategies planned for that individual, it also tells the individual that you are supporting that they have value and worth and no matter how challenging their behaviour may be, there is always something positive to build on. Reinforcing positive behaviour with individuals can improve their behaviour. Positive reinforcement is a powerful and effective way to help shape and change behaviour. Positive reinforcement works by presenting a motivating item to the individual after the desired behaviour is shown, making the behaviour more likely to happen in the future. When I am supporting customers i praise them using speech and Makaton, for example when an individual has washed their hands, put their dirty dinner plates on the trolley, thrown something in the bin, put an item away they have been using in an activity. I use praise â€Å"Thank you†, â€Å"please†, â€Å"well done† which is effective when reinforcing positive behaviour. Using an incentive also works in reinforcing positive behaviour, for example a customer who i  support likes football and cricket. When the customer shows positive behaviour he will get a trip out to the cricket ground to watch a match and have his packed lu nch there, or to the football ground to have a cup of tea and a cake. Using reactive strategies can have an impact on an individual’s wellbeing. For example i support customers who display challenging behaviour’s. A previous manager asked one of my colleagues and me to assist a customer to go out for a walk. The customer is extremely afraid of dogs he will scream and run when he sees one. This is because he was bitten by a dog when he went on holiday to India. Whilst we were out walking, the customer saw a dog in the distance and began to scream and run towards a busy main road. Both my colleague and I ran after the customer shouting â€Å"stop†. When we managed to catch up with the customer we had to restrain the customer using S.C.I.P (strategies for crisis intervention and prevention) because the customer was in danger of running into the road and getting hurt or even killed. The customer was very upset; he was shaking, sweating, crying, and screaming. When we got back into the centre the customer was upset and angry for the rest of the day. He displayed the need for more sensory stimulation by rocking back and forth and flapping his hands. The customer became very vocal and began making loud noises, (which had an effect on other customers) he also began to barge into other people. This in itself is not being proactive as we did not explore other options first or even prepare the customer for going out for a walk. What I feel should have happened is photographs of dogs should have been used and pat dog should have been brought into the centre(as it is a safe environment) on numerous occasions to begin the process of helping the customer to overcome his phobia of dogs. This had an effect on the customer’s wellbeing because he would not get out of bed in the morning and would refuse to come into the centre. He would not eat his food and if he saw a dog through the window he would scream. In my opinion, we put the customer through unnecessary anxiety and stress. Be able to promote positive behaviour. There are a range of factors that may be associated with challenging behaviours these Include: Illness, Pain, Medication, The need for sensory stimulation or sensory overload Seeking interaction, Staff not working consistently, Staff not following customer guidelines, Communication difficulties, Past experiences that have happened to the individual, The environment being too hot or too cold, Boredom Lack of boundaries or goals, Mental and physical health, Bereavement! Phobia The goal of using proactive strategies on mitigating challenging behaviours is to reduce the future probability of the behaviour. It helps if proactive strategies are identified when supporting customers who display challenging behaviours. Risk Assessments means evaluating the consequences and likelihood of challenging behaviour, it identifies measures to help avoid, mitigate or control the risks. The risk assessment should take into account of personal, environmental or situational factors which increase the likelihood of challenging behaviours. To reduce risks associated with challenging behaviour we need to identify the emotional, physical and psychological needs of the customer. Dignity and respect is important and where possible a customer should have choices concerning their care. A strategy for reducing risks also requires communication between staff to form an understanding of an individual’s behaviour and what they need to do to prevent the behaviours. Other services, family/carers should also be involved in discussions and decision making. A crucial part of managing risk is to understand the reasons for the behaviour so that strategies can be put into place for example: What is causing the distress? What are we doing that is leading to the distress? What can we do differently? It is important to highlight praise when supporting customers so that we can reinforce positive behaviour. I feel it is important to offer praise to a  customer I am supporting, immediately after they have demonstrated a skill, this will hopefully learn to make an association between the skill and the reward which means the customer will start to use the skill more often. For example a customer who I support is very impatient and does not like to wait. The individual has to share a toilet with other customers. In the past when another customer is using the toilet, the individual has kicked the toilet door and started pulling on the handle; she would scream and try to attack the other customer when they have come out. In the individuals behaviour support plan it is highlighted how to support the customer if the situation arises. The protocol is, if another customer is using the toilet ask K to wait using speech, Makaton and picture signs explain what is happening and why. Keep reminding K and also use praise.† Well done K for waiting†. K will smile and wait patiently. This has and is working well and has created positive reinforcement as K will now stand away from the door and say â€Å"wait† without being reminded or prompted. It is still important to praise K and not become too complacent because of the risk that K can become challenging again in this situation and regress. It is essential that everyone working with challenging behaviour develop a general understanding of promoting positive behaviour. In my opinion a consistent and proactive approach should be followed rather than reacting negatively to situations. Strategies should be in place that allows us to work positively with individuals and focus on their achievements rather than highlighting their inappropriate behaviour. Staff communicating with each other and sharing ideas and information is vital. In our centre we have daily half hour team briefings where we can discuss the events of the day. The meetings are also used to discuss all customers we have been supporting whether they have had a good day or bad day. Have there been any incidents that have happened, any new information about a customer? Have Colleagues had a good day? We share information and ideas about working with individual customers and share what worked and what didn’t work when dealing with challenging behaviour. I key work a customer who displays challenging behaviour, he will shout, swear, bang his fists on the table, threaten to smash a window and threaten to hit a person. This is usually when he has dropped an item on the floor and been asked to pick it up, or he is not feeling very well, there is too much noise, something has happened at home or on the bus that morning. The  individual has got a behaviour support plan which I ask staff to read and sign which enables everyone to understand his guidelines on how to support him. I have monthly meetings so that we can share ideas, information, what’s working/ not working. Is there any new behaviour or any behaviour that have resurfaced? What can we do better? We discuss activities that the customer appears to like and dislike. It is important for colleagues to support each other when a customer is displaying challenging behaviour. Where possible I ask my colleague if they need any assistance or time out for me to take over, especially if they have been injured by the customer. Blaming the member of staff is not helpful or constructive for example I have witnessed colleagues in the past say â€Å"he doesn’t behave like that when he is supported by me, what they have done to make him like that?† We must all share our experiences, skills, knowledge, thoughts and ideas with each other . How can we promote positive behaviour with our customers if we do not promote it within our staff team? Be able to respond appropriately to incidents of challenging behaviour Challenging behaviour shows there is some need being unfulfilled or a problem with communication. Behaviour is challenging if it causes harm to the individual or others. There are different types of challenging behaviour these include: Spitting, self-harm, aggression (physical, verbal, mental, emotional) destruction (breaking furniture, tearing things up) Shouting, swearing, biting self and others, eating inedible objects, smearing faeces, soiling and urinating in odd places, stripping clothes off, eye poking, hand biting, pulling own hair and others, hitting others and self, Threatening or hitting others with objects, inappropriate sexualised behaviour, destruction of clothing. An appropriate response to challenging behaviour depends on the type of behaviour that is being exhibited by the individual. My opinion on the response to this behaviour should be consistent, fair, so not to cause any further disruption to a group session or the individual, thus calming the situation and the customer using this behaviour. A proactive response is likely to be more effective than one that is merely reactive. When responding to incidents of challenging behaviour it is important to ensure that an individual’s behaviour support plan is followed as no two people are the same. A behaviour support plan describes situations that an individual finds difficult and what others can do to help them cope with distress. They are a  very useful way of encouraging staff supporting the person to respond consistently. The plan should include Strategies to encourage staff to respond to the first signs of distress and resolve issues before they escalate. This helps to ensure that the least restrictive interventions are being used and the strategies being used are in proportion to the level of risk. The behaviour plan should include: Triggers –What can cause the individual distress? In Specific situations, places, activities, changes, sensory issues (noise, touch, smell?) Proactive strategies – How can staff support the person to cope with these triggers? Early warning signs- How do we know the person is becoming distressed? Are the First signs- body language, facial expression, language, behaviours, and tone of voice? What can help the individual calmer at this time? Medium intensity behaviours – What might the individual do at this stage? Are there Specific behaviours and who might be at risk? What should staff do at this time? Things we can do to prevent the situation from getting worse. What can staff do to ensure everyone is safe? High intensity behaviours – What might the individual do at this stage? Are there specific behaviours? How long they may last and who is at risk What should staff do at this time? What can staff do to ensure everyone is safe? Often the best course of action is to withdraw and leave the customer in a safe area to calm down on their own (But this may not be the case for some individuals) When responding to an incident of challenging behaviour it is important to ensure a customer’s dignity and respect are maintained. Try to speak in a calm and clear voice using language that the individual understands this could be in the form of signs and symbols, makaton, photographs. Speak calmly, quietly and as sertively Avoid threatening body postures such as standing in front or above the individual Avoid what may be classed as threatening gestures such as pointing or waving, arms folded across the body. Avoid threatening facial expressions. Avoid shouting or raising your voice. Avoid giving orders or continually repeating requests. Try to disperse any audience. Ask the individual if they would like to go into a quieter area if possible. Consider adopting a posture which reduces your size (sitting, crouching and moving away) Be aware of gender, cultural difference. Avoid belittling and talking to others negatively about the customer. Avoid forcing compliance. Actively listen to the customer and respect their wishes and feelings. Avoid unnecessary physical contact.  Following an incident of challenging behaviour by an individual it should be recorded in their personal file. A detailed written log must be written which should be dated, timed and signed by the member of staff. An incident report form and star chart must be completed. On the star chart we use the A.B.C approach (Antecedent, Behaviour, and Consequence.) Antecedent – What occurs before the behaviour and what may have triggered it. The antecedents are all the relevant things that happened before the behaviour occurred. They can also be considered as triggers for the behaviour such as, things that other people said, emotional state (depressed, tired, anxious.) The environment (is it too hot or noisy cramped, smell, bright lights?) Behaviour –What happens during the behaviour, what does it look like? Consequences – What are the immediate and delayed reactions from everyone involved? Consequences can be pleasant or unpleasant. A pleasant consequence will reinforce the behaviour. (When I yell, everyone gives me what I want)While a negative consequence will discourage behaviour (When I yell everyone ignores me completely) a consistent response from everyone to challenging behaviour can have a very strong effect. Parents/carers are also informed via a customer’s communication book at the end of each day or telephoned. Staff are involved in a team briefing, daily, to be kept informed of any concerns or incidents. In our centre we also have a traffic light system, using laminated cards, they inform people to be cautious or take action. Green- No concerns Amber-Be aware Red- There has been a Serious Incident. A manager is informed whenever the cards are on amber or red. Be able to support individuals and others following an incident of challenging behaviour. I had an incident of challenging behaviour from a male customer who I support on a one to one basis. B is prescribed P.R.N medication by his GP for when necessary, these being Paracetamol for pain and discomfort and Lorazepam for anxiety. B is known to become very agitated and anxious and will slap others very hard without warning. B has his breakfast at the centre each morning when he arrives, as I was preparing his breakfast B became very agitated and anxious slapping me very hard on my arm. After following B’s behaviour support plan and exploring all of the options listed, I asked B if he was in pain offering him Paracetamol if he needed it but he shook his head as a negative. Cooling him down by removing his sweater I offered sensory consisting of a weighted blanket and calm relaxing music. None of the above options worked so B was given Lorazepam as a last resort resulting in B’s behaviour improving over time. I also used the traffic light system, as stated earlier in this assignment. To Support an individual to return to a calm state: Use Reassurance and Praise. Provide whatever support that is needed; give individual some space if that is what they want. Behave in a non-judgemental way, even if you might not feel like that. Don’t discuss the behaviour with the individual at this point, unless they want to. Support the customer to continue to recover and calm down. I key work a male customer and support him to access his choice of activities. S enjoys going outside in the garden to feed the birds. As part of the activity S and myself make a flask of tea, sit in a poly tunnel looking at bird magazines before we venture out to feed them. I was asked to support another customer (M) at the same time, as we were short staffed and to involve him in the activity. I explained to S that M would be joining us. S was not happy with this and became very distressed, he started to swear, bang on the table using his fist and bite on his own arm. The staff that should have been supporting M had changed the routine for that day and decided to support two other customers in taking them out in a car. I tried  to calm the situation down by speaking calmly and quietly to S reassuring him that it was just for that day. S continued to display the same behaviours and would not join in the activity, beginning to cry and shout† I don’t want to do it with M I want you to do it† I continued to reassure S who by this time was threatening to hit me. Another member of staff came to my assistance, supported M whilst I continued to support S. S stopped the behaviour and became very quiet with his head down. When I felt S was calm enough for us to be able to talk about the situation together he began to cry saying he wanted the activity to be just Himself and I. I reassured S, in future, the activity would be himself and either I or another member of staff. I asked S if he still wanted to do the activity, he replied â€Å"NO† When S becomes agitated and upset he will refuse to take part in one of his activities and will realise later on in the day that he has missed out. After the incident S became very withdrawn, appeared sad, would not engage in conversation, sat with his head down and would cry throughout the day. After the incident not only did S show complex feelings both M and I also felt different emotions. M became withdrawn, would not engage in conversation or activities, eat his lunch or enter a room S was in, and a lso wanted to be on his own, appearing anxious and frightened. I asked M if he wanted to talk to me or another member of staff about his feelings but he declined. I had a release of adrenaline my heart was racing; body was shaking, I felt angry frustrated, fearful, tired upset and wanted to cry. I sought help and advice from my immediate manager and explained how the incident had made the two customers and me feel. My manager actively listened and took action by informing staff that a clear plan needs to be put into place when changing activities and when we are short staffed the activity sheet needs to be followed. I feel the situation could and should have been avoided, other customers’ activities were disrupted, their needs were not met they had unnecessary upset which resulted in an individual displaying challenging behaviour. After an incident of challenging the steps that should be taken to check for injuries are: Everyone involved in the incident should be checked thoroughly for injuries by a member of staff (preferably a first aider) who was not involved in the incident. In case of any injuries being noticed, immediate action sh ould be taken to seek the appropriate medical help. Injuries should be recorded and reported using the  centres procedures. An incident report form, body map and dangerous occurrence form should be completed. Parents/ carers should be informed. Be able to review and revise approaches to promoting positive behaviour. Working with others is important if individuals that we support are to receive good, consistent support. Family carers and close friends are important when we are thinking about partnership working. It shows respect and also values other people’s contributions, different people possess different skills which help good support, it can help with problem solving and creative thinking, and partners have different information about a person they can share with others. Working with others to review and examine information which relates to positive behaviour support should include gathering information about incidents from a variety of sources. Information can be gathered from, A.B.C charts (As mentioned earlier in this assignment, promote positive behaviour) in notes from meetings, and debrie fs incident report forms and logs. It is important to promote proactive positive behaviour support and analyse the risk assessment process; whenever there is a review the risk assessment should be revisited and adjusted where necessary. There must be continuous monitoring and review of the individual’s behaviour as sometimes physical interventions or restrictive practices are used in an emergency. To be able to work with others to review the approaches to promoting positive behaviour it is important for managers to check and update policies and organisation practice against current good practice guidelines. Reflection begins when I pause to think back after something unexpected or out of the ordinary has happened. I replay the happenings, incident or event in my head and think about it more. My thoughts begin to change from a sequence of events into a series of questioning thoughts such as; why did it happen that way? And how could I have behaved or done things differently? If I do something that way, what is likely to happen? Reflection helps me to share my ideas with others who are experiencing similar incidents of challenging behaviour which can help improve the promotion of positive behaviour. It also helps you avoid making the same mistake again, for example, as mentioned earlier in this assignment whilst I was supporting B and preparing his breakfast, he hit me. On reflection I questioned why I had taken him in the kitchen with me and should have asked for assistance from another member of staff to prepare his  breakfast. My manager has updated B’s support plan and informed staff that when B has his breakfast prepared the member of staff supporting him must ask colleagues for assistance keeping B out of the kitchen. In my opinion Individuals with the label of challenging behaviour are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. They are often labelled as complex and are at high risk of abuse, neglect and exclusion. Despite some progress in policies and practice that advocate personalisation, the evidence for successful approaches in challenging behaviour is weak. Challenging behaviour is still too often viewed as located within the individual rather than the wider social and physical environment. The appalling events that led to the closure of Winterbourne View hospital in Bristol in 2011 were the latest in a very long line of similar cases that have occurred over many decades. The aim of the winterbourne review was to look into what happened so that lessons can be learned and look into how people with challenging behaviour are supported all over the united kingdom.