Double Extra Credit Blog Post

Part 1

I definitely prefer having instructor conferences well before the paper is due.  I always like receiving lots of feedback with plenty of time to make the necessary changes for two reasons.  First, I enjoy not being rushed in making the changes I received in the instructor conference; I do not think it is very safe to rush writing.  Second, I usually need to go back a second time after receiving feedback to make sure I addressed the tips properly.  It is possible and even probably that I misinterpreted the advice I receive, so I appreciate having time to go back once I have made the changes and make sure I made them in the right manner.  This is not easy to do when the instructor conferences are right before the due date of the final draft.  Further more, I think it is best to have peer reviews first as well, before the instructor conference.  I think peers can offer each other plenty of little tips and check each other on the prompt, a strong theses, basic format, clarity, and grammar.  But anything past this, it is up to the instructor to offer advice, so I think it is best to have the peers fix these matters so that the instructor can then focus on tips past this.

Part 2

As is probably the same with everyone else, I am really looking forward to hearing from Elder Holland.  Elder Holland, being an English major, seems to have a very particular clarity to his talks.  Obviously there is a lot more to talks than just English skills, especially among the General Authorities, but I have noticed that I can listen to Elder Holland with more ease than I can to other speakers.  His clarity makes his talks easier for the reader to follow.  He also posses questions at very convenient times, addressing them soon after with what seems like perfect timing.  This, along with his clarity, makes him thoroughly hold up his side of the reader writer contract.

I am also really excited to hear from President Eyring.  I honestly don’t think I can name any specific rhetorical skills about Eyring’s talks that make me enjoy them though.  He just gives such uplifting stories and has such an earnest, honest, yet optimistic voice to everything he speaks of.  And of course, I always feel the Spirit especially strong when he closes with his powerful testimony.