Have you seen TED?

Greetings fellow colligate constituents,

Not a single day passes that we don’t attempt to make sense of the world around us. For some, this is the very reason communication itself exists. We take in information and apply it directly to the world around us. Today, I would like to share a video I recently viewed on TED.com. For those who aren’t aware of TED, it is a website which shares ideas from very intellectual people on all ranges of topics. TED stands for technology, entertainment and design and it is a site I strongly recommend young communicators (or people of all ages) to visit daily.

Kate Hartman is an artist who is specifically interested in how we, as humans, relate to ourselves, others and the world around us. She is an artist, technologist and educator who instructs courses in physical computing and wearable electronics.

What stirs the most curiosity is the fact that Hartman questions the ways in which we relate and communicate.

(Some of which might be initially considered odd but after a couple thoughtful minutes can be viewed as an essential tool to our everyday lives.)

She asks the very important question of “why bodies matter,” which she follows by saying that we all have one. It is something that we all have in common. This can be viewed in a sense that we all have the ability to communicate in common as well.  (By some or any means necessary) This is an aspect that IABC understands in its entirely. I am not sure if you’re aware of all the ways humans communicate, but other non-human objects communicate as well. Some on levels that you only imagined in your dreams.

She adds that our bodies are our primary interfaces for the world. She also mentioned that some of her devices are geared towards expression and communication.

IE: The “inflatable heart” was designed to inflate and deflate to express how one feels at any given time in respect to admiration and love to anxiety and hate.

Another device Hartman invented pertains to plants and their needs. This device can tweet alerts to owners that they need water or sunlight. Can you believe this?  Or even grasp the thought that maybe someday a robot will receive these forms of communication and take it upon itself to water the plants?

What is fascinating to me is that Hartman “raises the questions about how we communicate with our environment, and with ourselves.”

All of these concepts are new modes of expression and communication, which brings to my mind one question. How do you plan on staying on the bandwagon of these technological advances? And also ask yourself what can you do to play your part in today’s age of communication? We all have ideas… lets start sharing them with each other. You never know.. you can be the next Kate Hartman.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/kate_hartman_the_art_of_wearable_communication.html

Spring Breaks over and IABC has opportunities on the horizon

Hey fellow communicators, please go to IABC’s student scholarship resource page to find out how to receive potential help with paying for next semester’s tuition.  With the financial end already covered, IABC also offers people and students the opportunity to be recognized for their achievements, personal works and practices that advanced the profession. Which is deeply desired for in today’s age.

Houston’s IABC chapter hosts the Bronze Quill Awards annually.

This is a chance to have your work, evaluated b some of the top communicators, not only in Houston, but also in the country. So I ask why wouldn’t you want to build your resume while having your work judged by experts already seasoned in the field? Now seems like a good time to add that non-IABC members can submit work as well with hopes of receiving recognition or better yet scholarships.

“IABC Houston Bronze Quill competition is Houston’s gold standard”

IABC knows that you have one or two projects that you have completed this year that you want to display for preferred reasons and now is your chance. With a wide range of categories to choose from, one is bound to suit your fancy. (I know I have a couple proud works that I wouldn’t mind being displayed to the world)

There are 27 categories that are grouped into three separate divisions.

Communication Management is the first division and it covers projects and campaigns that are guided by some form of communication strategy. Judges score you based on subcategories like government and community relations. Marketing communications and issue management/crisis communication are categories that I’m sure most communication students are familiar with so old projects from those courses could work as well.

Do you see how easy these ideas can easily be tied together? All the hard work is already done, all you have to do is fill out the application form and sit back.

The second division includes products that showcase technical skills while also displaying creativity. Electronic/Digital communications, audiovisuals and publications are all addressed here. The third division addresses creativity in the field of communication and also has several subunits.

We as college students get a chance to compete against work of peers while judges review how well we think and implement tactual skills while identifying communication needs.

All entrants receive evaluation forms with scores and brief comments from professionals and judges. However, I believe that opportunity to distinguish yourself on a international scale is the most amazing aspect. It allows you to be discovered, simple as that.

Below is a link to the IABC Bank’s scholarship page.

Till the next time comm coog’s!

scholarship.x.iabc.com/

MTV’s The Buried Life and IABC, closer in common than you probably expect them to be…

MTV’s The Buried Life and IABC, closer in common than you probably expect them to be…

The story goes like this.

Two brothers and a couple friends were making the transition from graduating college to dedicating the next twenty or so years towards a profession. They basically made a list of things that they wanted to do before they died, and for every time they crossed something off their list they promised to help a complete stranger do the same. The theme of the special lecture that Duncan Penn, Jonnie Penn, Ben Nemtin and Dave Lingwood gave at the Cullen Performance Hall was over what students wanted to do before they graduated.

(A couple of things I would like to do before I graduate is basically learn to be more understanding towards others and situations while also being to be able to look at any challenge as an obstacle. And any obstacle can be conquered if you have and work a plan. Helping out others can ultimately teach you something about yourself, which in turn could benefit you in the future profession. You guys know about the “pay it forward” motto. Right?)

One key aspect that the crew highlighted was volunteering and helping others. I thought for a minute and asked myself how this lecture could tie in with what IABC represents and the experience that this organization gives to students. 


Diana L. Decker, IABC member in Phoenix, said, “volunteering helps young communicators stay involved with their community while also improving and enhancing their skills and abilities.” This is particularly important when potential employers are looking to hire Decker said. Think about it, you’re out in the community volunteering and helping out, you will eventually run into somebody who could become your next business partner or investor.  

And then it hit me. A person could knock out two birds with one stone in a sense by being a member of IABC Houston and also volunteering to help better the community and others less fortunate.

“Volunteering with a professional organization such as IABC or any other organization is also important for learning and networking,” Decker said. “Im impressed with the younger commination relations committee members who all have a long list of volunteer activities and are very involved in their communities.”

This was something I felt that every young communicator should see and hear. We aren’t always promised careers after college so I’m sure you can understand why so many students feel nervous or uncertain about the immediate years after graduation. Relax... This is why IABC is here for you now, to reduce all uncertainties and give you more confidence to enter the real world. While also demonstrating that you can help one or two or millions of people along the way.

As a child I grasped and understood the importance of staying involved with my community through volunteering. However, as an adult, I wasn’t sure how that all tied in with my future plans. The entire picture is still not completely clear, but more and more pieces are falling into place. Lets get up and get to volunteering. It all starts with you and it all starts somewhere. I hope to see you out there!

Till the next time..

Respectfully

Crossing the line with confidence...

Why IABC Houston cares...  The answers lies within, IABC and yourself...

We, as communicators, have the opportunity to express our thoughts on a daily basis, the important question is are we capitalizing on it or just using it as a mean to pass time? Opportunities which produce life-altering experiences are happening all around us everyday so why not use them to your advantage. IABC knows how important it is for future communicators to stay one step ahead of the herd. IABC grants members opportunities to interact with professionals already in the field. Considering most students want to make a quick and smooth transition from college to their careers, its important to start networking with people already in the field as soon as possible. This is how you're discovered.. IABC gives serious communication students the chance to take their life to the next level after graduating while also crossing the finish line with confidence...

Is it in you?

IABC recently hosted a networking event at Brennan's of Houston restaurant. Connie Barnaba was the guest speaker and she emphasized on that the content of and in communication is key. Barnaba is a human resource and change management professional. She has worked with upper-managment during mergers of large companies because statistics show that merged organizations struggle for the first year. Barnaba demonstrated how to effectively communicate during "high-change and highly charged" events. 

It's important to mention that students, including myself, were seated next to professionals such as Gayle Hargrove, director of internal communications of BP Oil and Carole Minor, president of Encore Communications. IABC is dedicated and specializes in giving students opportunities to land their dream jobs.. 

Check out the IABC experience.. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain....

Till next week, have a grand weekend my fellow collegiate constituents.