Marwell & Smitt: Kocholigarchy

2014 Koch Industries - We Are Koch 

Published on Jun 8, 2014

This short video came out early last year to tell Americans how good the Koch brothers are for the economy.  I haven't decided if that is true.   I am concerned about the money they spend on financing ad campaigns during elections.  The media has slowly been attempting to educate the American voting public as to who these Koch men are and the financial power they wield.  The following quote from their social media campaign seems to send a mixed message if you read between the lines.

"We're excited to announce a new campaign to tell the story of Koch Industries from our start in America's heartland. While you might not always see our name on the products you use, we're working to provide innovations in products you need every day. Together, we are Koch. Visit www.kochcareers.com to learn more."

The Koch brothers are so excited to be a large company that they are an industry in of themselves.  We don't usually see them directly because their influence is effectively intertwined with many of the products we buy and use regularly. They nearly spell out their influence as an oligarchy to be proud of.

Process Premises

Classic targeting of our psychological process is presented by these Koch professionals. Their video carefully and artfully offer us security though the tens of thousands of jobs they create. We depend on them.  We are invited to join them, thus offering belonging and safety.  Credit needs to be given for their positive approach with regard to themselves. They appear innovative and flawless.  We would be silly to not want to be with them.  

Marwell & Schmitt's Taxonomy Case in Point

The "Moral Appeal" is used convincingly in the video.  Koch Industries is built on "American values and skills".  In other words we will respect the Koch brothers if we are true Americans.  They assert to "working every day..." to make necessities to improve American lives.  If you value work then you will value Koch Industries.  America is the land of opportunity and Koch Industries makes that possible.  If you want to improve your life you will respect Koch Industries.  Marwell and Schmitt would agree that the moral appeal is effectively communicated through pictures and presentation.


Trusting the Koch brothers intentions should be a consideration for all voting Americans, because their monetary power is a reality.  We will continue to see their influence even if their name is not directly attached.  Buyer beware.  If we are naive to the messages most excellently created and promoted, we will be lead by the few making a Kocholigarchy possible. 

What's Rotary; Outside Class Presentation

Rotary International has been a part of my life for over 10 years.  It has filled an important need to foster a sense of community since leaving the Mormon church.  Being that I am the membership director this year, creating a basic introduction to non-members seemed like a good idea with this informative/persuasive presentation.  I especially enjoy my clubs unique characteristics and want other like minded community members to consider if we are a good fit for them.

I presented the 5 minute Rotary introduction to non-traditional students in a small auditorium.  The presentation was  designed to certainly be improved upon and used with other groups.  Before the presentation, I did get some feedback from the club presidency and made some adjustments based on their suggestions.  Although, the best suggestions came from my student peers who knew what to look for. They were given an evaluation form based on the grading rubric presented in the course.

The presentation included 9 slides and I was concerned that may be too many.  I wasn't marked down for that; however, I did get caught looking at the slides far too often, which hurt my score significantly.  I was hoping my glances to make sure the technology was working wasn't noticeable.  I learned that was the biggest downfall when presenting too many slides.  It simply created a distraction to myself.

As much as I enjoyed giving the presentation, my nerves showed through in my breathing. Apparently, I gave many sighs while attempting to speak and keep my heart oxygenated simultaneously.  Public speaking has always been a battle and I do continue to get better with practice, but the gift certainly has not been developed fully.

Ultimately, I scored fairly well.  Surely, more practice, better memorization, and learned relaxation skills would have resulted in higher scores.  Wednesday morning 7:30 am at the Best Western Abbey Inn on Bluff St., I will offer this presentation again for yet more feedback from my club.  If anyone in the class wants to join us for a free breakfast and see what we are all about, please just let me know. Call/text me at (435) 619-2821 or email me at kp000029@gmail.com

Evaluation form used Oral Presentation Evaluation

How to Speak as the Reich's Triumphant Individual

Julian Treasure: How to speak so that people want to listen

Published June 27, 2014

Julian Treasure has several TED Talks posted.   We can assume that he is recognized for his skill on the subject from at least a TED Talks perspective.  Also, since our course is focused on teaching us useful tools about how to publicly speak while integrating technology,  Treasure offers some public speaking suggestions worth considering.

The Process

Treasure begins his speech by expressing how important the human voice is and how it can be used "to speak powerfully to make change in the world".   This helps the listener to understand the sense of power the human voice has when used appropriately.  He offers seven deadly sins to avoid when presenting a speech.  

The opinions on the subject are expressed as Treasure's personal beliefs from examples and his personal experiences.  He presents his points clearly and concisely generating credibility. Treasure literally trains a huge crowd how to speak more effectively.  The talk is less then 10 minutes, which allows for an easy listen.

The Triumphant Individual

Robert Reich would agree with Treasure that the voice is a "powerful tool".  Reich supports the efforts of the few to use their voice effectively to create change in how others think, feel, believe, and behave.  Treasure does his best to offer us all skills than can be honed to wield a display of hope to influence  many or few depending a speakers sphere of influence.  At the same time the skills taught by Treasure can also be used against us as Reich would suggest.  

It seems that Treasure does his best to inspire speeches that are ethical at all levels.  He also insists that the presenter end on a positive note.  Reich tends to emphasise the negative aspects of "the triumphant individual", by pointing out the ugliness that exists in American culture and politics.  

If hope in American culture is to be propagated, then Treasure effectively teaches us how to do it.