Having pitched effectively in classification mode, Michael Bronsdon went into extra innings to explain Digital Marketing. It was quite apparent that this has revolutionized the advertising/selling arena. Traditional marketing messages via radio, direct mail, newspaper, and magazines yielded slow (if any) response times and were costly. By the e-mail route, the process is cheaper, has a quicker response time, and can be tailored to a smaller, more select group of potential customers or even individuals. Digital Marketing entails knowing something about a targeted person and catering to that person. As any business, this modality has its own jargon, to wit:

•  Search Engine Optimization. In this, a marketer may pay for an ad popping up on google. Also, a web page may be tailored, with an ad likely to be captured on the searcher.
• Behavior Analysis. An advertiser ascertains where individuals may spend their time on the web. Their interests can thus be catered to.
• Buyers’ behavior. The vendor can tell when people are abandoning a search avenue and can learn from it. This gives rise to A/B Testing. In this, two offerings are made. Such information can show which works better. 

All of this leads to offers being tailored to an individual. 

• Big Data. Large amounts of stored data provided by companies to advertisers trying to understand customers.
• Machine learning. This is a technique in identifying and tracing fraud, particularly in credit cards. Knowing the patterns of both the cardholder and the aberrant patters of the illegal user, a company (i.e., bank) can pinpoint this in a much shorter time than previously and can put a hold on the credit card.

During this presentation, a murmured “Orwellian” was heard. The implication was, perhaps, that this may be the beginning of further delving, beyond buying habits, into private lives.

Comment: “He who knows, and knows he knows, he is wise. Follow him.”

Can you think of two more diversified interests than coexistence with carnivores and education of the young?

Carol Bogezi is perhaps the only person this side of the dateline (both directions) to carry both credentials. A native of Uganda, Carol has academic degrees both there and in the US. In her slide on human/carnivore interaction, she as an adolescent is seen with a young, trussed up crocodile on her shoulder.

Her work here entails studies on the movements of western WA cougars as well as better acquaintance with wolves.  This must, of needs, take into consideration the economic needs of ranchers. Tolerance for wildlife is the overriding concept of her work.

In her native Uganda, one of her targets is the plight of widows and orphans. She works toward livelihoods for them through the acronymized Community Action Plan and Women Enhancement Progress. This has allowed women to develop their own small businesses through crafts and sweater production, among other creativities.                        

 Then came we to the Child Education Program.  Beginning with universal primary education, the concept is to get as many as possible through at least secondary studies. The impediments to be overcome include HIV, few employment opportunities, lack of resources, driving poverty, and exploitation by sugar companies. Moreover, many regard the country as a forgotten region. 

Additionally, there is school overcrowding and few teachers. But—-once one can make it through secondary school, there may lie ahead good jobs, less HIV, and fewer teenage pregnancies.  It is a teenage pregnancy that so often stops short a girl’s chance for a career (not only there.) A vocational training center for dropouts is now in place.

Emanating from the UW School of Drama, Monica Cortes Viharo provided a set of sine qua nons in confronting an audience. She began with a few examples of the wrong things to do. Thus, were enumerated communication skills in everyday life, with or without addressing a large group. As follows:

• Eye contact. Without it, one is not engaged nor communicating.
• Intonation. This should entail variety. A flat affect makes for loss of listeners’ interest.
• Do not show discomfort.
• Body Language. Crossing arms shows insecurity, as if the speaker is defensive. In 30 seconds, all can be lost.
• Ergo, engagement or disengagement happens in the first 30 seconds.
• Narrative. The ability to tell one depends upon a clear, specific beginning and a clear ending.
• Preparation. Be in a presentative state of mind. Prepare to take charge. Show with confidence that “I’ve got you.”
• It is re-emphasized to start with a smile. 
• Ahead of time, tighten abdominal muscles and do not slouch. Do deep breathing. Warm up with tongue twisters.
• Stretch. Do some power poses.
• During the address, keep going, even if a mistake is made.

Comment: Have a look at a speaker, possibly on TV, and see how many of the requirements are met.