Here is an example of my Self-Inventory. I can see how some topics I have listed below may influence my speeches for this course. For example, some good informative speeches may include fitness, art, or a specific job of which I've had experience. Right now I am researching The Unicorn Tapestries which are French art works that I have always admired, and it could be an interesting topic. Pursuasive topics could include those of political nature though I try to stay away from the abortion topic (I think I am burnt-out on this subject though I still feel strongly against it). I think this exercise will help imensly when I go to choose specific topics because it has narrowed down my own interests which is better than giving me a list of topics to choose from.



Places I have visited:
I haven't been to many places but I have visited Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Colorado, and Florida.

Things I value:
Of course my number one value is family (namely my daughter) but other things that are important to me are honesty, respect, work-ethic, knowledge, human relationships.

Issues I care about:
The economy is a big concern for me, as well as most Americans right now. It is scary to think that the jobs we are training for today may not exist tomorrow. I also feel strongly about abortion, homosexual rights, the welfare system and social security, teen pregnancy, and mental health issues.

People that have interested me:
Most people that I take interest in are average people that I encounter in life. A few more well-known people are Aldous Huxley and Piccasso.

Sports I like:
Obviously I don't like football since I am working diligently on my speech assignments rather than watching the Super Bowl tonight! I am interested mostly in individualized sports like running, swimming and snowboarding. I do, however, enjoy watching ice hockey very much.

Jobs I have had:
This one could take forever! I will just generalize the kinds of jobs I have had (I've been working since I was eleven)...newspaper delivery, detassling, lifeguarding, swim lesson teacher, sunday school teacher, fast food, waitress, cook, house keeper, human services, group home, emergency shelter for children. I have also done various independently contracted art jobs.

Types of giving I do:
Mostly blood drives. I have volunteered at churches and at the Humane Society but that was some years ago when I was in high school.

Classes I've liked:
I have liked every class I've ever taken in college. It's probably good that I feel that way since I have taken a lot of courses I didn't really need to take. A few of my favorites have been: entrepreneurship, culinary arts, adolescent psychology, abnormal psychology, color & design, photography, and aesthetics.

Magazines I read:
I don't read any specific magazine regularly but when I go to the doctor's office I like to read Taste of Home, Parenting, and Woman's Day. Magazines I would read given the opportunity would cover topics such as art, photography, cuisine, fitness, running, swimming, vacationing, psychology, and maybe even some politics.

Newspapers I read:
The Lincoln Journal Star is actually my favorite but I read local newspapers too from the tri-city area.

Books I've read:
The Chronicles of Narnia, The Inferno, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Brave New World, The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell. My least favorite book of all time was Pride and Prejudice...just thought I'd throw that in!