TEDxCL Reflection

 

   

 This presentation explores examples of how propaganda was used throughout history and how the same tactics used then are still working on us now. You are not Immune to Propaganda. 

1. What I Knew 

When I started delving into the topic of propaganda and its role in the imperial core, I had a basic understanding but many gaps in my knowledge. I was aware that propaganda is a key tool in shaping public opinion. However, I didn't fully realize just how deep and complex its use really is. For example, I knew the CIA was involved in spreading propaganda, but I was unaware about their role in creating Radio Free Asia, a major source of where we get our news on North Korea.

My initial ideas were already shaped by reading about Lasswell's and Chomsky's models of propaganda. These models gave me a starting point to understand how propaganda works in controlling public opinion and serving the interests of powerful groups. As I dug deeper, I began to see the bigger picture of how propaganda has been historically used and its impact on shaping people's perceptions.

2. Why I Selected This Topic 

I chose propaganda because of my interest in understanding how public opinion is shaped and influenced. This topic resonates with me because most Americans seem to think that propaganda is a relic of the past or that it's something that doesn't impact the modern world. I find this to be kind of funny (but also sad) because the very belief that propaganda is no longer relevant is, in itself, evidence of its effectiveness.

What intrigues me is the subtle, often unnoticed ways in which propaganda weaves itself into our daily lives, shaping our perceptions without us even realizing it. This underestimation of its impact is precisely what makes propaganda so powerful and dangerous. In a world where information is abundant and media literacy is not always prioritized, understanding the mechanisms of propaganda is crucial. It's not just about historical events or distant governments; it's about how we, as individual people, discern truth from manipulation in our everyday information consumption. 

3. What I Learned--Research

I regularly read about propaganda for personal interest so finding sources wasn't difficult. I had a general idea of where to look, which streamlined the initial phase of my research. However, the process wasn't without its frustrations. Revisiting and double-checking the books and articles I had previously read was a bit annoying. It was important to make sure that I wasn’t misremembering things, but it often felt like retracing my steps rather than making new discoveries.

The majority of my sources were articles, which offered a bunch of information and perspectives on propaganda. Among these, Manufacturing Consent by Noam Chomsky stood out as the most enlightening. Chomsky's analysis of media behavior and the economic and political factors influencing news coverage was a big help. An important point he makes that hit me is how “Media shapes public perception not just by what is reported, but also by what is omitted” (Chomsky 122).

  My research journey was also a learning experience in balancing priorities. Reseach was challenging due to the sheer volume of topics and examples I had to sift through, coupled with other projects and tests I needed to get done. I found the worktime in class somewhat useful but I was most productive at home. Admittedly, I was cutting it close, finishing my notecards on Monday night.

4. What I Learned—Presentation

The process of preparing and delivering this presentation was a significant learning experience. One of my key mistakes was make the slideshow a focus rather than just an aid. This was a new approach for me, and while I did rely on the presentation quite a bit, I realized in retrospect that more attention should have been given to fleshing out my verbal content. My reliance on a rough outline and note cards led to a delivery that felt somewhat unstructured and rambling at times.   

  Participating in forensics for two years gave me a foundational skill set in public speaking. However, this particular presentation demanded a different kind of preparation. In hindsight, spending more time refining what I was going to say and practicing a more structured delivery would have been helpful. While I did manage to convey my message, the need for a more concise and well-articulated message would have been better. Especially when it came to the length of my presentation.

5. What the Audience Learned

In my presentation, I aimed to address the goal of changing the audience's perspective, specifically regarding the nature and uses of propaganda in modern society. My objective was to challenge and expand their understanding of propaganda, moving beyond the conventional view of it as a straightforward tool of misinformation from history class to something that is actively happening both to and around us. I’m not really sure how to gauge the overall success of my presentation, but I think it was mostly positive because afterward someone came up to me and asked me a question.

6. Advice for Future Students

For future students preparing for their TED talks, my key advice is to start early and focus on crafting a well-structured speech (like how it says in the instructions). They should write a full speech, and then distill it into notecards for reference during the talk. Additionally, employ the hide/show trick during the presentation so you don’t rely on it too much. They should also actually rehearse their presentation in front of someone instead of by yourself so you feel that pressure from the audience, doing it on facetime if you have to.