We may not think about how much shoes have impacted our lives. For many of us, picking out a pair of shoes and walking out the door is a daily routine. Blake Mycoskie felt differently. While participating on The Amazing Race Blake befriended young Argentinean children. He was concerned when he saw these children did not have any shoes protecting their feet. Blake wanted to help these children in anyway that he could. He decided to formulate TOMS Shoes in May 2006 with the intention that for every pair of shoes a customer buys, TOMS Shoes will give an underprivileged child a pair of shoes.
Blake’s idea may have been seen as extreme at the time, but less than a year later he returned to Argentina. For this trip he was accompanied by a group of TOMS employees and ten thousand pairs of shoes. Keeping true to his promise, the TOMS organization has sent over four hundred thousand shoes to needy children all over the world. These donated TOMS are delivered by Blake and fellow TOMS employees.
On April 8th of this year TOMS is sponsoring “A Day without Shoes” event. Colleges and universities around the country are promoting this advocacy day for individuals who do not own a pair of shoes. Individuals do not realize how much we rely on shoes for protection from scrapes, infections and bacteria. The 851 listed “A Day without Shoes” events are taking place to show how much shoes benefit our daily lives and health.
By participating in one of these walks or purchasing a pair of TOMS Shoes your action will benefit someone who cannot benefit themselves. We can each make a difference, one shoe… and one day at a time.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Casting into fresh waters... Caught up with podcasting
iTunes is one of the most used programs on my computer. On the left side of the iTunes program gives links to Music, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, iTunes U (which features radio stations and podcasts from various colleges and universities) and Radio. I decided to research what made up a podcast. I found out podcasts are more like radio shows without callers. Podcasts can be made up of just about any subject you can dream. iTunes users have the opportunity to subscribe to a wide variety of free podcasts as well as buy a subscription to a podcast that updates regularly.
As an avid watcher of Fox News I decided to listen to a Fox News podcast as one of my first podcasts. It was a five minute podcast in regards to the recent health care debate. Regardless of your politics, the health care debate is a topic that affects everyone. Congressman Eric Canter was interviewed stating a bullet was shot through his window at his Virginia office in hopes of him changing his position on the health care bill.
This podcast was entitled "Latest 5 Minute Newscast" featured on Fox News Radio. It was uploaded on March 25th, 2010. It can be found when searching Fox News Radio on the iTunes podcast channel.
Although I listened to an audio podcast, podcasts can also be found with video. I decided to listen to the podcast thinking it would be similar to the radio but I found myself annoyed listening to "talk radio". I much prefer watching podcasts because I am a visual learner. Because I found interests in the various podcasts, I can see myself utilizing this free and helpful opportunity found on iTunes.
As an avid watcher of Fox News I decided to listen to a Fox News podcast as one of my first podcasts. It was a five minute podcast in regards to the recent health care debate. Regardless of your politics, the health care debate is a topic that affects everyone. Congressman Eric Canter was interviewed stating a bullet was shot through his window at his Virginia office in hopes of him changing his position on the health care bill.
This podcast was entitled "Latest 5 Minute Newscast" featured on Fox News Radio. It was uploaded on March 25th, 2010. It can be found when searching Fox News Radio on the iTunes podcast channel.
Although I listened to an audio podcast, podcasts can also be found with video. I decided to listen to the podcast thinking it would be similar to the radio but I found myself annoyed listening to "talk radio". I much prefer watching podcasts because I am a visual learner. Because I found interests in the various podcasts, I can see myself utilizing this free and helpful opportunity found on iTunes.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Barefoot with an open heart: The Impact of TOMS Shoes
After researching TOMS Shoes, I have fallen even more in love with this company. The colorful images are eye-capturing in and of itself but the meanings behind the pictures are what mean the most. The promise TOMS makes to its customers is that for every pair of shoes they buy TOMS will give a pair of shoes to someone in need. Individuals are willing to spend money on TOMS because they know their money is going to a cause.
For the slideshow, I organized my ideas on the impact of TOMS shoes with a flowchart. I want to express the history of TOMS shoes along with how the general public have felt the impact of TOMS and how TOMS has impacted them to give back to their communities. I was able to retrieve my images for TOMS on their website, blogs about TOMS shoes, and a Google image search. On the last slide, I Picnik.com a photo of my friend wearing basic TOMS shoes. I also included an image of my two childhood best friends with their arms around one another's shoulders. In my narration I will address the issue of working together for a common goal: to help others. Individuals know they are helping others when they buy a pair of shoes because somebody will be getting a pair of shoes because of their purchase of TOMS shoes.
Looking back on this half of the project, it was difficult to find a variety of images trying to relay the impact of TOMS. All of the images I came across were single images of the shoes or the founder with a group of underprivileged individuals who just received their TOMS shoes. Although these images relay the message to which I am aiming, I do not want the audience to feel bored or uninspired by the message of TOMS.
In my narration I will explain why I chose each picture and the meaning each photo holds in relaying the impact of TOMS shoes on the general public as well as their loyal customers. I want those who are not familiar with TOMS shoes to feel inspired by their message. I want TOMS shoes customers to watch this presentation and continue to feel inspired and strengthen their loyalty to the company.
For the slideshow, I organized my ideas on the impact of TOMS shoes with a flowchart. I want to express the history of TOMS shoes along with how the general public have felt the impact of TOMS and how TOMS has impacted them to give back to their communities. I was able to retrieve my images for TOMS on their website, blogs about TOMS shoes, and a Google image search. On the last slide, I Picnik.com a photo of my friend wearing basic TOMS shoes. I also included an image of my two childhood best friends with their arms around one another's shoulders. In my narration I will address the issue of working together for a common goal: to help others. Individuals know they are helping others when they buy a pair of shoes because somebody will be getting a pair of shoes because of their purchase of TOMS shoes.
Looking back on this half of the project, it was difficult to find a variety of images trying to relay the impact of TOMS. All of the images I came across were single images of the shoes or the founder with a group of underprivileged individuals who just received their TOMS shoes. Although these images relay the message to which I am aiming, I do not want the audience to feel bored or uninspired by the message of TOMS.
In my narration I will explain why I chose each picture and the meaning each photo holds in relaying the impact of TOMS shoes on the general public as well as their loyal customers. I want those who are not familiar with TOMS shoes to feel inspired by their message. I want TOMS shoes customers to watch this presentation and continue to feel inspired and strengthen their loyalty to the company.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Going with the flow (chart)
I can't remember the last time I made a flow chart. I never take the time to map out large projects because often times I feel overwhelmed at the thought of how much planning goes into putting a project together. I normally just begin and end the project on my own time. I look at charts and graphs as a way to complicate the task if a decent amount of time between planning and beginning a project is given. Although the third project requires a flow chart, I did not find the task daunting. The thought of having an organizational tool made far enough in advance does not make me anxious but excited to see where and how the final production of TOMS Shoes will conclude. With the help of Lovelycharts.com I was able to put together a flow chart organizing my project on TOMS Shoes.
The flow chart is a preliminary way to organize my thoughts in how I want to present the history and importance with TOMS Shoes. One of the most important things in expressing interest in a company is knowing your information. Through this presentation I hope to have a better grasp on the history of TOMS Shoes. Through adding images and connections to the audience the presentation has the chance to reach a variety of emotions and interests to the general audience.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
TOMS shoes
I recently applied for an internship with TOMS shoes. I really like TOMS shoes because the company promises for every pair of shoes a consumer purchases the company will send a pair of shoes to an individual in need in an underdeveloped country. I did prior work with donating shoes in high school and feel connected to the company’s message of working with others in need. I am always interested in companies and organizations who donate to underprivileged individuals.
For the third project here is my F.A.T.P. on the organization of TOMS Shoes.
F- For the form I want to present the history of TOMS in a slideshow, showing pictures and texts how the generosity of TOMS is shown throughout the world. The more visuals shown, the more effective the presentation will be to those who are not familiar with the organization.
A- The audience will consist of individuals who are interested in helping others through the purchase of TOMS shoes, as well as individuals who are interested in fashion. The shoes can be casual or fancy depending on how they are paired in individuals’ outfits. The company will also be part of the audience for how to connect with the overall public. Depending on where the video is shown the audience will either expand in knowledge or expand in numbers.
T- The topic for this presentation is the history of TOMS.
P- The purpose for this presentation is to inform others on the history of TOMS. For those who are unfamiliar with the work that TOMS does towards underdeveloped countries and its patrons. For those who are familiar with TOMS, the project will still be informative because it will act as a reinstatement of why the patrons continue to buy and support TOMS shoes.
For the third project here is my F.A.T.P. on the organization of TOMS Shoes.
F- For the form I want to present the history of TOMS in a slideshow, showing pictures and texts how the generosity of TOMS is shown throughout the world. The more visuals shown, the more effective the presentation will be to those who are not familiar with the organization.
A- The audience will consist of individuals who are interested in helping others through the purchase of TOMS shoes, as well as individuals who are interested in fashion. The shoes can be casual or fancy depending on how they are paired in individuals’ outfits. The company will also be part of the audience for how to connect with the overall public. Depending on where the video is shown the audience will either expand in knowledge or expand in numbers.
T- The topic for this presentation is the history of TOMS.
P- The purpose for this presentation is to inform others on the history of TOMS. For those who are unfamiliar with the work that TOMS does towards underdeveloped countries and its patrons. For those who are familiar with TOMS, the project will still be informative because it will act as a reinstatement of why the patrons continue to buy and support TOMS shoes.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Fall into the ... Brand.
As a senior in college, I have seen many powerpoints in my day. Powerpoints should not be used as a crutch for the presenter. They are an accessory to your presentation, the icing on the cake. Powerpoints are used to enhance the material being presented not put a damper on the presentation.
Think: Viva la bam!... not viva la boredom.
Being a Communications major, it is most important to appeal to yourself as well as your audience. The presentation consists of two aspects: the verbal and the visual. Perk up your voice and it immediately perks up the presentation. You need to amp up your presentation so the two correlate with one another. Strong use of visuals grabs the attention of the audience and keeps them focused on the message of the presentation.
One downside to this powerpoint was the amount of slides (170!). Although I was overwhelmed when I saw how many slides the presentation had, the more into the presentation I got I became wrapped up on their use of visuals and information the number did not matter. I was captured into learning about the brand world.
It can be overwhelming with more than 20 slides in a presentation. If you must add more slides than around 20, know it is perfectly acceptable to add slides with one or two visuals (if relevant to the topic at hand). Relevant tangents that come from these visuals are always welcome and give the audience more of an opportunity to connect with their audience and you, the presenter.
Keep your slides simple when it comes to adding visuals and texts. Have a few sentences or bullet points. Have confidence in elaborating off your main points. It is important to remind yourself if you are the one giving the presentation, you are the one in the room who knows this information the most. You have been the one doing the research and organizing the findings. You know the information so OWN your topic.
Varying the amount of slides with visuals and texts keeps the audience captivated with your message. It is important to pick a color scheme for the presentation to match the overall feel of the presentation. Color shows off your personality and the feel for how you want your presentation to be portrayed. For the presentation the presenter chose a black/white/grey color scheme. Using black/white/grey is a very crisp, clean design that coincides with the images used for the presentation.
I also found this helpful article with the top 10 tips and tricks for giving a successful presentation.
Think: Viva la bam!... not viva la boredom.
Being a Communications major, it is most important to appeal to yourself as well as your audience. The presentation consists of two aspects: the verbal and the visual. Perk up your voice and it immediately perks up the presentation. You need to amp up your presentation so the two correlate with one another. Strong use of visuals grabs the attention of the audience and keeps them focused on the message of the presentation.
One downside to this powerpoint was the amount of slides (170!). Although I was overwhelmed when I saw how many slides the presentation had, the more into the presentation I got I became wrapped up on their use of visuals and information the number did not matter. I was captured into learning about the brand world.
It can be overwhelming with more than 20 slides in a presentation. If you must add more slides than around 20, know it is perfectly acceptable to add slides with one or two visuals (if relevant to the topic at hand). Relevant tangents that come from these visuals are always welcome and give the audience more of an opportunity to connect with their audience and you, the presenter.
Keep your slides simple when it comes to adding visuals and texts. Have a few sentences or bullet points. Have confidence in elaborating off your main points. It is important to remind yourself if you are the one giving the presentation, you are the one in the room who knows this information the most. You have been the one doing the research and organizing the findings. You know the information so OWN your topic.
Varying the amount of slides with visuals and texts keeps the audience captivated with your message. It is important to pick a color scheme for the presentation to match the overall feel of the presentation. Color shows off your personality and the feel for how you want your presentation to be portrayed. For the presentation the presenter chose a black/white/grey color scheme. Using black/white/grey is a very crisp, clean design that coincides with the images used for the presentation.
I also found this helpful article with the top 10 tips and tricks for giving a successful presentation.
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