Speech 104 Extra Credit

1. The Power of Decisions
By: Stephanie Platt
Speech 104

2. Two Types of Decisions
We make many decisions on a day to day basis.
But what triggers the decisions that we make?
Do we think before we act?
Do we use what we have learned in the past?
Do we just guess and hope it’s the right
decision?
We come to a decision in 1 of 2 ways;
Voluntarily, or Involuntarily

3. Involuntary Decision Making
• This happens when we have to make a decision
quickly, and we do not think the decision
through. We make the decision out of habits and
things that we learn over the course of our lives.
– Stimulus Response Method
This is when we make a decision, and we are
rewarded for it, so we continue our behavior based on
the feeling we get from the reward. For Example: A
baby tosses a ball in the air and catches it. When she
does, everyone claps. She knows she will get this
reward every time, so she repeats the behavior
continuously

4. Involuntary Decision Making (Cont)
– Hidden Persuaders
These are hidden messages placed in songs, and
commercials to make our involuntary decision making a little easier
and more beneficial to those that want you to buy or use their
product. For Example: Red is the color that we pay most attention to.
It is the most warm and energetic. Every wonder why the whole Target
store is made of up red color. It attracts people and makes us want to
shop there. When we are inside, the red color relaxes us, and makes it
so that we never want to leave, thus we spend more money.

5. Voluntary Decision Making
• When you make decisions this way, you take into account all
of the facts and evidence presented to you.
• This process is often frustrating and takes longer
• Although it is a voluntary decision, outside sources like;
Credible Sources, Authority Figures, One’s Peers, Groupthink
and the interpersonal needs for affection, and Inclusion and
control are still working to influence you

6. Voluntary Decision Making (Cont)
• Credible Sources
– People we trust
– Good Friends
– Family Members
– Ethos
• Authority Figures
– God
– Parents
– Teachers
– Police

7. Voluntary Decision Making (cont)
• Peer Influence
– Friends
– People we want
acceptance from
– Collegues
• Groupthink
– Trying to make peace
within a group

8. Interpersonal Needs
Need For Affection
• First need to appear in our
lives
• Need to be loved and give
love as well
Need for Inclusion and Control
• Need to be part of a group
or organization
• Desire to be included with
others
• Need to have power and
influence over a decision
• Need for Responsibility

9. Decisions and Probability
• Probability
– The chances that a critical thought will become a reality
– Many factors go into making decisions, for example the cart
below represents questions you would ask when you want a
pizza. This chart helps make the correct and informed decision

10. Critical Thinking and Decision Making
• Critical thinkers should have rules when
making decision
– Focus on the outcome
– Be aware of ethical implications
– Evaluate the decision making process