Welcome to Collective Conversation Sign in | Join | Help

Subscribe

Search

 Go

Post Calendar

<January 2008>
MoTuWeThFrSaSu
31123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031123
45678910

it's a love-hate thing...

I love technology. I really do. My dad was a computer scientist at the National Research Council, and we had some of the very first PCs in our house in the early '80s - and I've been an avid consumer of ICT ever since.

But it's a love-hate thing. I love being able to send a message instantly to all of my 45+ students with just one click. I can't wait for the next "big thing" - an iPod, the latest Blackberry, the newest mp3 phone, I'm all over it. But at the same time, when I get locked out of my blog and can't retrieve my password, when the network goes down (or worse yet, starts to operate at dial-up speed), or when Windows does its usual weekly freeze, I am ready to jump off the bandwagon. Why can't I tape two things and watch a third on my PVR? and why can't I get Voice Over IP out in my suburb yet?

Ah, yes, I love technology - when it works - and when it doesn't, I thank heavens that I still know how to talk. Although sometimes what I have to say might not be for public consumption - especially when the network connection drops right in the middle of a posting.....


AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Published 14 January 2008 14:06 by Lea Werthman

Comment Notification

If you would like to receive an email when updates are made to this post, please register here

Subscribe to this post's comments using RSS

Comments

  • Heather Payne said:

    I think it is pretty easy to say that you have a love-hate relationship with technology.  Don't we all?

    I like when you say that you "thank heavens that [you] still know how to talk."  With everything going on with technology these days, I wonder if the verbal communication skills of Generation Y are going to plummet.  Sure, we will all be great at writing blogs, sending Facebook messages and using emoticons...but will we be able to properly communicate our ideas in person?

    I think to be successful in the future, one needs to take it upon themself to become a better verbal communicator.  Maybe schools, universities and businesses will catch on to the importance of this by offering communication classes.  My school already does.

    January 14, 2008 14:48
  • Lea Werthman said:

    Heather, you got it right on the money! At Algonquin College, where I teach in the PR program, we spend a great deal of time working with our students on their public speaking and pitching abilities. We simulate news conferences, bidding conferences, and even operate an agency for non-profit clients - all activities designed to ensure our students are good all-round communicators, especially face-to-face.

    January 15, 2008 18:30

Leave a Comment

(required) 
(optional)
(required) 
Submit

About Lea Werthman

Joining Hill & Knowlton in 2007, Lea brings a solid background of close to 30 years in public relations and communications. As a professor, coach and senior advisor, Lea is well-versed in effective strategic communications practices, specifically internal communications, strategic communications planning, key messaging, stakeholder management, issue management and change management communications. Before joining Hill & Knowlton, Lea spent seven years in the federal government, most recently at Service Canada in the corporate communications group. Prior to that, Lea supported organizational change at Public Works and Government Services Canada, focusing on employee and industry communications, and client relationship management. Previously, Lea was Director of Communications for Careerbridge Corporation, helping to launch a new online recruiting tool to the Ottawa market. At Ottawa Ballet, Lea led tour communications and fundraising, securing a corporate sponsorship to build a new street-level studio. Lea also has taught in Algonquin College’s Public Relations Program since 1991, with a specialization in public opinion research, writing for PR, and public relations theory. Lea holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Carleton University, as well as a Diploma in Public Relations from Algonquin College. She has certificates in multimedia production, marketing, film and television scriptwriting.