Reading Assignment / Unit 8: How People Feel

definitions: 

amygdala versus thalamus

Amygdala - 
An almond-shaped groups of nuclei located deep within the medial temporal lobes of the brain in complex vertebrates, including humans. It is shown in research to perform a primary role in the processing of memory andemotional reactions, the amygdalae are considered part of the limbic system.

Thalamus - 
Amidline symmetrical structure within the brainsof vertebrates including humans, situated between the cerebral cortex and midbrain. Its function includes relaying sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, along with the regulation of consciousness, sleep, and alertness. 

“Western Warmth” - 

nucleas accubens -
A collection of neuronsand forms the main part of the ventral striatum. It is thought to play an important role in reward, pleasure,laughter, addiction, aggression, fear, and the placebo effect.

attention restoration - 
It asserts that people can concentrate better after spending time in nature, or even looking at scenes of nature. 

In "How People React Emotionally" (My book is a newer edition so the chapter titles are different), stories and interesting facts are very powerful. People pay attention when they hear "story", it often amused the audience. Everyone is a storyteller. Everyday we talked about our experiences in the day with our family or friends, we are telling them a story. Stories can also help the listener (or audiences) to put themselves in your (presenter) shoes. However, keeping the stories short and to the point would work much better than a long boring story. It has to be something that the audience care about, or relevant to the presentation.

People also enjoy surprises. It doesn't mean getting them gifts or giving them literally surprises. It can be demonstrations, use of new media, activities during the presentation. The presenter can also introduce new content that the audience were not prepared to learn about. Yet, most people feel secure if they know what is going on. If there is too many surprises, it can generate a negative effect. Making the audience feel safe is also important. Check on them to see if they are doing okay during the presentation, and also be sure they are comfortable in doing extra activities. 

Interact with the audiences is another thing to keep them paying attention to the presenter. Ask the audience questions, group activities or exercise can help them get "busy", and it is more likely they will be happier and enjoy the presentation more.