Ashly Osorto's Blog Reflection on Class Presentations

The group presentation project was one of the most interesting assignments I had to completed in this course because it gave me the opportunity to learn from one another while also improving my communication and public speaking skills. Throughout the presentations, each group covered a different chapter from our textbook. Group 1 presented Chapter 3 on Intercultural Communication, my group presented Chapter 9 on Communicating in Groups, and Group 3 presented Chapter 10 on Group Leadership and Problem Solving. Although each chapter focused on a different topic, I noticed that they all connected to one another because they showed how communication affects the way people interact, work together, solve problems, and build relationships.

One thing that stood out to me throughout all of the presentations was that some of us were a little bit  nervous at the beginning. Public speaking is something that many people struggle with, and standing in front of a classroom can be intimidating. I could tell that some were feeling the same as me anxious when they first started speaking, but what impressed me was that they continued presenting and did not let their nerves stop them. As they continued talking, many became more comfortable and confident. This reminded me that nobody starts out as a perfect public speaker. Confidence develops through practice and experience. Seeing my classmates push through their nervousness showed determination and courage because presenting in front of others is not always easy.

Group 1 presented Chapter 3 on Intercultural Communication. I found this chapter interesting because it focused on how culture influences communication and how people from different backgrounds communicate with one another. The presentation explained that every person is shaped by their culture, values, beliefs, and experiences. Because of these differences, communication can sometimes be challenging, especially when people make assumptions about one another. One concept that stood out to me was the importance of understanding cultural differences and keeping an open mind when interacting with others. In a diverse society, we constantly meet people from different backgrounds, and learning how to communicate respectfully is an important skill. The presentation helped me understand that effective communication requires empathy, understanding, and a willingness to learn about other perspectives.

Another thing I learned from Chapter 3 was that misunderstandings can occur when people assume that everyone communicates in the same way. The chapter discussed barriers such as stereotyping and ethnocentrism, which can negatively affect communication. I think these concepts are very relevant because people often judge others before taking the time to understand them. The presentation reminded me that communication is about more than simply talking. It is also about listening, understanding, and respecting different viewpoints. These are skills that can help us not only in school but also in our personal and professional lives.

My group presented Chapter 9, Communicating in Groups. I was responsible for presenting sections 9-3 D and E. Preparing for my section helped me understand the importance of productive norms, accountability, and synergy within a group. At first, I was nervous about presenting because public speaking is not something that comes naturally to everyone. However, after practicing and becoming familiar with my material, I felt more comfortable sharing the information with the class.

One reason I connected strongly with Chapter 9 is because I have experience working in groups both in school and outside of school. I have seen how groups can either work together successfully or struggle when communication breaks down. Because of those experiences, many of the concepts from the chapter felt very realistic to me.

I was able to relate to Chapter 9 because I have worked in groups before and know how it feels when a group either stays together or falls apart while trying to complete a goal. When everyone does their part and communicates, the work becomes much easier and less stressful. However, when some members stop participating, it can affect the entire group. This helped me better understand the concepts of accountability and synergy because I have seen firsthand how important teamwork is when trying to achieve a common goal. This is one reason why the topics I presented stood out to me, because they connected directly to experiences I have had in both school and work environments.

Working on the presentation also helped me understand how important communication is within a group. Every member had a responsibility, and we had to rely on each other to complete the project successfully. If one person did not communicate or complete their part, it could affect the entire group. Fortunately, our group worked together and supported one another throughout the process. Looking back, I can see how the concepts discussed in Chapter 9 applied directly to our own experience. The chapter was not just theory; it reflected situations that many students experience whenever they work on a group project.

Group 3 presented Chapter 10 on Group Leadership and Problem Solving. I thought this chapter connected very well with ours because after learning about communication within groups, it made sense to learn about leadership and decision-making. One thing I found interesting was learning that leadership is not always about having one person in charge. Different members can contribute leadership skills based on their strengths and abilities. This idea helped me realize that every person has something valuable to contribute to a team.

I also liked learning about the problem-solving process discussed in Chapter 10. The presentation explained how groups identify problems, analyze information, generate solutions, and make decisions. These are skills that are useful in many areas of life. Whether someone is working on a school project, solving a problem at work, or making important decisions in their personal life, effective problem-solving skills are valuable. The presentation showed how communication and leadership work together to help groups achieve their goals.

Another thing that stood out to me during all of the presentations was the teamwork shown by each group. Even when someone appeared nervous, their teammates supported them and helped the presentation continue smoothly. This demonstrated one of the main lessons from both Chapter 9 and Chapter 10: successful groups depend on cooperation and support. No one person is responsible for the entire project. Instead, success comes from people working together and helping one another.

The presentations also helped me think about my future career. As a Pre-pharmacy student, communication skills will be very important in my profession. Pharmacists work with patients, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals every day. Being able to communicate clearly, listen carefully, and work effectively as part of a team will be essential. The lessons from these presentations reminded me that communication skills are not only useful in the classroom but also in the workplace. Learning how to speak confidently, collaborate with others, and solve problems as a group will help me in my future career.

Overall, I enjoyed listening to all of the presentations and learning from my classmates. Each group presented valuable information and brought a unique perspective to the class. Group 1 helped me better understand cultural differences and intercultural communication. My group's presentation helped me better understand teamwork, accountability, and communication within groups. Group 3 showed how leadership and problem-solving can help groups achieve success. Together, the presentations demonstrated how communication plays an important role in many aspects of life.

In conclusion, this project was both educational and rewarding. It allowed me to improve my public speaking skills, learn from my classmates, and connect classroom concepts to real-life experiences. Although many of us were nervous, everyone put effort into their presentations and worked hard to share their knowledge with the class. Watching my classmates present showed me that confidence comes from preparation and practice. The project also reinforced the importance of teamwork, communication, leadership, and respect for others. Overall, I believe the presentations were successful because everyone contributed, supported one another, and demonstrated growth throughout the process. This experience helped me become more confident and gave me a better understanding of the communication skills that I will continue to use in both my education and future career.