Reflection Melanie Borroto
For one of our recent class assignments, we had to put together group presentations on public speaking. The whole thing was based on the textbook Public Speaking: The Evolving Art, and our class was divided into four groups. Each group had about five or six people, and we all got different chapters from the book to cover. Group 1 had Chapters 1–5, Group 2 had Chapters 6–8 (and also Chapter 4 that got skipped earlier), Group 3 got Chapters 9–12, and Group 4 finished things off with Chapters 13–17.
At first, I thought it was just going to be another group project where people take turns reading information off slides. But it ended up being a lot more interesting than I expected. Instead of just sitting down and reading the chapters on my own, I got to hear everyone explain things in their own style. Some groups used examples, some were really organized with their slides, and others added their own creativity to make their points come across. That made it easier to pay attention, and honestly, I learned a lot more this way. Plus, just watching present made me feel less nervous for when I had to do my own speech later on.
Group 1 set the tone for the project, and they did a really good job. Everything about their presentation was organized, and it felt like they had actually practiced as a group instead of just throwing slides together last minute. They started with a short intro explaining what each chapter was about, which helped me follow along.
Chapter 1 talked about the history and basics of public speaking. I didn’t realize until their presentation that public speaking can actually be traced all the way back to Aristotle. He created the concepts of ethos, pathos, and logos, which are still used today. It’s kind of crazy that ideas from so long ago are still important now.
Chapter 2 was the one that hit me the most because it was about speech anxiety and confidence. I get nervous any time I have to talk in front of people, so it was comforting to hear that anxiety is normal and something everyone deals with. They gave some useful tips too, like practicing your speech beforehand, trying out relaxation techniques, or even just reminding yourself that it’s okay to feel nervous.
Chapter 3 was about listening. I hadn’t really thought about how important listening is in public speaking, but they explained that mindful listening can make a big difference. Things like setting goals, focusing, and paying attention to how you position yourself can help.
Overall, I liked Group 1’s presentation because it gave me a good foundation for what public speaking is all about, and it reassured me that nervousness is just part of the process.
Group 2 did a good job for example in some chapters like chapter 6 focused on research. They stressed how important it is to find reliable sources and show why your topic matters. They also mentioned that citing and paraphrasing correctly helps avoid plagiarism, which is obviously important.
Chapter 7 was about using narratives in speeches. This made sense to me because stories are usually the things people remember. I noticed that even during their presentation, the parts where they told little stories or gave examples stood out more than when they just gave information.
Finally, Chapter 8 was about organizing a speech. This one clicked with me because I know I tend to ramble if I don’t have a clear outline. They showed how having a format with an intro, body, and conclusion keeps you on track.
I liked Group 2’s presentation because it gave me practical advice for when I have to write my own speeches. It wasn’t just slides, it was stuff I could actually use.
Group 3’s presentation was polished like all of them. They seemed really confident and their slides were simple but effective.
Chapter 9 was about starting and ending a speech. They explained that the intro is where you grab people’s attention, and the ending is what people usually remember the most. I thought it was cool that they gave examples of different ways to start, like asking a question or using a quote.
Chapter 10 focused on supporting material. This one explained how to balance facts, stats, and examples. I liked that they mentioned not relying too much on just one type of material because it can make the speech feel boring or overwhelming.
Chapter 11 was about delivery. This part stood out because they actually modeled what they were talking about. They used eye contact and changed their tone so they didn’t sound monotone. It reminded me that body language can sometimes say more than the words themselves.
Chapter 12 was about visual aids. They explained how visuals can be helpful but only if they’re simple and clear. Too many words or pictures can distract people from what you’re saying. Their slides were a good example of this because they weren’t overloaded with text.
Group 3 impressed me because their own delivery showed that they understood the material.
Group 4 wrapped everything up, and it was my group also.
Chapter 13 was about persuasive speaking. They explained how persuasion works best when you balance logic and emotion while also showing credibility.
Chapter 14 covered special occasion speeches. These are things like toasts, eulogies, or acceptance speeches. They said the key is being genuine but also keeping it short, which makes sense for those types of moments.
Chapter 15 was about group presentations, which was pretty ironic since that’s exactly what we were all doing. They talked about dividing work fairly and practicing together so it feels smooth.
Chapter 16 focused on ethics. This one reminded me that public speaking is a responsibility. You’re not just trying to be convincing, you also need to be respectful, truthful, and fair.
Chapter 17 looked at adapting public speaking skills for different settings, like online presentations. This felt super relevant since so much is done virtually now.
Overall, I actually enjoyed this project a lot more than I expected. I went into it thinking it would just be another group assignment, but I came out of it with a much better understanding of public speaking. Listening to all the presentations gave me insights I wouldn’t have gotten on my own, especially from chapters I didn’t read.
What helped the most was seeing how my classmates handled their speeches. Everyone had different styles, and even though some people were clearly nervous, they still managed to do a great job. That gave me confidence because it reminded me that public speaking isn’t about being perfect, it’s about connecting with the audience and doing your best.
At the end of the day, I realized that public speaking isn’t something to be scared of. It’s a skill you can improve with practice, preparation, and a little bit of courage. This project showed me that even if I still get nervous, I now have tools and strategies to handle it better.
Project Two Reflection
ReplyDeleteFor Project Two, each group in our class focused on a topic that has a strong impact on society. The goal was to explore how these topics connect to one another and influence the world around us. Even though every group worked on something different, all the presentations showed how social, economic, and environmental issues are linked together in ways we might not always notice. Listening to each group gave me new ideas and helped me see how problems in one area can affect another.
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Group 1: Environment, Safety, and Healthcare
The first group’s topic was about the environment, safety, and healthcare. Their presentation really changed how I think about health. Before, I mostly thought of health in terms of hospitals, doctors, and medicine. But they explained that good health starts long before we ever visit a doctor’s office. It begins with the kind of environment we live in and the safety of our surroundings.
They talked about things like air pollution, unsafe neighborhoods, and the lack of healthy food options in some communities. These environmental factors can make a huge difference in people’s well-being. For example, poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, and neighborhoods without safe parks or sidewalks can discourage physical activity. They also showed that people who live in areas with more green spaces or less pollution tend to live longer and have lower stress levels.
One of the most eye-opening parts was when they compared life expectancy across different countries. Even though the United States spends more money on healthcare than most nations, people in countries like Canada and Japan actually live longer. This made me realize that having access to medical care is not enough if people are living in unhealthy environments. Their interview with Samir M. Elmir, who works in Environmental Public Health, helped tie everything together. He talked about real situations in Miami-Dade County and how environmental issues affect local families. Overall, their presentation taught me that improving public health means creating cleaner, safer, and more supportive environments for everyone.
ReplyDeleteGroup 2: Healthcare and Families
The second group presented about healthcare and families, focusing on how the healthcare system impacts everyday family life. They began by explaining how healthcare works in the United States. Most people here get insurance through their jobs, and the cost is shared between employers and employees. For people who do not have jobs that offer insurance, there are government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
However, the group pointed out that not everyone has equal access to care. Families who live in rural areas often do not have hospitals or doctors nearby, which makes it harder to get medical help. They also talked about how expensive healthcare can be. High insurance premiums, deductibles, and medical bills often cause people to delay going to the doctor, skip medications, or avoid treatment altogether. The group mentioned that when the government shuts down, it can delay benefits and make things even harder for low-income families who depend on assistance.
They compared the United States to countries like Canada, where healthcare is universal and much more affordable. Families in those systems do not have to worry as much about the cost of care. This comparison really showed how the stress of paying for healthcare in the United States can affect families emotionally and financially. They also highlighted national organizations like the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, and the March of Dimes that help families access care and support. Their presentation reminded me that healthcare is not just about hospitals. It is about keeping families healthy and financially stable too.
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Group 3: Immigration and the Economy
Group three presented the topic of immigration and the economy, and I found it really interesting. They talked about how immigrants play a huge role in the United States workforce and how their contributions help the country grow. Immigrants bring a variety of skills, take on important jobs, and often start their own businesses, which helps create new opportunities for others.
The group mentioned several organizations that support immigrant-owned businesses, like the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Asian or Pacific American Chamber of Commerce. They explained that immigrants do not actually take jobs from Americans, which is a common myth. Instead, they help the economy by increasing demand for goods and services, which in turn creates more jobs for everyone. They also shared examples of well-known companies started by immigrants, showing that entrepreneurship is a big part of what makes the United States economy so strong.
Another thing they covered was how immigration has been part of the country’s history from the very beginning. Immigrants have helped build communities, industries, and cultures that make America what it is today. However, the group also addressed some of the challenges immigrants face, like discrimination, fear, and uncertainty caused by current political tensions. Their conclusion tied everything together by showing that immigration does not weaken the economy but instead helps it grow and thrive.