Gabriela Bezanilla - Post 1

 GROUP PRESENTATIONS: COMMENTS AND REFLECTIONS

GROUP 1- Intercultural Communication

I feel Group 1 presentation on cultures and values went well. Our leaders were fast to create a What’s app group and guide us when necessary.  A member of my group was not present for the beginning slides but I think we did a good job when someone else immediately stepped up and presented for the missing participant. I feel that voice and tone was effective while explaining dominant culture. When it came to my turn to explain co-culture, I was nervous and repeated “alright” a few times but I tried to complement by giving examples. Native language was explained effectively and the difference between sex and gender was exemplified in language terms. Different religions were presented with examples to communicate that some generalizations create hatred unfairly. I believe that this was an effective way to make the audience reflect on this reality happening in the United States. I feel that taking some pause to discuss socioeconomic status, co-cultures amongst classes and age and generation differences, would have made the audience better understand this section. However, the presenter included plenty of pictures to make the slides more appealing. The use of introductory words put a nice touch in the section on disability. In addition, the speaker used pause and linking words to go from point to point which I believe make presenting more successful. I think context was explained well but I would have liked bullet points for the audience. In contrast, I believe the slides on masculinity and femininity had an adequate amount of information and the speaker explained it by adding his own words. I think that the information on uncertainty and avoidance, and power distance, was read but the speaker gave examples that added value to the presentation. The information on long-term vs short-term oriented culture, as well as intercultural communication barriers, was presented by using self-wording and giving examples which, I believe made the audience more interested. Barriers in communications was presented with an effective tone of voice and plenty of examples. Overall, I believe that our group leaders guided and organized our group well to develop a good presentation. 

I identified with a lot of the aspects discussed in this presentation because I come from a family of immigrants that have maintained their co-culture and have instilled their values and traditions in me while living as part of a dominant culture. 

GROUP 2- Communicating in Groups

Group 2 did well. The presenter of the section on families did not read off the slides but used her own notes to complement the information. However, I think eye contact would have enhanced the presentation. The information regarding support groups and interest groups was presented well in my opinion. I believe turning on the camera would have been best for the section on service groups, work groups and teams. It was great to include a link for additional information, but I think presenter should have explained what type of information could be found by accessing the link. The information on

virtual groups was presented a little too fast but on the positive side, examples were given, and information was not read. I feel that presenters of topics on forming and culture and conflict, presented using their own words which always adds style to the presentation. Some presenters were effective by giving summaries for healthy groups which made me better understand. Others were less effective with the healthy groups are accountable by reading and not giving examples. I admire a member of this group for demonstrating her commitment to the group by presenting even when ill.

The topic presented by this group is one that applies very well to this class and to me. The skills learned to effectively present and work in groups will be necessary for future jobs. I enjoy working in groups and I would love a work environment that offers me this opportunity. 

GROUP 3- Group Leadership and Problem Solving

Group 3 is the presentation that stood out for me because they added technology such as YouTube links and videos. This broke the repetitiveness of persons talking one after the other and made the presentation more enjoyable. First, the presentation was introduced by providing a link. Good examples were given to explain task leader groups and determine criteria for judging solutions. However, the information presented for procedural roles, I feel needed some more examples.  Some parts such as guidelines for meeting purposes were well described with own words but I feel that it lacked eye contact. For generating a host of solutions, the presenter reminded me personally that I should not be afraid to share ideas, and that a group should make it comfortable for everyone to participate. This information was short but effective. Decision making was presented with pictures and examples that helped me understand the information. The presenter explaining the communicating of group solutions had a clear understanding of her information and gave examples with very small information on the slides. I also identified with remote access report and remote video technologies because this is a main aspect of my current major in Information Technology.  I think evaluating group effectiveness and dynamics was presented in a tone that set a difference and made me pay close attention to information than can be used by a real-world employee. The conclusion was a wrap up of the importance of leadership and effectively working in a group.

I find the topic of effectively working in groups especially important in today’s society where people seem to be getting more isolated because of technology use, and less and less human interaction is becoming the norm.

FINAL REFLECTION

In all three groups, we have a mixture of presenters each with different qualities. Some members have a great tone of voice or include excellent descriptive pictures. Others are better at organizing information, giving good examples or speaking in their own words. All these qualities together make up successful presentations. The same thing happens in society where each person contributes something special and valuable. This could be their own culture, their skill to become leaders, or their ability to work in a group respecting and helping other members.  I leave you with a song that may inspire you to be the best at whatever role you decide to do.  Enjoy!  

(90) The Script - Hall Of Fame (Lyrics) - YouTube