Gabriela Bezanilla- Post 2

 

GROUP PRESENTATIONS: COMMENTS AND REFLECTIONS

 

GROUP 3- Verbal Messages & Good Eating

The first speaker gave a good overview on characteristics of language which included examples that made the content more understandable. The second speaker explained semantics, pragmatics and social linguistics which I thought was a helpful reminder for residents of a diversely cultural city. Next, the speaker gave a summary of key terms to help communicators such as brainstorming, concept mapping, and a specific goal when presenting which I feel will help me better prepare for future presentations. Then, we heard about researching, citing sources, identifying main points, organizational structure and writing the thesis statement.  All these were reminders to come up with a good presentation. I think the speaker on presentational aids did a good job at explaining with examples and an efficient tone of voice and pace. The use of visual aids was also presented effectively. We then heard about the connection between words and meanings, language being both arbitrary and abstract leading to different interpretations of words.

Going on to the topic of “Good Eating”, a good introduction was given by Group 3’s leader. I feel the brochure was simple but informative. The presenter of The Mind did a good job by giving examples and using visual aids which helped me understand better. Information given on Speech and Hearing Association was thorough. I feel the presenter on American vs World Perspective was very well prepared on her comparison between Chinese and American. This group included a  video on Food Effects on the Mind from which I learned how mental disorders are related to endocrine disorders and food. I feel the speaker on Fitness and Healthy Diet presented with a good tone of voice and a video that made the presentation more interesting.  I personally liked the inspiring quote introduced by the presenter on Protecting the Heart through Healthy Eating. I think Anatomy of the Heart and History of the Heart was presented very well and I found it interesting. The next speaker gave a complete overview of Organizations pertaining to hunger as well as surveys on Healthy Eating and Healthy Balanced Diet. I feel The History of the Body and The Evolution of Diet could have included more discussion on the presenter’s own words. In contrast, the speaker for The Body Health Importance provided further explanation. I think the slide on The Effects of Not Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle and Body could be more easily understood by using bullet points to simplify the paragraph. The interview presented was informative and an excellent reminder of good choices when eating.

 

GROUP 2- Nonverbal Messages and Self-Care

The speaker who opened Group 2’s presentation was polite in her manner which I feel established a first good impression with the audience. The speakers briefly presented the main idea on nonverbal messages, emotions and delivery. The presenter of rehearsing and speaker notes expanded more on good tips for presenting . Correct and easy words and poise were also reviewed. The speaker who explained conversational and spontaneous speech had a style that represented the meaning of these words in that he was not robotic when speaking. Informative and persuasive speaking as well as evaluating speech were also presented by giving the meaning of related words. I feel body language for some speakers could be improved for a better presentation.

“Self-Care” was Group 2’s topic. The leader gave an introduction for a general overview of the chapter. I liked how the group used the brochure as a tool to divide the information and briefly introduce each topic and the speakers. The speaker for Mental Health did a great job in choosing some disorders and describing them with her words. I also admired her inclusion of a family member’s interview in this presentation. Next, Exercise was also presented by introducing additional information which I think makes the audience pay more attention. A family member was also interviewed and answers presented gave very helpful information and tips for exercising.  I feel the presenter for Goal Setting and Prioritization did a good job explaining  bullet points in her own words. One important message that stood out to me was that sometimes we forget our own needs when trying to help or please everyone else. I also enjoyed her comparison of life before and after the pandemic. The Importance of Sleep was briefly presented. In contrast, I feel Hygiene was presented more thoroughly comparing good and bad hygiene and the effects on self-esteem and mental disorders. I think the speaker also did a good job in comparing the United States to countries such as India and Japan. It is very interesting to me how different cultures practice hygiene. I feel the part on Healthy Diet could have included visuals to help improve the presentation. I identify myself with the topic of Loved Ones because the relationship I have with my family has helped me in many ways. Also, Financial Well-Being is a topic that has been instilled in me by my family who has pushed me to attain educational goals in order to be financially independent. The speaker for Entertainment also did a good job explaining the topic in his words. This group included references.

 

GROUP 1-  Perception of Self and Others, Listening and Interpersonal Relationships and Paying it Forward

My group presented the study guide for Chapter 2.  I think the speakers could have done a better job in introducing the chapter without going straight into the vocabulary. I started the study guide for Chapter 6 with the main idea of the chapter about listening and how it related to our topic of Paying it Forward . My classmates continued with some of the main vocabulary words including passive and active listening and listening orientations. Perspective talking, paraphrasing, empathetic responsiveness and sympathetic responsiveness were also explained. I think Chapter 7 was well introduced with a main idea about interpersonal communication and relationships. Some vocabulary words relating to interactions between people and types of relationships were highlighted. I feel the speaker did a good job explaining the words giving examples. Then, Chapter 8 was effectively introduced by giving a brief overview on the topic of expressing desires and expectations. The speaker then went on to describe different communication styles. Next speaker talked about interpersonal conflict also giving examples in addition to definitions.

Our topic was “Paying it Forward”.  I feel that the introduction should have been made first instead of going straight to the brochure. The brochure was very simple but informative and the speaker did a good job explaining it. I think the speaker on Foundational Research did a very good job researching this topic and presenting the information. I especially enjoyed the part of Contributions of Paying it Forward and how it all contributes to simply making a better world. The speaker of the American Perspective and Evolution of Paying it Forward presented good examples and history of movements throughout history. I think the speaker for World Perspective was very effective in providing  simple examples with huge implications in the topic of paying it forward: “bread on a hanger” and “caffe sospeso”. I feel her takeaway added a lot of value to our presentation.  I spoke about some Florida Organizations and tried to use my own words and maintain eye contact while going over the bullet points.  My classmates continued with National Organizations and gave detailed information on each one chosen. I feel the presentation on the History was very complete but perhaps less information on the slides would have made it easier to read and follow.  The interviews gave good simple examples of what we can do in our regular day to day life without much effort, but with great impact in other’s lives.

 

Bread on a hanger: Turkey's ancient tradition of 'paying it forward'

FINAL REFLECTION

I think that Group 3 did the best job in presenting the study guide on their assigned Chapter.  I liked how Group 2 used the brochure to divide the information and briefly introduced each topic and the speakers. I also feel Group 2 was best organized and prepared for presenting. It sounded like most of the team members had rehearsed and were well acquainted with their information. All of the topics presented were important ones for well-being in general and should be considered in our day to day lives.