Samantha Castillo: Group Presentation 1,000 Word Essay

             The group presentations that we made for this assignment was based on different chapters of the Speech Communications textbook. Each group created a powerpoint to summarize and explain what each chapter was teaching. To help the class engage, most groups included videos and pictures to better exemplify the points that were being made. The groups spoke more from what they learned rather than reading off the slides and all presented very well. 

            Firstly, the group that started it all off was group one. Group one presented chapter 3 about intercultural communications. They did very well in explaining the relationship between culture and communication. They touched on subjects on race, ethnicity, sex and gender, sexual orientation, and religion. They were able to elaborate these issues that are still present in our society to this day, in a way that helped the audience understand. They talked about our cultural identity and how we associate them with both the dominant culture and various co-cultures. Group 1 thoroughly explained the taboo topics I stated above and how they play a role in not only our culture but in our workplaces as well. The included statistics from all around the United States and included definitions of each that left you with no questions afterwards. Each and every one of those topics are an important factor in how we live our lives. Group 1 exceptionally explained how diversity should help the workplace unite instead of segregate. Just because someone may be different than another doesn't mean they cannot work harmonious. Group 1 also talked about Socioeconomic status and shined a light on the power hierarchy of society based on income, education, and occupation. They did a very good job on explaining how now more than ever the gap of the wealthy and the poor is widening and how concerning it has become. They brought up masculine and feminine cultures. This one definitely hit home due to the fact that hispanic culture is very masculine forward and encourages men to be dominant and assertive. It showed me how culture plays a role in how some men act not only towards women but the world in general. Overall, I believe Group one did a phenomenal at introducing culture and communication. Each presenter spoke eloquently and presented their topic with great summarizations and visual aids. I enjoyed how they included a recap at the end of all the important points throughout their presentations. It allowed the audience to remember everything that was spoken about and have it fresh in their minds. 

            Secondly, the next group to present was group two. Group two presented chapter 9 about communicating in groups. They spoke about the type of groups we belong to: formal groups and informal groups. They did a great job in starting a discussion on how groups function and how to communicate most effectively within them. They divulged in explaining key characteristics of healthy groups and the stages of group formation and development. The first presenters of group two introduced the nature and types of groups. There were seven groups that they elaborated on: families, social groups, support groups, interest groups, service groups, work groups and teams, and lastly virtual groups. These are all the different types of groups we could fall into, that require the need to understand the dynamic and how to properly communicate and express yourself in the environment. Group 2 did a great job at transitioning into how those specific groups need to be healthy to even properly function and work. They elaborated on the characteristics of a healthy group. They are characterized by ethical goals, interdependence, cohesiveness, productive norms, accountability, and synergy. Healthy groups are formed around a constructive purpose. Without most of these things a group cannot thrive and be a successful dynamic. Lastly they touched on a very ignored but necessary topic which is conflict in groups. Conflict is inevitable and expected in group interactions. Group 2 presented three types of conflict and reveal some communication strategies we can employ to manage the disagreements effectively. The three types of conflicts are: pseudo conflict which occurs when group members who actually agree about something believe they disagree to poor communication, issues related group conflict which is when two or more group members goals, ideas, or opinions are incompatible, and personality related group conflict which is when two or more group members become defensive because they feel like they are being attacked. Group two was able to show how culture difference come into play in most conflicts. They explained how knowing that cultural differences may exist can help select communication strategies both for managing group conflict effectively and for interpreting the messages of others accurately. Overall, group two did an excellent job with the mix of great information and interpretation with their charts and videos really took this presentation to the next level. They did a great job at explain this topic. 

            Lastly, the final group to present was group three. Group three presented chapter 10 about group leadership and problem solving. We began by discussing what effective group leadership means and the responsibilities of every group member in achieving it. We then illustrated how shared leadership and effective communication plays out before, during, and after group meetings. From there we turned our attention specifically to problem solving and took our audience through a systematic problem-solving process. Finally, we proposed methods for communicating results with others and evaluating group effectiveness. We decided to make our powerpoint "The Office" themed due to the fact that the show will attract our classmates and it also has a relation to the topic. My specific topic was guidelines for meeting participants. I explained what to before, during, and after the meeting for it to be an effective meeting, where the participant not only shared their opinions but was also able to take home new information as well. I believe my fellow members did an excellent job at speaking and explaining our topic very well while keeping a level head. We had a great balance of information, videos, statistics, and even comical relief from "The Office". I believe our information of group leadership was conveyed very well according to the textbook we drew our prevention from. Overall, I enjoyed learning more about the different topics that are covered throughout the speech communications textbook and enjoyed each and every presentation made.