Glenda Leon

 

Blog Post #1

Glenda Leon

Learning Through Communication, Teamwork, and Personal Growth

My Experience During the Group Presentations in Introduction to Communication

Chapters 3, 9, and 10 – May 15, 2026

On May 15, 2026, I participated in a very meaningful academic activity in my Introduction to Communication class. The professor organized a series of group presentations based on three important course topics: Chapter 3: Intercultural Communication, Chapter 9: Communicating in Groups, and Chapter 10: Group Leadership and Problem Solving. Although the assignment seemed challenging at the beginning, especially because English is not my first language, the experience ultimately became one of the most enriching activities I have had during this course.

The professor divided the class into three groups using alphabetical order and the attendance list. Each group included at least six students, which allowed everyone to participate actively in the preparation and presentation process. I believe this method was very effective because it encouraged us to work with different classmates and develop stronger collaboration skills inside the classroom environment.

At the beginning of the activity, I felt somewhat confused because I was not sure how we would organize the work or divide responsibilities among group members. However, through virtual meetings and communication with my classmates, our group gradually became more organized and productive. The use of online meetings made it easier for us to share ideas, coordinate schedules, and prepare the presentation collaboratively.

One of the most important aspects of the activity was the selection of group leaders. In my opinion, the leaders played a fundamental role throughout the project because they helped organize meetings, assign responsibilities, and ensure that every member contributed equally. Thanks to their organization and leadership, the preparation process became more efficient and less stressful.

Each student was responsible for researching and presenting a specific section of the assigned topic. In my case, I dedicated time to researching my section carefully and preparing my PowerPoint slide. I noticed that every group made a significant effort to present clear, accurate, and well-organized information. Many of the presentations were visually attractive and creatively designed, which made the topics easier to understand and more engaging for the audience.

The first topic presented was Chapter 3: Intercultural Communication. Through this chapter, I learned how culture influences communication and interpersonal relationships. I found this topic especially interesting because it emphasized the importance of respect, empathy, and cultural understanding in modern society. I realized that effective communication requires not only language skills but also the ability to understand different perspectives and cultural backgrounds.

The second topic, Chapter 9: Communicating in Groups, helped me better understand the dynamics of teamwork and collaboration. During the presentations, I learned that successful group communication depends on active participation, mutual respect, and effective listening. This chapter reflected many of the experiences that I personally observed while working with my classmates throughout the project.

The final topic, Chapter 10: Group Leadership and Problem Solving, focused on leadership styles, decision-making, and strategies for solving problems within groups. This chapter helped me recognize the importance of leadership in maintaining organization and motivating team members during collaborative assignments. I also understood that solving problems effectively requires communication, patience, and teamwork.

Although the academic content was very important, the most significant part of the experience for me was overcoming my fear of speaking English in front of the class. From the moment the professor explained that each student would have to present individually, I felt nervous and insecure about my English-speaking abilities. Since I still consider my English level intermediate, I was worried about making pronunciation mistakes or forgetting important words during my presentation.

Despite those fears, I decided to prepare myself as much as possible. I practiced my presentation several times and reviewed the vocabulary carefully in order to feel more confident. I also focused on understanding my topic completely so that I could explain the information naturally instead of simply memorizing sentences. Little by little, my confidence improved, and I began to feel more prepared for the presentation day.

During the preparation process, I realized how valuable teamwork can be. Every member of the group contributed differently to improve the final project. Some classmates focused more on research, others worked on slide design, and some students with stronger English-speaking skills helped correct pronunciation and grammar. I appreciated the support and collaboration within the group because it created a positive and encouraging learning environment.

The day of the presentations was both exciting and stressful for me. As I listened to the other groups, I was impressed by the creativity, organization, and effort demonstrated by all the students. Every group presented their information professionally and showed clear preparation. Some presentations stood out because of their visual design, while others impressed me because of the confidence and communication skills displayed by the speakers.

When it was finally my turn to present, I felt extremely nervous. Speaking in front of the entire class in English was a major personal challenge for me. However, I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the main ideas I had practiced before. Although I made a few small mistakes while speaking, I successfully completed my presentation. Finishing my part made me feel proud because I realized that I was capable of overcoming my fears and expressing myself in another language.

This experience taught me an important lesson about learning and self-confidence. I understood that making mistakes is completely normal when learning a new language and that fear often comes more from insecurity than from lack of ability. Listening to my classmates also helped me realize that many students experienced similar nervousness, yet everyone still participated and gave their best effort.

“Making mistakes is part of learning.”

This phrase perfectly represents what I learned from this experience. Academic growth does not happen through perfection; it happens through practice, perseverance, and the willingness to continue improving even when challenges appear difficult.

In addition to improving my communication skills, this activity also helped me develop important academic and professional abilities. Through the use of PowerPoint presentations and virtual meetings, I improved my technological and organizational skills. I also learned how to manage responsibilities, respect deadlines, communicate effectively within a team, and work collaboratively toward a common goal.

Overall, I believe the methodology used by the professor was very effective because it encouraged active participation and helped students develop confidence in both communication and teamwork. Even though the assignment seemed difficult at first, it eventually became a rewarding and valuable educational experience.

In conclusion, the group presentations on May 15, 2026, were an important learning experience for me both academically and personally. Through this activity, I learned the importance of preparation, teamwork, leadership, and effective communication. Most importantly, I learned that confidence develops through practice and experience. This presentation motivated me to continue improving my English-speaking skills and to trust myself more when speaking in front of others in academic settings.