Amanda Diaz Blog 1
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION: FIRST PRESENTATIONS.
Effective communication is a crucial aspect of human interaction, knowledge sharing, and societal development. However, it is a complex process that involves diverse factors, contexts, and challenges. Therefore, a critical, reflective, and practical approach to studying communication is essential to comprehend its various dimensions and acquire the necessary skills to communicate effectively and ethically. This essay discusses the importance of introductory communication classes in developing communication skills for success in different spheres such as intercultural, group dynamics, and leadership. The essay draws upon the topics covered in the initial presentation of the course, where several groups explored themes such as: Intercultural Communication, Communicating in Groups, and Group Leadership and Problem Solving. The material is based on chapters 3, 9, and 10 of the class textbook.
During our class, my group and I were assigned to debate the topic of intercultural communication in chapter 3. As the first group to present this semester, we were all feeling nervous. For me personally, speaking in public is especially difficult since English is not my native language. Despite my nerves and accent, my teammates were extremely supportive and encouraging. Our presentation focused on the importance of understanding and interacting with people from different cultures, including their values, beliefs, norms, and practices. It's crucial to recognize cultural diversity and avoid stereotypes and prejudices that can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. By developing cultural knowledge, communication skills, and intercultural attitudes, we can adjust our communication style and message to better communicate with people from different backgrounds. Intercultural communication is the process of verbal and non-verbal interaction between individuals of different cultural backgrounds. This ability is essential for interacting effectively and ethically with diverse people while respecting cultural diversity.
During their presentation, Group 2 covered Chapter 9 of the book, which focuses on communication within groups. This involves interactions between three or more individuals who share a common goal or collective identity. I was impressed by the presentations given by my classmates and their exceptional public speaking skills. They demonstrated a high level of communication, and their confidence was evident. I found their use of humor to be clever and memorable, especially the rice and beans joke. The topic they presented is significant because it allows group members to coordinate their actions and ideas to achieve desired outcomes or solve problems. Understanding the nature and types of groups (family, social, support interest, service, work, and virtual), as well as the characteristics of healthy groups (such as goals, ethics, interdependence, cohesion, productive norms, and responsibility), is crucial in comprehending group communication. By familiarizing ourselves with these concepts, we can better understand how groups and their dynamics work, and we can improve our participation and collaboration within them.
Finally, the last day of presentations arrived, and I realized that it was already something I was looking forward to with enthusiasm, I had quickly become an avid lover of enjoying the presentations of my classmates, it should be noted that group two had set the bar very high, but group three was up to the task and their presentation was just as exciting. It was a very well-structured, thought-out, and executed presentation; the great capabilities of my colleagues surprised me again. In their presentation, Group 3 covered Topic 10, which delves into the importance of group leadership and problem-solving. This involves motivating and directing group members toward achieving shared objectives while resolving any issues that arise. To accomplish this, group leaders must assume shared roles and responsibilities, facilitate productive meetings, and utilize systematic decision-making methods. Key concepts to grasp within group leadership and problem-solving include task, maintenance, and procedural roles, shared leadership responsibilities, guidelines for effective meetings, and systematic problem-solving steps such as problem identification, analysis, criteria determination, solution generation, evaluation, decision making, implementation, and evaluation of the chosen solution. These concepts not only enhance leadership and group member performance but also promote clear and compelling communication of ideas and proposals.
In summary, the three groups efficiently and briefly presented their topics, resulting in a productive and enjoyable experience. They utilized visually appealing PowerPoint presentations that captured and held the attention of their audience. Even the students added some humor, making the presentation more interesting. This essay emphasizes the importance of the Introduction to Communication course in enhancing intercultural, group, and leadership abilities. Acquiring these skills is crucial for academic and professional advancement, enabling us to communicate and collaborate with individuals from diverse cultures, as well as lead or participate in problem-solving initiatives. The Introduction to Communication class provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to communicate effectively and ethically in different contexts and situations. It is highly recommended that we utilize the knowledge and skills we have acquired in this course to enhance our personal and professional lives.
Very good reflection. Well... I think you are off to a great start!
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