Group Projects Donavan Freeman

         Group 1: Supportive Communication and Building Confidence

   I was part of group one so of course I paid most attention to our presentation . The key things were how easily it was for us to work together and  smoothly present. At the start I  thought it would be difficult since I was the one moving the slides but it went very well.   I was slightly worried that people might not take the project seriously due to my past experiences from other classes , but once we divided up the sections, the process started to flow smoothly. Everyone contributed and we ended up with a well organized presentation that had very good  visuals. We also made sure to have our cameras on during presentations , which gave it a more professional feel and helped us connect better with the audience.The main topic our group covered was building confidence and creating a supportive communication climate. One part that really stood out to me was the explanation of supportive versus defensive responses.  Group members  explained how things like tone, respect and self control affect whether communication feels supportive. That clicked with me because I realized that public speaking is not just about what you say, but also about the environment you create for the audience. For my section, I focused on preparation before, during and after a speech. I talked about ways to handle anxiety, like practicing ahead of time, controlling breathing, and staying positive in the moment. I also explained how reflecting afterward can help a speaker build confidence for the next time.

   Group 2: Developing and Researching a Topic

     The second group presented on developing and researching your speech topic. Right away, I was impressed by how their group worked together. The class leader mentioned that they had been sending each other practice videos . I thought that was a smart idea because it not only helped them practice but also built trust in their group.I had always thought picking a topic was just about what the audience might like, but they explained that you also have to think about your own interest, the time you have, and whether there are enough resources to back it up. They also showed how identifying a clear general purpose, like to inform or to persuade, makes organizing the speech much easier.Another helpful part of their presentation was about organizing a speech. That is something I sometimes struggle with because I tend to write ideas down in random order and then try to fix them later. Their breakdown of how to structure a clear introduction, body, and conclusion gave me a better process to follow. 

   Group 3: Refreshing Knowledge and Audience Engagement

 Before Group 3 started, the class leader mentioned how supportive they had been to each other , and I think that really showed in their presentation. Their slides were clear and easy to follow, and the way they presented made it simple to stay engaged. A lot of what they covered were topics many of us already went over but I think that  was just because the topic we were all doing , but it was still a good reminder and helped refresh my memory. What stood out most was the video they included. It was a nice touch, especially since they were the first group to add a video to their presentation  it also gave another perspective on the topic. Even though it felt a little long, it still added value to their work. I also appreciated how each speaker supported the others when it was their turn to talk, which gave the whole group a polished and confident feel. Their explanation of delivery methods helped me realize there are many ways to approach a speech depending on comfort and situation. By the end, their presentation gave me not just reminders, but also new insights I could apply to my own speaking.Overall, I thought their group did a good  job and presented their material well. 

 Group 4: Types of Speaking

       The last group talked about different types of speaking, and I liked how they explained it in a way that felt real. The part on persuasion made sense to me because they said you can’t talk the same way to every audience. Sometimes people already agree with you, sometimes they don’t, and you have to think about that when making a speech. That showed me being a good speaker is not only about what you say but also about knowing who you are talking to.They also went into distance speaking which I thought was useful. With Zoom classes and online meetings happening so much now, it can be tough to keep people listening. They showed how important it is to be clear and keep energy up even if you’re not in the same room. That was something I never really thought about before. Another part they mentioned was special occasions like weddings or events where people give speeches. It made me realize public speaking isn’t just for school, it’s something that will come up in different parts of life. Overall I think their group did a solid job, and I took away ideas that I can use in real situations later on.

     Conclusion 

   Looking back at all the group projects I feel like I learned more than I thought I would. My group showed me about building confidence and being prepared and how a supportive climate can make a big difference. Group 2 showed me how planning comes before speaking and how it helps with everything after. Group 3 reminded me that delivery and style matter as much as the words you use and their video was a nice touch even if it was a little long. Group 4 showed me how public speaking connects to real life like persuasion or online meetings and events outside of class. I also noticed the groups that worked together more had stronger presentations. When people give feedback and support each other the final result comes out better. That made me see public speaking is not just about standing up and talking but also about the teamwork behind it. Overall I don’t see public speaking the same way anymore. At first I thought it was just about trying not to mess up but now I know it is about planning practice and being flexible. I feel like I got real tools now and I can keep getting better at it.