Reflection on My Group Presentations - [Course Name], [University]

This reflective paper analyzes the author's experiences with group presentations, focusing on strategies employed to enhance delivery and audience engagement. The author discusses strategies like considering the audience's needs, speaking as if addressing an individual, and practicing presentation styles. The paper highlights positive outcomes, such as delivering believable messages and effectively using PowerPoint, along with negative experiences like exceeding time limits and insufficient audience engagement. The author concludes with plans for improvement, including stricter time management through practice and potentially assigning a single presenter to manage time more effectively. The paper references relevant literature to support the strategies and findings. This assignment reflects on the challenges and successes of group presentations and offers insights for future improvements, focusing on communication, audience engagement, and time management.

Reflection on My Group Presentations 1
Reflection on My Group Presentations
By [Name]
Course
Professor’s Name
Institution
Location of Institution
Date

Reflection on My Group Presentations 2
In life, it is very crucial to learn how to deliver a presentation. However, I have come to
understand that giving a presentation can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. But, once
you identify what the audience wants then you can improve on that so as to meet their
expectations. We as a group has come to learn that the audience expects content, accuracy, and
accountability (Happell 2009, p.50). Also, the person making the presentation should; influence,
inspire and also should make whatever they say memorable and actionable for the audience. The
other important thing to consider during a presentation is time management. A presentation
should not be too long so as to avoid the audience from being bored.
Therefore, to deliver an excellent presentation, my group made use of the following
strategies; always consider the listener, speak as if to an individual, practice your presentation
style in advance and always begin with the end of the presentation in mind (Reynolds 2011,
p.25).
My group considers the listeners in that we frame the presentation in such a manner as if
we were the ones sitting in the audience. This helps in identifying the needs, emotions and the
wants of the audience. Thus, we can avoid losing their interest. This strategy has also, assisted in
involving the audience in the presentation. The other strategy that my group utilizes is that we

Reflection on My Group Presentations 3
address the audience as if addressing an individual. This approach makes the presentation
personal and draws the attention of each and every person. Also, it helps the person delivering
the speech to pass the information with the assurance that they will understand and gain
knowledge of the particular topic. The other method that has been very beneficial is that the
person making the presentation begins by informing the audience what to expect and how the
entire presentation will be of help to them because it is in human nature to believe in outcomes
and benefits and not mere promises. The last strategy that my group has used for a successful
presentation is practicing on the presentation style. Over time we have come to realize that a
good presentation is achieved by use of audio, visual and kinesthetic. Thus, the group members
always stage meetings and practice on the presentation styles before the actual presentation.
After application of the above strategies, we experienced both negative and positive
experiences. Some of the positive experiences include; we were able to deliver a message that
was believable. Therefore, since the goal of any presentation is to convince the audience, we
were able to do that by giving a speech that showed validity (Verderber et.al 2011, p.8). Also, we
were able to use simple language and clearly expound on the benefits of the presentation. Once
we understood the audience, we were able to adopt our own style so as to meet their needs. For
example, since we were addressing fellow students we knew that they would appreciate if we got
to the point as quickly as possible. We were also able to employ PowerPoint presentation
effectively after practicing. Also, in addition to this, we had a back – plan by having short notes.
Fr example during the presentation, there was power shortage, and for the last five minutes, we
could not use the PowerPoint presentation. Therefore, with the help of the notes and a white
board we were able to complete the presentation.

Reflection on My Group Presentations 4
However, there were some negative experiences, for example, we did note honor time
limit and also we did not engage the audience as expected. The presentation was supposed to go
on for a period of fifteen minutes. But, my group took a total of thirty minutes. Thus, time
management is a major problem for my group during presentations. This is mainly because each
person was given a particular segment to present. Some of the members took a lot of time to
deliver presentation. Therefore in the next presentation, we are going to ensure that we stick to
the set time limit. We will, therefore, practice on time management using a timer and also,
instead of everyone presenting we can choose the best presenter to deliver the speech on behalf
of the group. Then, the team will prepare both short and long presentation for that person. The
presenter will know which version to use depending on the time awarded by the panel. In
addition, in next presentation, we will involve the audience in the presentation so as to ensure
that thy pay attention for the entire period.
References
Happell, B., 2009. Presenting with precision: preparing and delivering a polished
conference presentation: Conference presentations are recognized as a valuable
means of disseminating knowledge. Brenda Happell offers a guide to delivering a

Reflection on My Group Presentations 5
conference presentation, including writing the paper, preparing audio-visual
materials and minimizing the impact of nervousness. She also discusses strategies
for obtaining feedback on presentation style. Nurse Researcher, 16(3), pp.45-56.
Verderber, R.F., Verderber, K.S. and Sellnow, D.D., 2011. The challenge of effective
speaking. Cengage Learning.
Reynolds, G., 2011. Presentation Zen: Simple ideas on presentation design and delivery.
New Riders.