Reflection on presentations

Speech Presentations Reflection
September 24, 2026

Watching the three online presentations gave me a different idea of what makes a presentation work. Before watching them, I mostly thought that the main goal was just to know the information and explain it to everyone. After seeing the different groups present, I realized there is a lot more to it than that. The way the information is organized, the slides, the speaker's voice, the examples they use, and even how prepared the group is can all change how interested the audience is. Since the presentations were online, there were also some things that were different from presenting in person.

One thing I noticed was that every group had a different way of presenting the material. Some groups felt more relaxed, while others seemed like they were more focused on making sure they got through all of their information. I think both are understandable because presenting can be stressful, especially when you know other people are watching you. Even though we were not all in the same room, I think it can still be uncomfortable knowing that your classmates are listening to you. I liked seeing the different personalities in the presentations because it made them feel less like everyone was doing the exact same assignment.

The presentations were also a good reminder that knowing information and explaining information are two different things. Someone can understand a chapter really well but still have trouble explaining it in a way that keeps people interested. I noticed that I paid more attention when the presenters explained concepts in their own words instead of sounding like they were repeating the textbook. When they gave examples or connected a topic to something that could happen in real life, it made the information easier to understand. It also made it easier for me to remember what they were talking about.

I think one of the most useful things I learned from watching the presentations was how important it is to make information relatable. A definition by itself can sometimes be difficult to remember, but when you connect it to something people have experienced or seen before, it becomes easier to understand. Even simple examples can make a topic feel less complicated. This made me realize that if I give a presentation in the future, I should focus on explaining things in a way that makes sense to the audience instead of assuming that repeating the textbook definition is enough.

Another thing I paid attention to was the way the groups used their presentation slides. I think slides can either make a presentation better or make it harder to follow. When there are only a few important points on the screen, I can listen to the speaker and use the slide as something to help me understand the topic. However, when there are huge paragraphs on the screen, I usually start reading instead of listening. I think this is especially important during online presentations because there are already distractions around you. If the slides are too crowded, it becomes even easier to lose focus.

The presentations also showed me how important delivery is. Since these were online, there was obviously not the same type of interaction that there would be in a classroom. There could not really be normal eye contact with the entire audience. Because of that, the speaker's voice became even more important. The people who spoke clearly, changed their tone, and did not rush through everything were easier to follow. When someone sounded like they were simply reading from their notes, it was harder for me to stay focused. Looking toward the camera when possible can also help make an online presentation feel more personal, even though it is not the same as being face-to-face.

I also noticed that pacing matters a lot. If someone talks too fast, it can feel like they are trying to get their part over with, and it can be difficult to understand everything. If someone speaks too slowly, the presentation can start to feel longer than it actually is. Finding a middle ground seems important. I think practicing beforehand would help with this because it gives the speaker a better idea of how long their section is and where they might need to slow down or explain something more.

The topic about language and culture was another part that made me think. The way people communicate can be very different depending on their background. Slang, jokes, idioms, and certain expressions might be obvious to one person but confusing to another. This is something that can easily be forgotten when you are speaking because you already know what you mean. A good speaker has to remember that the audience does not automatically know what is in the speaker's head. Being clear and thinking about who you are talking to can prevent a lot of confusion.

The information about persuasive speaking and logical fallacies was also useful. I liked learning about how an argument can sound convincing while still being weak. For example, attacking the person making an argument instead of responding to their actual point does not make the argument wrong. There are also situations where someone takes one or two examples and acts like they prove something about everyone. I think learning about these things is useful outside of speech class too because people make these kinds of arguments all the time, especially online.

One of the weaker parts of some of the presentations was when the speakers depended too much on their notes. I understand why this happens because it can be hard to remember everything you want to say. At the same time, reading every sentence can make the presentation feel less natural. I think using a few keywords or an outline would be better because it gives you something to fall back on without making you completely dependent on it. It would also allow the speaker to explain things in their own words.

The online format also showed how important preparation is. There were a few moments where technology caused problems or people were unsure about what was happening next. Things like videos not working, switching slides, or figuring out which group member was speaking next can interrupt the flow of a presentation. I do not think these problems necessarily mean a group did a bad job because technology can be unpredictable. However, testing everything ahead of time and practicing the order of the presentation could make things go more smoothly.

I also think teamwork was a big part of these presentations. A group presentation is not just several people doing separate speeches. The parts should connect and feel like one assignment. Everyone should know when they are supposed to speak and have at least a basic understanding of what the other group members are covering. That way, if something unexpected happens, the group can adjust instead of completely getting stuck. I think communication is probably one of the biggest things a group needs in order to make an online presentation work.

If I had to give an online presentation myself, I would take a few things from watching these groups. I would keep my slides simple, practice what I wanted to say, and use examples instead of only giving definitions. I would also make sure I knew when I was supposed to speak and test my technology beforehand. Most importantly, I would try not to sound like I was reading an essay. I think speaking naturally would make the presentation more interesting and would probably make me feel less nervous too.

Overall, watching the presentations taught me more than just the information from the chapters. It also showed me what presenting actually looks like from the audience's point of view. I noticed the things that made me want to pay attention and the things that made my attention drop. I learned that a good presentation is not only about having the correct information. The speaker has to think about how they explain it, how they organize it, and how they keep people interested.

I also realized that online presentations come with their own challenges. You cannot rely on being in the same room as your audience, so your voice, slides, examples, and preparation become even more important. At the same time, nobody is going to give a completely perfect presentation every time. People get nervous, forget things, or have technical problems. The important part is learning from the experience and improving the next time. After watching these presentations, I feel like I have a better understanding of what I would want my own presentation to be like. I would want it to be organized and informative, but also natural enough that it feels like I am actually talking to people instead of just reading information to them.