Sara Loredo - Reflection 2

Blog Reflection on Class Presentations

Watching the presentations from Group 4 and Group 2 this week honestly taught me more than I expected. I went in thinking it would just be another class assignment, but I ended up learning not only about their topics, but also about what good presenting actually looks like. Seeing other students talk about issues like immigration, healthcare, and the environment made me reflect on my own experiences, my communication style, and even my group’s presentation. This blog is just my honest reflection what I liked, what inspired me, and what I think I can do better next time.

Group 4: Immigration & Healthcare

Group 4 caught my attention the moment they walked up because they all matched. They looked coordinated, professional, and confident. I didn’t realize something as simple as matching outfits could make such a strong impression until I saw them. Before they even said a word, their appearance already gave them credibility.

Once they started speaking, I immediately noticed how organized and prepared they were. Their slides were clean and colorful, and the design was visually appealing without being overcrowded. The images matched the information perfectly, and the text was simple enough to read quickly but still meaningful. They also created a brochure, which honestly blew me away. It looked like something you would pick up at a community center or a real informational booth. Having a physical takeaway made their project feel more complete and thoughtful.

Their research was solid. They talked about how immigration impacts healthcare access not only in the United States but in other countries too. They included statistics, examples, and even an interview. But what really made their presentation powerful for me was the emotional connection. I used to be an immigrant and I’m still not a legal resident, so a lot of the challenges they talked about hit home. I remembered my parents struggling with medical paperwork or avoiding care because of cost or fear. Their presentation wasn’t just informative it felt personal.

I do think some of the speakers were a little monotone at times, but I completely understand that. Reading from a script in front of a room full of people can make anyone nervous. Even with that, they still sounded prepared and knew their information well. A little more practice would make them even better. Overall, Group 4 delivered an amazing presentation. Their organization, visuals, and teamwork were all impressive.

Group 2: Healthcare & the Environment

Group 2’s presentation grabbed my attention in a totally different way. Their topics — healthcare and the environment are two things I actually care about outside of school, so I was already interested. They also dressed professionally, which again showed me how much appearance influences public speaking.

One thing I loved was how they connected environmental issues to human health. Instead of treating them like two separate topics, they showed how deeply connected they are. They opened with a story about an environmental crisis in New York that I had never heard about. Learning that this event pushed the government to pass new environmental laws really surprised me. It made me realize how one event can change public policy and affect millions of people.

Their speaking skills were strong. They used good eye contact, had relaxed body language, and seemed comfortable with both each other and the audience. You could tell they practiced together. They also included an interview with someone from the MDC Changemaker Hub, which made their presentation feel more connected to our real lives here on campus. Sometimes school presentations feel far away from the world, but theirs didn’t. If I had to suggest anything, it would be for them to use a little more movement while speaking. But in reality, that’s a small detail. They came prepared, they knew their topic, and they communicated it well.

What I Learned About Myself & My Group

After watching both groups, I couldn’t help but compare their presentations to my own group’s. I think my group did a good job, but seeing these two examples made me realize what we can improve. I noticed how effective it is when each speaker has a smooth transition and a natural flow. We could definitely work on sounding more conversational instead of reading straight from our slides.

I also realized how important visuals are. Both groups used images, colors, and design choices that kept the audience’s attention. It wasn’t just about making slides look pretty it made the information easier to understand. I want my group to use more visuals next time and choose things that help the audience connect emotionally.

Another thing I want to improve is interacting more with the audience. When the presenters made eye contact or smiled, I felt more engaged. It made a huge difference. I want to practice that myself instead of hiding behind the slides.

Lastly, the matching outfits really inspired me. It sounds small, but it made a huge difference in professionalism. Next time, I think my group should coordinate outfits too to show that we are united and prepared.

Conclusion

Overall, I really enjoyed watching Group 4 and Group 2. Group 4’s presentation on immigration and healthcare reminded me of my own experiences and made me emotional in the best way. Group 2 taught me something new about how the environment affects our health and how policies change when enough people pay attention.

These presentations weren’t just class assignments they were lessons in how to communicate, how to connect with an audience, and how to present ideas in a powerful way. I’m walking away from this experience feeling inspired and motivated to do better on my next project. I learned that public speaking is not only about what you say, but how you choose to say it. Confidence, visuals, teamwork, and preparation truly matter. I’m excited to take everything I learned and apply it to my future presentations.