Chapter 19 Blog

 May 11th, 2021

Alona Gulko 

Period 9 Public Speaking

Chapter Presentation Blog

This blog will be about Chapter 19, which discusses the topic of speaking in small groups. This chapter focuses on how to best utilize the components of small groups to produce the most successful speeches via multiple methods. This chapter is relevant to our class right now, because of our upcoming debates. Back when we did chapter presentations, we worked in small groups to teach our classmates our assigned section. Reading through Chapter 19, I realized that I underestimated how big a small group can be. Apparently, it can be anywhere from 3-12 people, and my definition of a small group used to be maximum around 6 people. With a small group it’s always easier to communicate and get on with the task. I have always been a person who prefers groups of a few people, for instance our group presentation or debates. 

When it comes to leadership in small groups, it’s important for a group to have a leader, whether it is self established or elected. I used to be a participator and let someone take over, but over the course of the past few years and group work from this class, I start taking more charge in a group, initiating conversations, offering ideas, and encouraging participation. Reading through the different procedural, task, and maintenance needs, it is important for the leader to delegate tasks and make sure they all get done. These needs are very important in a group. I’m very comfortable with taking care of procedural needs, to form group chats and get the work organized and started. With task needs, I believe in splitting the work fairly and for everyone to voice their opinions on which task they believe they can accomplish the best. If a group doesn’t have good relations, it will not function. 

I definitely find that responsibility is one of the core things a group must have. Without responsibility, the work doesn’t get done correctly, it is unfair to other members and everyone has a duty to be a group member. I always make sure to get my work done because if I take on a task, there is a bigger agenda to complete the group assignment. In past situations when it gets close to deadlines, I make sure to stay in touch with members to make sure everyone does their assigned roles. I was always taught in school to encourage full participation and make sure everyone is involved. With the upcoming debate, a lot of coordination and participation is involved. There is also the included problem solving that we need to tackle. 

This chapter walked through how a problem solving group works. It involves identifying the problem, analyzing it, and of course solving it. In my situation, we have a debate where we have to defeat the opposing con team in a certain topic. We need to figure out our main points, and rack up evidence. We also have to strongly consider and analyze what the other team might say, so we need to form rebuttals . As a group, we need to find a solution, in our terms those are arguments, and be able to win the debate. Mrs. Sanguinedo has discussed how important it is to formulate a plan, and work with your members so you are all on the same page. Especially when it comes to debates, it is key that everyone knows what to say, when to say it, and how to spontaneously feed off of opposing arguments and members. This chapter also explains different types of presentations; in our classroom settings we are most familiar with a symposium type of setting, an example being our chapter presentations. Overall, this chapter helped me learn a more in depth breakdown of a small group;; divergence of responsibilities, and how to tackle problem solving situations. This will help me improve my work as a group member in my upcoming debates and any future projects. Whether it is giving a speech, presentation, or debate, a small group can succeed with communication, hard work, and a leader.