Final Reflection

ES2007S has come to (almost) an end and let us end this module with our reflections on the times throughout this course(:

During this course, I have gleaned communication skills on how to deliver information (speak effectively), so that audience receive it in the intended meaning, how to listen actively and how to resolve conflicts amiacably. The importance of non-verbal cues is very much appreciated too. I believe that a good communicator is one who can both speak well and listen attentively, in order to establish communication with a partner.

I have since become more conscious of my non-verbals espcecially during presentation, so that I appear more confident. In addition I have learnt (and am still perfecting) to speak (including non-verbals) in a way such that people do not misunderstand my intention or intended meaning because this will aid in preventing unwanted conflicts.

Cover letter and resume-writing will certainly give me an edge over my counterparts who have not attended formal tutorials on the know-hows of such business letters. I am very glad to have picked up tips and skills on how to write such important letters in addition to good writing skills (the 7Cs), which will certainly facilitate job-hunting in the few months to come.

However, I feel that more presentation sessions (like PT) may be implemented to brush up our presentation skills since such skills are undoubtedly vital in life generally (and not just at the workplace). The feedback after peer teaching session has given me insights on how to improve on my presentation skills (though my OP was worse than PT; nervousness was the root of it).

It was of great interest to hear the differing opinions of different course mates on the various issues discussed during classes. Furthermore, to receive and give comments on one others' blog post promoted the exchange of opinions too. Ms. Lim's feedback throughout the proposal and OP period also spurred me to analyse and think more.

At the end of the day, I know that I could have participated more during classes though since ES classes are of interactive nature.

'6' was to indicate the 6th blogpost which was open topic haha.

ES classes were pretty enjoyable despite the heavy workload, because of the interesting course mates(:

Lastly I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Lim for her constant guidance and feedback to help me improve and also my fellow course mates for their contributions to make ES classes lively and more enjoyable.

xoxo

Joanne

Reflection on Oral Presentation

Now that the Oral Presentation is over and done with (great relief!), it's time to sit down and reflect on it; the good and the bad. First and foremost, thanks J-A-Y for the effort put in(:


For the preparation of my slides, I was glad to have added in the screenshots of the various web pages across the faculties since we want them to understand the impact of having enough information on a web page v.s. insufficient information. I felt that the time I spent on preparing the slides was more than adequate and the content on the slides was concise and reader-friendly.


However I have to admit that the time I spent on preparation for delivery of the slides was far from sufficient. I ran through the presentation briefly for only 3 or 4 times. I could have practised and started to perfect my delivery skills earlier (not that there was much time though) and also 'memorised' more information instead of relying on cue cards.


My delivery of the oral presentation was quite a flop!:( I was too nervous and I did not improve even after the first few slides. I remembered that I fumbled a little here and there, sometimes forgetting the points too thus was not professional at all; neither was confidence portrayed. Nervousness was very much reflected in my voice and actions. Nonetheless, I believe that I maintained good eye contact with the audience, was loud enough, had proper variations in my tone and placed emphasis where required. I referred occasionally to the slides, to show 'connection' between myself (the presenter) and my slides and I used appropriate gestures.


Our slides were plain and simple, very much reader-friendly but I would think that special effects may capture the audience's attention more. In addition, the use of diagrams etc. could be employed more often for visual enhancement of the slides and the presentation as a whole.


All in all, I feel that it was rather unsatisfactory and I know that I could have done it much better! Lesson learnt!