Post 6: Reflections on Learning

This module has been extremely invaluable. I had initially thought that the class would be similar to HR2002: Human Capital in Organisations. (I'm sure engineering students would know this module.) This module taught us about emotions and workplace skills, but little about how we can actually apply them in our lives. ES2007S is thus an extremely effective module. I believe it is the practical nature of most of the activities that we did and the genuine interest that everyone displayed to learn and improve themselves that created a positive environment in the class. It allowed me to be comfortable in making mistakes and trying to learn from them. Indeed, more than the skills learnt, I appreciated the value of feedback more. Often, we know what to do, but we are not sure what is impeding us from doing it right (or that we are doing it wrongly at all!). Therefore, the opportunity to share and learn from each other was truly great. :)

Another thing that I appreciated in the module is the mock interview session (and elevator pitches too!). As someone who is graduating this semester, doing well in interviews is really important to me. The chance to do a mock interview in a relaxed setting was therefore appreciated. I only wish that we had more time and chances to do re-runs of the mock interviews.

This semester has been filled up with so many presentations (mock and otherwise) that I think I have certainly gotten used to the idea of presenting better. I know what to do and what not to do when presenting my ideas. I also know my own flaws, which will help me look out for them when I am presenting. For instance, I learnt that I was a rambler, and that I speak too fast when I am nervous or excited. Plus, I tend to use words like “hence, therefore” too many times. Importantly, I learnt that it is ideal to practise not just the script, but the entirety of the presentation (i.e. slides, script, audience, gestures etc.) when u are preparing. In fact, I think I knew most of these already, but the opportunity to study them in a class setting has allowed me to focus and practise these skills better.

As for my own learning in class, I think one way I could have done better is through greater class participation. I think most times, I only spoke up when Brad called out. I could have had been a more active participant in class discussions. I think the fear of embarrassment or lack of important ideas prevented me from talking too much.

I would like to thank Brad for creating such a wonderful class atmosphere every time for us to learn and improve ourselves. Also, my classmates and especially, my group mates for sharing their enthusiasm to learn communication skills with me! It was an enjoyable learning experience. :)

Blog Link for ES2007S Oral Presentation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOvBbn23Lgs

Thanks to EB for recording it!

Post 5: Reflections on OP

The experience of OP yesterday was not a great one. Nevertheless, it was a valuable learning experience for me. In terms of overall organisation, I think my group did well. We met up a few times to discuss and to fine-tune our presentation. We also tried to induce humour and contextualise our presentation using the “Jimmy” story so that there would be greater impact on our audience. (By the way, was the story impactful? I mean, did you guys find the story distracting or actually helpful in understanding our proposal?) Plus, I think that all our photos and the cartoon bus to show progress on the slides were quite good! =)

In terms of delivery, I think my group should have practised more. All of us were confident of the content. But we had not practised with the slides; only timed ourselves together while rehearsing. We should have had internalised the script more thoroughly. Additionally, I think it would have been useful if we had put some text on the slides to “jog our memory” in case we forgot our lines. However, it was our first attempt at using “word-less” slides and I think it went pretty well despite the minor setbacks.

For myself in particular, I spoke too fast or rambled on without knowing what I was saying for certain parts of the presentation. I think this was because I was nervous and I wanted to get through the presentation as quickly as possible. However, at the same time, I wanted to make sure I explained things properly, which ended up in me forming nonsensical sentences sometimes. I feel that I if I had practised more and relaxed myself, I could have been more confident of the content. Plus, my pacing could have been better. My nervousness also made my eye contact with the audience "jerky" and inconsistent. I did not keep good eye contact, but merely swept through most of the times.

Looking back at the numerous presentations that I have done over the years, I believe that I can present the best when I am confident of the content and more importantly, in myself. There have been times when I have been able to put on my “game face” and go through with the presentation, and find that I can actually enjoy myself when I am doing so. The problem is trying to relive this same thing during EVERY presentation, which I still cannot seem to do. However, this module has been highly valuable in allowing me to gain greater awareness of my flaws during presentations and about how I can rectify them. Therefore, I hope that if I can sufficiently practise and overcome these deficiencies, I can relive those “good” presentations every single time and perhaps, even be almost as good as the presenters on TED one day!