my stop at S16-04-40 (edited)

I still remember my friends’ reactions when I told them that I would be taking ES2007S Professional Communication for the new semester. The ‘HUHS, Professional Communication…’ and “WHYs” were written clearly on their faces but I just smiled and told them that I believed it would be useful for my own personal development. Deep down, I knew the reason why I took this module. I wanted to find out what I was lacking when came to communicating with others and I wanted to improve on that, especially since an incident in the past that seemed to prove that I did not have wonderful interpersonal relationships with others. Up to this point in time, I still feel that the remarks made by those particular few were not justified. Fortunately, from this course, I realize that there is much more to communication than to what I have observed in the past.

On the very first day of lesson, ground rules were laid out (though some were not diligently followed as time goes by). Even though it sounded like a hectic schedule planned ahead for us, I was anticipating what would be up next. And as the days went by, the lessons got more and more interesting because I was able to find out things that I hope to know and understand. At the same time, listening to Mr Blackstone telling us all his nice stories and classmates sharing their experiences made lessons fun; this is definitely not the norm I will experience back in my own faculty.

I feel that the syllabus is well-planned, all the assignments and project have a clear objective behind them. In addition, my learning was further enhanced because there were always feedback and advice given by Mr Blackstone and fellow classmates. For example, I know the area of improvements for myself when comes to interviewing and resume writing. I learnt that "as such" is not a good transition word and many more!!=)

Now that I have gotten my new 'driving license' and I no longer have any instructor next to me to guide me, it is up to me how I can drive myself (and maybe others) around safely and happily!

http://www.inspiringthots.net/movie/life-on-train.php

This stop here at S16-04-40 with my ES2007S tutor and classmates has indeed been a fulfilling and enriching one. Thank you everyone for this pleasant journey and all the best for your endeavors!

My presentation - reflection

I knew I started on the wrong note but I could not bring it back on track. I know that I could perform better, but I guess the nervousness overpowered everything else. I did not want to refer to my hand notes so much but could not help it when my mind went blank. I think the main reason for why it happened is due to lack of practice and quite a fair bit of expectations and pressure from myself.

I was not very satisfied with my performance for I think I could have done much better. I think it is a lesson to learn that one should never forgo about practicing to perfect. No matter how great the slides and content can be, delivery is important to complement with the resources we have. At least something to be thankful about, despite the bad start off, I did tried to bring it back on track by speaking clearly and confidently.

I think we (my group and I) were pretty efficient in doing our work, we almost had the draft ready by the lesson before our presentation, more editing of content/format/animations were done however, nearer to the presentation day. I guessed the whole process was fun and fulfilling, just that the schedule was a little too tight, and we were not left with much time to have proper rehearsal. The only time we were able to do so was 2hrs before our presentation. Nevertheless, its still great effort from everyone, I enjoyed myself!

a side note

For a leader who is very passionate about what he/she does, it is very unmotivating when he/she is not able to bring the group together, worse still, sees the passion and commitment of everyone slowly dying out. It is not a matter of whether he/she is an effective leader, it is probably also not a matter of the kind of group that was formed, there are too many unexplainable undiscovered reasons that we do not know.

However, I still believe that our mind is a very powerful weapon that will help guide us through and it is the responsibility and discipline of every individual to make things happen.

I am not sure if I am guilty of it, and there is no reasons/excuses if I am but just to be ashamed of myself.

I think I understand the cause of frustration and I thought I got a hint of discouragement (or maybe I think too much). Whatever it is, please don't!