A final reflection on ES2007S
It is hard to fathom that the semester has already come to an end. Over the past 13 weeks, we have had plenty of opportunities to learn and practice a myriad of communication skills – things that were both known and new to us. But the over arching learning point for me would be appreciating the difference between the following:
Talk - Speak
Hear - Listen
Write - Express
At first glance, the communication techniques in both columns seem identical. However,the left column lacks one key element that the right one possesses – being aware of the party(s) involved and their understanding of your message. Yet, it is a delicate balance between appealing to your audience and being sincere about your motivations and message.
We practised this in almost every activity and I realise that for it to become natural behaviour, we must consciously put these skills to use in our everyday lives. I’ll admit that before taking this module, I considered communication workshops to be silly and useless. The resume writing and interview components of the module were what had initially attracted me. But through ES20007S, I have been able to identify many areas of communication that I can improve on. One example of this is public speaking – be it a speech or presentation.
I usually don’t write speech texts for my presentations, preferring instead to speak based on an outline. But having done one for my oral presentation, I find that it allows me to better analyse the tone and language used. Moreover, when working with a group, it prepares my team members for what I’m planning to say and vice versa. This is definitely something I will practice in the future.
Though the module is very helpful, I would recommend to future students to only take it if they have a relatively light semester. Taking 6 modules, this semester was really tight for me. And it was hard keeping up with all the assignments. But the module also is an avenue to interact closely with students outside one’s own major. In my first blog post, I had mentioned that I hoped to build on skills that will help me beyond just academia and enhance my interactions with my peers. I believe all of us have learnt things, both about ourselves and our classmates, that has made these past weeks an enriching experience for all.
It was nice getting to know all of you. Ms Lim, thank you for creating a relaxed and open environment for us to participate in. To all the graduating students, congratulations and good luck with the job search! And the rest of you, good luck with the exams and I hope to see you all around school.=]
Apr 16, 2010
Apr 15, 2010
Post #5 (Wk 13): Friends, Romans, Countrymen...
A Personal Reflection on Oral Presentation
I would say that my performance for this oral presentation was better than my usual. When I was younger, I used to participate in oratorical contests and debated regularly. However these days, having fewer opportunities to practice public speaking, I find my confidence in making oral presentations and speeches had reduced tremendously. Prior to any presentation, I’m always an anxious jitterbug. The rehearsals usually go horribly and this time around it was no different. Although I had already prepared a speech text and cards, I had difficulty memorizing it. The speech text allows one’s group mates to be prepared when it comes to slide transitions. Perhaps me not adhering strictly to the script was had affected the coordination between my speech and the clicking of slides.
But I did find that despite all my stuttering and blunders during the practice sessions, when the presentation began, I was kind of on autopilot. The prep sessions and repeatedly going through the content matter in my head definitely helped internalize the presentation points and flow in my mind. This I feel was why I was able to perform relatively well in the presentation.
Another thing I realise on hindsight is that when presenting in a group, it is very important to try to mesh the individual styles of the members. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how my group faired in this. How do you think the J&G Group performed in this aspect?
When preparing for the presentation, my group mates and I tried to cover all our bases – from the colour scheme of the sides to the wordiness of the content displayed to preparing for possible questions that would be asked. Ultimately, I think this is what made our presentation a smooth sailing one.
I would say that my performance for this oral presentation was better than my usual. When I was younger, I used to participate in oratorical contests and debated regularly. However these days, having fewer opportunities to practice public speaking, I find my confidence in making oral presentations and speeches had reduced tremendously. Prior to any presentation, I’m always an anxious jitterbug. The rehearsals usually go horribly and this time around it was no different. Although I had already prepared a speech text and cards, I had difficulty memorizing it. The speech text allows one’s group mates to be prepared when it comes to slide transitions. Perhaps me not adhering strictly to the script was had affected the coordination between my speech and the clicking of slides.
But I did find that despite all my stuttering and blunders during the practice sessions, when the presentation began, I was kind of on autopilot. The prep sessions and repeatedly going through the content matter in my head definitely helped internalize the presentation points and flow in my mind. This I feel was why I was able to perform relatively well in the presentation.
Another thing I realise on hindsight is that when presenting in a group, it is very important to try to mesh the individual styles of the members. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how my group faired in this. How do you think the J&G Group performed in this aspect?
When preparing for the presentation, my group mates and I tried to cover all our bases – from the colour scheme of the sides to the wordiness of the content displayed to preparing for possible questions that would be asked. Ultimately, I think this is what made our presentation a smooth sailing one.
Feb 11, 2010
Post #3 (Wk 4): Application Letter
XXXX
Singapore (XXXX)
11th February 2010
Dr. Sherwin S. Desser
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Toronto
25 Harbord St.
Toronto , ON
Canada , M5S 3G5
Dear Dr. Desser,
I am a fresh candidate from the National University of Singapore with a keen interest in pursuing a Masters Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. I believe that my research experience and aspirations are in line with your focus in biodiversity and systematics. Hence I would be much obliged if you would consider accepting me as a graduate student at your laboratory.
My undergraduate years pursuing Bachelor of Sciences in NUS were not just spent in the classroom. Due to my avid interest and passion for environmental studies, I was part of a myriad of projects that revolved around systematics, insect morphology and behavior. I feel that my experience in both morphological and molecular techniques will enable me to successfully carry out a more thorough research project in biodiversity.
Throughout my academic career, I have actively participated in various community involvement projects that have enabled me to hone both my leadership and interpersonal skills. Having led a team on a community service project to India, I feel I have the capacity to be calm under pressure while tackling problems. It also gave me much insight into working well with others. This, I feel, can be a great asset to your laboratory and the collaborative projects you and your lab members are working on.
Any opportunity to discuss with you possible avenues for candidature at your research laboratory would be much appreciated. A resume of my extensive research experience had been attached with this letter for your perusal. Do feel free to contact the referees mentioned. Should you require my academic transcripts, I would be happy to send them to you as well. I can be contacted at Jayanthi@nus.edu.sg or +65 91896394. Thank you very much for your time and attention.
Yours faithfully,
Jayanthi Puniamoorthy
Singapore (XXXX)
11th February 2010
Dr. Sherwin S. Desser
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Toronto
25 Harbord St.
Toronto , ON
Canada , M5S 3G5
Dear Dr. Desser,
I am a fresh candidate from the National University of Singapore with a keen interest in pursuing a Masters Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. I believe that my research experience and aspirations are in line with your focus in biodiversity and systematics. Hence I would be much obliged if you would consider accepting me as a graduate student at your laboratory.
My undergraduate years pursuing Bachelor of Sciences in NUS were not just spent in the classroom. Due to my avid interest and passion for environmental studies, I was part of a myriad of projects that revolved around systematics, insect morphology and behavior. I feel that my experience in both morphological and molecular techniques will enable me to successfully carry out a more thorough research project in biodiversity.
Throughout my academic career, I have actively participated in various community involvement projects that have enabled me to hone both my leadership and interpersonal skills. Having led a team on a community service project to India, I feel I have the capacity to be calm under pressure while tackling problems. It also gave me much insight into working well with others. This, I feel, can be a great asset to your laboratory and the collaborative projects you and your lab members are working on.
Any opportunity to discuss with you possible avenues for candidature at your research laboratory would be much appreciated. A resume of my extensive research experience had been attached with this letter for your perusal. Do feel free to contact the referees mentioned. Should you require my academic transcripts, I would be happy to send them to you as well. I can be contacted at Jayanthi@nus.edu.sg or +65 91896394. Thank you very much for your time and attention.
Yours faithfully,
Jayanthi Puniamoorthy
Jan 31, 2010
Post #2 (Wk 3): Resolving Interpersonal Conflict
When thinking about an interpersonal conflict to describe for this post, the first one that popped in my mind occurred a couple of years ago. It involved my sister and myself and, on hindsight, was probably the most frivolous argument we have ever had. The core of the disagreement was about what I was to wear for her best friend’s wedding reception. Believe me, I am well aware of how ridiculous this sounds.
Since she was close friend of the newlyweds, my sister felt that I should attend the reception in a sari (a traditional Indian outfit). However, as I had to attend another function prior to the event, I felt that wearing the Western clothes I was already in would be more practical. Unfortunately, what should have been a normal discussion quickly escalated into a shouting match leaving my sister exasperated and me, as usual, clueless.
The issue did not seem big to me. On the hand, my sister took it to heart and did not speak to me for a while (at least until I turned up at the venue wearing a sari). It was a period when she was rather busy with work and planning the wedding, leaving her quite stressed. I was simply confused and frustrated that she refused to see it from my point of view. So the questions to consider would be: How could we have handled the situation such that it wouldn’t have ended in a serious disagreement? What was I failing to see/understand?
Since she was close friend of the newlyweds, my sister felt that I should attend the reception in a sari (a traditional Indian outfit). However, as I had to attend another function prior to the event, I felt that wearing the Western clothes I was already in would be more practical. Unfortunately, what should have been a normal discussion quickly escalated into a shouting match leaving my sister exasperated and me, as usual, clueless.
The issue did not seem big to me. On the hand, my sister took it to heart and did not speak to me for a while (at least until I turned up at the venue wearing a sari). It was a period when she was rather busy with work and planning the wedding, leaving her quite stressed. I was simply confused and frustrated that she refused to see it from my point of view. So the questions to consider would be: How could we have handled the situation such that it wouldn’t have ended in a serious disagreement? What was I failing to see/understand?
Jan 24, 2010
Post #1 (Wk 2): Why effective communication skills are important for me
On the research projects I am part of now, I am working with a myriad of collaborators from various cultural and educational backgrounds. Liaising with them can be a challenge due to this. It is now that I have realized how much I have taken communication skills for granted – as something inherent. Effective communication is essential to ensure that the research takes a direction that is satisfactory to all persons involved and fulfills what we set out to do.
Much of the communication with said collaborators is done through correspondence and written reports. And this just so happens to be my weakness. Therefore, the written aspect of this module will be very useful. In both personal and professional aspects of life, it is important to consider the written word very carefully. Without non-verbal cues that accompany face-to-face or spoken communication, I feel there is a high chance that communication through writing can be interpreted / perceived wrongly. ES2007S gives us an opportunity to examine this form of communication and how to best utilize it.
Getting to know and understand people better is, however, the greater pull that this module has for me. I have always found interacting with people and learning about their lifestyles very interesting. There is much to learn and develop by building friendships and communication is fundamental to this. My hope is that the skills acquired through this module will help me communicate my thoughts to my peers beyond just academia.
Much of the communication with said collaborators is done through correspondence and written reports. And this just so happens to be my weakness. Therefore, the written aspect of this module will be very useful. In both personal and professional aspects of life, it is important to consider the written word very carefully. Without non-verbal cues that accompany face-to-face or spoken communication, I feel there is a high chance that communication through writing can be interpreted / perceived wrongly. ES2007S gives us an opportunity to examine this form of communication and how to best utilize it.
Getting to know and understand people better is, however, the greater pull that this module has for me. I have always found interacting with people and learning about their lifestyles very interesting. There is much to learn and develop by building friendships and communication is fundamental to this. My hope is that the skills acquired through this module will help me communicate my thoughts to my peers beyond just academia.
Jan 20, 2010
Welcome Earthlings!
Just testing to see if all is in working order. I guess I'll see you all in class tomorrow!
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