Alas we have come to the end of this module and although I am feeling pretty relieved that everything is now over ( no more deadlines, no more blog posts, no more presentations, etc.) , I am feeling quite sad too. Truth is, I have really really learnt a lot of stuffs from this module and also from all the wonderful friends that I have made in the class. Like what I have mentioned, I was not planning to take up this module as I am not really a language person. However, after hearing positive reviews from one of my hall mates and also since Edward they all are taking too, I thought I should use this chance to improvise myself. Since secondary school, I seldom have the chance to present my ideas in front of other people and being a science student, our focus is more on report writing than on communicating with other people and doing presentations. Hence I was determined to brush up on my communication skills and also to learn a few techniques on writing application letter and resume.
During these 13 weeks, we have 2 formal and 2 informal/impromptu presentations. I have always thought that during oral presentation, all we have to do is to present/ talk about the content from our written report and then we are done with it. Actually, there are still much more than that! For example, we have to also take note of our own non verbal cues, position and hand gestures. It is only through this module that I learnt why presenters always stand at the right side of the screen ( cause we read from right to left and thus it would be easier for us to refer to the slides! ). Furthermore, I have also never realized before that I don’t smile when I am presenting. It is a pity though that I only realized about this after my last presentation. However, I will take note about it in future presentations! :)
Through this course, I have also realized how nervous I can get before and also during the presentation. It could be due to my inexperience in presenting my ideas in front of other people and also the fact that I came from a Chinese speaking family. Hence, I am always stuttering ( especially during impromptu sessions), taking a long time to search for the right word. However, I have figured out that rehearsals before the actual day really help in calming me down and prepare myself for any unforeseen circumstances. For my case, I need a lot lot lot of practices so that I can familiarize myself with the flow of the presentation and also to let my mind know that I am prepared for the presentation and hence, calm myself down a bit.
Furthermore, this module is also different in a sense that after each presentation, we will be given feedbacks from Ms Lim and the other classmates. I really look forward to receive all the comments! Though I know my feedbacks would not be as great as the rest of them, I still love receiving them as I find them really useful for my next presentation and it lets me know how well I fared for that certain presentation. And all the encouragements and suggestions from the wonderful people, really thanks a lot for that!! :)
At the end of this module, I know that I still have a long way to go to communicate effectively with other people, but I am really happy that I have taken this one step and I believe that all the skills that we have learned would be put to good use especially after we graduate from university.
Finally, I would like to thank all of my other classmates as I have really learnt a lot from them especially when they are presenting and also for being so supportive every time. And last but not least, thank you Ms Lim for being such a wonderful tutor! :)
Hi Cui Shan!
ReplyDeleteI have the same reflections on how we should position ourselves during a presentation. I believe you meant we read from left to right!
I think it is a great step to actually be able to pinpoint the areas you think you are weak in. Only then can you constantly try to improve yourself. I’m sure that after figuring out that preparing yourself would reduce the nervousness you experience during presentations, you are now a more confident speaker! It is also through this course that I am now more aware of my non-verbal cues and how they affect my presentation and delivery.
I admire your positive reception of others’ feedback as it shows how humble you are, and how willing you are to learn! I also agree with you that these skills we have learnt will be put to good use after we graduate from university, as we are now steps closer to the working society.
All the best in your future endeavors!
Cheers,
Siyuan
Hi Cui shan!
ReplyDeleteI like your determination in improving yourself. It is like knowing you will suffer more than the others yet you willingly throw yourself into the fire. However, despite all the hardship faced, you know you are the victor at the end of the day. :)
Like you, I became more aware of my verbal and nonverbal aspects of communication. With this, like what Siyuan has mentioned, we are able to pinpoint our weaknesses and work on it to improve ourselves.
Good luck in your future endeavors!
Hi Cuishan!
ReplyDeleteLike you, it was only after this module that I realised that I do not smile during presentations too (although I thought I did)! I guess this goes to show how much self-awareness I lack while standing in front of a class to present. But after going through this course and learning about the importance of non-verbal language, I am glad that we have all taken with us (in one way or another), invaluable lessons on how to communicate (and present!) effectively!
Also, I really admire your positive attitude and courage in always wanting to strive to improve yourself. :)
All the best for exams!
Cheers,
Qianwen.