(Post #06) Final Reflections

Time flies! This semester has passed so quickly, it's all thanks to ES2007S and the deadlines that come flying in each week.

I remember I took this module because it had somehow become my core module. I thought this would be the same as other boring modules which I had taken before. However, things changed the moment Brad stepped into the room. We were given a quick ice-breaker activity. Ice-breaker for lessons was not a common sight in any other modules that I had taken before.  I knew this was going to be different and maybe fun module.

The fun part began with writing the blog post. Then peer teaching, resumes, application letters, peer evaluating, mock job interviews, proposal and finally ending with an oral presentation. It was taxing and tough, but it also equipped us with valuable skills. These tasks gave us valuable hands-on experience from answering difficult questions in the mock job interview to giving elevator speech for our proposal.
I also like the open discussion style facilitated by Brad, which started with storytelling by sharing his own experiences and knowledge, that was extremely conducive for learning communications skills. This type of environment encouraged discussion in small groups and the class started to open up and share their ideas in class on the topic of the day. This also facilitates interaction with each other and everyone in the friendship bonds being formed between classmates. This was so different from the other modules which I have taken where such interactions between classmates are minimal or non-existent.

Finally, thank you guys and girls and Brad. The course will not be fun without you. This is the first module which I could remember everyone’s name in my heart…….Brad,mabel,ben,paula,yutian,adeline,jac,eunice,edwin,fazial,uttara,jonathan,michelle,kecen,issac. I will always remember your in my 8GB memory…….:)

Reflection on my oral presentation

For this oral presentation, I felt that I was still a little bit nervous. Before the presentation, I kept telling myself to treat this as a normal conversation. I had practised a few times myself in front of the mirror. After few practices, I was able to memorize the content fairly well. It was pretty smooth and fluent.

At first, I thought that I was ready and confident to present in the class. However, when I was presenting in front of everyone, I felt so tense that I thought there were many pairs of eyes staring at me. My body seemed to be out of control, hands started moving and shaking uncontrollably Luckily, Jac reminded me not to fidget. After a while, I managed to calm down and continued the presentation.

However, I felt that this time was much better compared to my first mock presentation. I believed that ‘Practice make perfect’. If I have a chance to rehearse and present more in the class, it will definitely help me to overcome the nervousness.

Overall, this was a valuable experience and provided me with necessary skills which would help in my future presentations.

Evaluating Intercultural Behavior

Just about one year ago, I met a group of America exchange students. It was their first day in Singapore and everything seems new to them. As newcomers, they hoped to immerse in the culture of Singapore quickly and to get along with Singaporean friends.

To welcome the students, there was a group of student ambassadors to introduce the exchange students to the campus and the surrounding. One of the student ambassadors called Jennifer was given the role as a guide. She introduced herself to the group. Everyone in the group greeted her warmly and loved to chat with her. (They hug her on the first sight.) Jennifer was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm. She was not used to such warmness and felt a bit uncomfortable. In her mind, she thought that it might be that was the foreign students were curious about the new environment and Americans are less conservative than Asians.

In the afternoon, the foreign students came to the canteen to eat lunch. The students asked Jennifer to recommend some unique Singaporean food to them. And then, the students followed her to the stalls. One of the students, Joseph, suddenly stretched out his right hand and surrounded Jennifer’s waist while chatting with her. At this moment, Jennifer felt really uncomfortable. Being a conservative Asian, such an action was unbearable to her. She immediately pushed his hands away. She shouted: “Hey what are you trying to do!” Joseph was shocked by Jennifer’s reaction. To him, such an action was a norm in America. He was just being friendly and did not know that it would cause such a commotion. He did not know what he had done wrong. Jennifer felt very embarrassed and angrily left the group.

Being one of the witnesses for this scene, I felt that this conflict was caused by the cultural differences between the two parties. Joseph was from America and in his country, hugging new friends were a norm to him; it was their way of saying ‘Hi’. However, Jennifer was a typical Asian. Over here, people are more conservative and would not hug each other during their first meeting. A hug is only mean for close ones and families. Hence, Jennifer was shocked by Joseph’s action when he placed his arm on her waist. She felt that Joseph was being rude and did not respect others. However, it did not occur to Joseph that his actions were perceived as something undesirable and unacceptable.

Such conflicts often occurred because of difference cultural values and beliefs. Due to lack of understanding in another country’s culture, people often got a cultural shock when going to foreign country. It was a norm to see how Singaporeans complained about the actions foreigners did in Singapore and vice versa. Perhaps with tolerance and understanding, there would not so much cultural conflicts. 

Applicant letter

-----------------------------------------Draft 2----------------------------------------------

88 Ocean Drive

7 Sentosa Cove Singapore 4754569

+65 91234567

Charles@hotmail.com

12th February 2011

Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore

8 Temasek Boulevard #14-00
Suntec Tower 3
Singapore 038988

Dear Sir/Madam

NETWORK ENGINEER

I am writing to express my interest in the above internship position as advertised on the NUS internship portal.  As requested, I have enclosed my resume and application letter as well as a recent photo of myself.

I will be graduating from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in June 2013 with a degree in computer Engineering. NUS has imparted in me a strong technical experience and education which will be an asset to your organization.

During the course of my studies, I have acquired not only engineering knowledge but also useful skills in other areas by taking up modules like Principles of Economic and Professional Communication. These additional modules equipped me with effective communication and marketing skills which will allow me to excel when interacting with client and conducting seminars.

My previous job experience in Singtel during May 2010 enriched me with advance knowledge in network troubleshooting and provided me with technical expertise on networking wiring. My responsibilities included coordinating equipment installation of Mio-TV and the setting up and maintenance of internet connection. As every installation was task appointment based, it had trained me to work well under pressure and to be goal-orientated to meet deadlines.

My valuable experiences have taught me how to be a good team player and I would like to have the opportunity to be part of your company. I am contactable at 91234567 or j188@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

signature

Michael Jiang

---------------------------------------------- Draft 1--------------------------------------------------------

88 Ocean Drive

7 Sentosa Cove Singapore 4754569

+65 91234567

Charles@hotmail.com

12th February 2011

Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore

Temasek Boulevard #14-00
Suntec Tower 3
Singapore 038988

Dear Sir/Madam

NETWORK ENGINEER

I'm writing to express my interest in the above internship as advertised on NUS internship portal.  I am looking for a creative and challenging position and would like the opportunity to learn more about the position your company is offering.

As requested, I am enclosing my resume, application letter as well as a recent photo of myself.

During the course of my studies, I have acquired not only engineering knowledge but also useful skills in other areas by taking up modules like Principles of Economic and Professional Communication. Being equipped with effective communication skills, I am sure I would be able to excel in client interaction and conducting seminars.

During my employment at Singtel in May 2010, I have gained valuable experience in the field of troubleshooting internet. My responsibilities included coordinating equipment installation of Mio- TV and executing maintenance activities for internet. While working with team members to perform in-depth troubleshooting of equipment problems, I have learnt to be a team player to increase work efficiency.

Most importantly, my experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with people I work 

with.I am contactable at 91234567 or j88@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

signature

Michael Jiang

Interpersonal Conflict

On a summer vacation, John decided to find a part time job. After he went through several interviews, he finally got a job in a famous Sandstone grand hotel.  John, being a responsible and hardworking teenager looked forward to this job. On his first day of work, he found out that there was another part time colleague who had already started working there since some time ago. Being a new staff, John was positive and willing to learn from the seniors.

After working for a few days, John realized some of his colleagues were lazy and uncooperative. He tried various ways to communicate with them but failed. John informed the Manager (Ms Sally) about his inability to communicate with his colleagues. After this incident, his relationship with his fellow colleague worsens and he found that they are gradually avoiding contact with him. Most of the time, John was left alone to work on the task.

As a result, the task assigned was not able to be completed on time which resulted in everyone being reprimanded by Ms Sally.  John suggested to Ms Sally that she could send a full time staff to be in charge of part timers. Sally listened to the advice and said she would try to do something about it.  However, no further actions were taken by Ms Sally with respect to the problem.

John is increasing burdened by the inefficiency at work due to the lack of team action and was starting to feel extremely tired for having to stay back for addition hours after work.

What should John do?

Why Effective Communication is Important to Me?

I believe telegraphic model of communication is no longer applicable to 21^st century and it is ineffective. Communication is like “multi-tasking”; when I am talking to someone, I am also receiving his response through verbal or non-verbal language simultaneously. Through his response which would determine whether the communication should continue or stop. Hence, effective communication is important to me as it allows me to convey my message accurately to the people around me. It also allows me to understand and be respectful to these different opinions.

I remembered when I was looking for a part time job on jobstreet.com; I was surprise that many of them listed 'Candidates with good communication skills' as one of their qualification requirement. In developed countries, such as Singapore, their economy is heavily depended on the service and financial sectors. Hence, able to communicate well is an important factor to succeed in these jobs. It is certainly that communication skills were considered more important than technical knowledge in any job category. These industries often require us to work as team, therefore effective communication skills are vital. It helps to reduce unnecessary tension or misunderstanding between colleagues and your management.

In addition, good non-verbal communication skills are an essential aspect of our daily lives. In the 21th century, it is almost impossible to get rid of non-verbal communication such as MSN, SMS and face book. The use of appropriate words in SMS is vital; otherwise it might lead to miscommunication between the parties. As a result, tension may arise and affect the friendship. Sometimes, these misunderstanding can only resolve when both parties meet face-to-face. However, misunderstanding can lead to serious consequences when unresolved.   Therefore, think before you write or speak! 

                                   An interesting picture :) .  Comunication vs Click !

hi :)

Hi,
Welcome to my blog *.*