Final Reflection: Looking Back at ES2007S

I remembered the objectives of taking this module initially is to prepare myself in handling interview questions as well as to learn how to write resume and application letters. Since I am graduating at the end of this coming semester, these skills will be very relevant to my job seeking process. However, looking back at what I have gone through in this module, I realize that there is more to it in preparing oneself for interview, which is learning other important communication skills such as how to conduct an effective presentation as well as writing good proposal.

Being in the faculty of engineering for 4 years, there are minimal opportunities to speak or present in front of an audience. Hence, I was a little worried when I knew that speaking in front of an audience will be a frequent activity in this class. However, I also realized that this module will be able to help me to improve on my presentation skills as there will be numerous opportunities for me to speak in front of many people.

I have indeed learnt a lot from this module, particularly in the area of presenting effectively to people. I was exposed to various techniques such as the need to smile and maintain eye contact with the audience so as to keep them involved throughout the whole presentation. The use of tone during presentation will also help to deliver the points one is trying to make to the audience.

Overall, I feel that ES2007S is one useful communication module that I have taken as it helps students to improve on their written and spoken communication skills. However, I feel that the 4 MCs that are allocated to this module do not justify the heavy workload in this module. There is simply too much things to be done in this module, as such, I will recommend more MCs to be allocated to this module or that the workload to be reduced. =)

Lastly, I will like to thank Ms Lim for making the ES2007S class so interactive and fun and also for her invaluable advice which has helped me to improve on my communication skills particularly in the area of dealing with interview questions as well as giving presentations. I enjoyed the company of the classmates as well and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope to see you all around soon in the future. =)

Reflection on Oral Presentation!!

One problem I usually faced when giving presentation is that I tend to get nervous just before I present. I also realize that when I’m nervous, I tend to speak very fast during the presentation and this is one thing I’m always trying to improve upon.

Looking back at the presentation that day, I was nervous at the start, resulting in some stammering on my part. However, as I slowly regained my composure, I begin to slow down a little, even though I still think the speed was too fast. I also tried to make some eye contact with the audience, which is a good thing as it keeps the audience involved in the presentation. I believe that with more practice, my performance for the day can be better.

Of course, I feel that there are definitely good things about my group’s presentation. Even though our group’s slides are not as nicely decorated as the other groups, I feel that the slides have a good flow to it, allowing the audience to easily understand the points we are trying to bring across. The font sizes on the slides are also big enough for the audience to perceive comfortably from their position.

As for the question and answering session, I thought our group did a good job on it. Even though some of the questions asked were much related to life science syllabus which I’m clueless about, I though Gerard did a very good job explaining to the audience regarding these questions in this aspect. Our group also tried not to add on to answers given by our group mates during the Q&A session which I feel, is a good thing.

Lastly, I think our group did a good job in getting our ideas across to the audience and I really enjoyed working with Alex and Gerard. =)