Monday, April 18

Final Reflection

ES2007S is not a typical module. It is one of the best modules that I have ever taken. And it is not because there is no final exams!

One of the assessments that we are marked on is our wiki project. I was grouped with Kelvin and Chin How. When we first formed, I did not know what to feel. I was glad as I had worked with Chin How prior to this in the peer teaching, and I know we could work well together, producing a fine performance during the very first peer teaching for our class.

I was at first puzzled for Kelvin, as to why his 'friends' did not make a group with him. The group of Bernadette, Caleb and Johnny who were always seen together, did not stick together this time. But as always, I do not judge a book by its cover. I felt that in the end Kelvin put in a great amount of work the same as Chin How and myself. I was comfortable and at ease working with them. I feel that I have amazing team members who have made it possible.

At a time during this course, I was having difficulties coming to school due to a surgery I had. But this was where the wiki platform served its greatest purpose. Working from home. I manage to do all the parts that I was suppose to do at the comfort of my home, with my group members being able to view, edit and adjust anything that I put up. And it works the other way round for me as well where I was able to monitor whatever my group was doing.

However, there is a limit to what the wiki platform can do. Our group do have to meet to tie things up either to argue, debate or discuss more comprehensively on certain topics or issues. But the time when I was gone, all the major discussions were already settled, its just doing the work that we had delegated and completing them on time. Our proposal was a bit rushed, but I had ample time to prepare for our presentation.

Overall, I feel good about the project, the wiki platform and of course this module as a whole. I enjoyed being taught under Dr Radhika, who is very different from all the other professors that had taught me in NUS. I still remembered the time, it was after one lesson, but Dr Radhika was able to call my name in the canteen. I was really touched and amazed by that gesture. She also made the lesson fun and engaging, that never fail to make me interested in professional communication.

Besides that, I am delighted with the new friends that I made in this course. We learn a lot from one another and had fun and laughter in every lesson. I have a lot of positives for this course and would definitely recommend it to my peers.

With that, thank you everyone. =)

Most AWESOME!

Saturday, April 9

Oral Presentation Review

It has been quite some time since I last blogged!

But nonetheless, today’s topic is on my oral presentation review. Honestly, I am pretty happy with how I performed. The comments by my classmates on my final presentation are both overwhelming and encouraging.

People might mistake me as being a natural speaker, where I can engage the audience effortlessly. However, that is not true. During the dry run, to be honest, I was not prepared at all. I was hoping this ‘natural’ side of me would come out and take over the presentation, but we all know what happened in the end. It was one of my worst performances ever. Short of contents, lack of confidence and a stuttering speech were prevalent during my presentation. That was when it hit me. I am not that natural after all!

What I eventually did was to sit down, write my script properly, and rehearse and rehearse and rehearse! I am not joking. I think I rehearsed so much that I do not even need to look at the script while presenting. It also helps that the day before our presentation, the whole group met and practised together. Not only that, we improved each other’s presentation, on what to say and what to do. I change my scripts a few times just to improve and improve.

The night before, I was practising in front of my mirror, timed and record my speech. I was making sure I had the posture, the intent and the aura to pull it off. And on the day itself, I made sure I had plenty of water, wore smart clothes not just to look good, but when I look good, I feel much more confident. And that really helps.

I believe everyone can present well if they put their time and effort to improve and do well.

Here is just a short clip of my favourite presenter who inspires me. Steve Jobs. Tremendous respect for him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-ntLGOyHw4&feature=fvsr