Final Reflection on Learning (Post #4)

After 12 weeks of ES2007S lesson, we have come to the end of the semester. I believed that what many of us have learnt from this module will prove to be useful for our remaining time in NUS as well as when we join the workforce in the near future.

Effective communication is a skill that is applicable for all situations. In fact, I had employed quite a number of the skills taught in my recent internship applications- cover letter writing, resume writing etc. For one of the interviews that I went, I was asked to make a presentation as part of the interview process. That was when I began to appreciate the lessons taught in class and put them into practice.  Regardless of the results of the interviews (which will be revealed at the end of this week), I am now more confident of myself and definitely not that nervous when preparing for an interview or presentation.

In addition, I learnt that the most important component of effective communication is not just about expressing our ideas clearly but also ensuring that we are able to correctly interpret the intentions of the people we are conversing with. Essentially, effective communication does not just deal with the concept of speaking but also understanding. With that, I have learnt to understand people not just from their words (verbally) but also to observe the non-verbal cues. Using the example of the interview I went to, I may have come prepared with a presentation but when the interviewer started to show signs of disinterest such as glancing elsewhere, I must adapt to the circumstance- i.e. abandon the script and mention something interesting on the spot so as to catch the interviewer’s attention.

It is also good to learn that an effective communicator is never due to his/her innate talent but that practice is the determining factor. That should provide encouragement to some of us here who are not very confident of our communication skills. The series of activities- peer teaching, cover letter writing, mock interviews and eventually a proposal presentation allowed me to be exposed to some of the basic elements of effective communication which I am very grateful to. 

Thank you Mdm Fazilah and my classmates for the wonderful experience!