When I first signed up for this module, it was through one of the recommendation emails that are sent through the circular before each semester starts. I had a pretty good experience in a similar module two years ago and I thought that it would be an opportunity to learn some "soft skills" such as writing, project group work and presentation skills.
I believe that one of things I managed to learn the most is being poised and calm during presentations. Sometimes, I fall victim to having last minute jitters and have a shaky start when it's my time to speak up. But over the lessons, I had many more opportunities to present my views (compared to Science lessons) and share with my classmates. I've learnt to spend a bit of time to organise my thoughts and construct a simple and coherent message that best brings across my views. Of course, I feel that it will still take me many years of practice to become a truly competent speaker but right now I feel that I'm in the right direction!
Another area that I had more experience in was in project work. To be honest, I never really fancied working in teams because of different personalities, schedules and working preferences. I had a bad experience back in Year 1 when I had two project members who simply didn't cared and left another friend and I to do everything. To add insult to injury we got a D for the project...
But I feel that I really struck the lottery with my group mates Linna, Alex and Shi Chie. They come across as confident and intelligent individuals who take pride in their work and also strive for the best. We also have lunches after our lessons together, chatting about everything under the sun and I believe that made us understand each other better and build stronger trust in our abilities. Throughout the project, we managed to work seamlessly and give each other support and it really made working with them easy for me.
Really had fun working with these awesome people.
Lastly, I will also mention Mdm Fazilah and the rest of the classmates whom I've learnt so much from through our interactions over the past weeks. Through each presentation, interview and peer teaching session, I managed to gain much more experience by watching and learning from all of you. Thank you for commenting on my blog and giving me advice!
I wish all of you good luck in your future endeavours, especially to those who are graduating from NUS and stepping out into the brave new world. Take care! =)
Jay
I am the one with the biggest face...
ReplyDeleteHi Jay,
ReplyDeleteI would like to offer my two-cents worth on your "last minute jitters and have a shaky start when it's my time to speak up" part. It is common for people to be nervous in a presentation, after all you'd be put through the scrutiny of so many people!
Time passes slower than you think in a presentation, a common mistake is that people tend to speed up when they're nervous, making them even more nervous. Take your time and organize your thought before saying it out, there is more time for it than you would think. This way you can reduce the chance of mistakes. When you do make a mistake, just ignore it and move on, your audience do not know what you were supposed to say. Chances are that they will not pick that up. Jitters occur when you try to correct that mistake.
Good luck in your future endeavors, hope life treats you well.