Final Reflection

Thinking back, the decision to step out of my comfort zone and bid for this module ES2007S was because of the desire to equip myself with practical skills, such as resume-writing and how to be a better communicator, which is definitely of use in the future.

13 weeks later, I am glad to say that this module, Professional Communication has, without a doubt, offered me the skills which I wanted to pick up as well as skills that I have never thought that I can pick up through this course, such as being an active listener and making critical and constructive comments.I believe these life-long skills which will certainly help me in different aspects of my life besides my career.

The main message that this course conveyed to me is that understanding the different aspects of communication (verbal and non-verbal) is very crucial to effectively convey a message, prevent any misunderstanding, resolve conflict, persuade or convince others. However, just understanding the communication skills is not sufficient, we have to integrate it into our daily lives and practice it for sometime before we can become good at it.

Importance of effective communication skills was emphasized in many activities and assignments involved in this module. In particular, the proposal requires effective communication between me and my group mates, Hazel and Jia Min. Through the process, we had some miscommunication but manage to resolve them. This clearly illustrates the importance of effective communication to prevent misunderstanding and also to resolve conflict.

In addition, working on the proposal has exposed me to the different ways that each unique individual works. The sacred combination of effective communication, mutual understanding and good cooperation will undeniably result in good team work.

The blogs certainly gave me an opportunity to learn and appreciate different styles of writings and view numerous perspectives for any one topic. This is especially so for topics on interpersonal conflicts and intercultural skills. I really enjoyed reading the solutions offered by the class for the various problems; some of the solutions did not even cross my mind. Thus, this certainly helped me to further improve my diplomatic skills.

Through the assignments, I had the opportunity to rectify my mistakes in drafting crucial professional documents such as my resume and application letters. If I had drafted these letters prior to the knowledge I have gathered from this module, I would have produced unimpressive letters which would make me lose several job opportunities!

Lastly, I would like to thank Brad for his guidance and the classmates for their active in-class interactions as well as for commenting on my blog. They made the journey through this module enjoyable and insightful. :)



Though the workload of this module is immense, we could all learn from this simple quote of John Alves: “The hard way is the right way.”

Oral presentation

Firstly, I would like to thank my team mates, Hazel and Jia Min for their time and effort placed in the proposal and oral presentation. Although we do have some miscommunications along the way, we managed to resolve them and got along pretty well. Overall, it was a great learning experience.

Being the last two teams to present wasn’t as easy as it seems. In fact, it was rather stressful as there were many expectations we had to meet, especially those from Brad. :x Being the last two teams, we had more time to “doll up” our slides and practice our speech; therefore, there is a need for us to perform better in order to score (the “kiasu” character”).

Having seen four presentations, our team decided to use white backgrounds and visual aids to enhance our presentation slides. We tried to include colours, mainly primary colours, to add an interesting touch to the slides and also to draw the audiences’ attention. We also had first half of the classroom’s lights dimmed so that the slides would stand out.

Before the presentation begins, I was surprisingly calm. So I thought maybe it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be or perhaps the peer teaching experience did help me calm down. However, I was wrong. The nervousness and anxiety set in after the presentation started. As I watched Jia Min made her speech, my heartbeat increased.

My biggest fear for every oral presentation was the problem with fidgeting. I have this habit of pacing up and down or swaying when I’m standing. This “phenomena” would be exaggerated whenever I’m nervous or excited. Previously, Brad even commented that I was “dancing in front of the screen” during peer teaching. Hence I kept reminding myself not to move.

I thought I had little movement during my speech and was actually quite happy about it. However, according to the feedback I received from my peers, I had quite a lot of limb movements. This is something that I have to work on.

During the presentation, I made a blunder and stutter as I try to conclude the presentation. There was some distractions and I could not focus on my speech. I hope the stammering did not affect my performance or made me look as though I memorised my script. As discussed in class, such situations may arise and all of us should be mentally prepared for such circumstances. At that very moment, I had an embedded lesson which I failed.

Intercultural conflict

Living in a multi-cultural society like Singapore, one always has to be conscious of his/her actions/words when he/she is around people with various cultural backgrounds to ensure harmony. However, one can be only conscious if he/she is aware of the norms and values of the cultures.

When I was in secondary school, a few of my classmates visited a malay friend, Zulkifi, for Hari Raya. Zulkifi was preparing drinks for us while we were sitting in his room and chatting. When Zulkifi returned to his room with the drinks, he suddenly burst at us, “ What are you doing? Get off the carpet!!”. We were dumbfounded. We quickly stood up and moved away from the carpet. Little did we realize that the carpet was actually his prayer carpet? I could remember him shouting, “ Do you know how sacred the carpet is?”. All of us felt really guilty and apologized profusely to him. We mistook the prayer carpet for a normal carpet as it was laid near his bed. After awhile, he calmed down and accepted that it was an unintentional mistake. He said that he would just buy a new prayer carpet, as this carpet cannot be used again. The prayer carpet must not to be handled by the foot.

Our action might be unintentional but the incident did hurt Zulkifi. I felt bad for upsetting our host on his festive day. Though we could not differentiate between a prayer carpet and a normal carpet as both looked similar, I felt that if we had more knowledge about such intercultural elements and religious teachings, we would definitely have prevented such incident from happening. We would have been more conscious in dealing with the carpets in the house. Zulkifi also could have prevented this incident if he had placed his prayer carpet in a corner or warned us about the sacredness of the carpet when we went to his room.

ME, MYSELF, I AND SHINY! (edited post on personal statement)

I am currently a 3rd year undergraduate majoring in Chemistry at National University of Singapore (NUS). Being exposed to Science at such a delicate young age has encouraged my curiosity and a desire to explore in this field. I could remember vividly how fascinated I was when the glowing splint extinguished with a ‘pop’ sound.

Apart from excelling in my studies, I am also actively involved in school activities. I volunteered my service as an orientation group leader in freshmen orientation camps like Science Camp (SCAMP) and Science Orientation Week (SOW). To me, having this opportunity to guide the freshmen was rare and fulfilling. It helped to widen my social circle, kept me updated with the “world of the younger generation”, and to enrich my university life. Apart from having the fun, I also had a sense of satisfaction at the end of each camp. This was especially so when the group I led was awarded the best orientation group (OG).

I enjoy dancing and playing sports. This explains my passion for cheerleading as a co-curriculum activity during my secondary school and junior college (JC) days. Cheerleading is a sport that requires high level of team-work. No matter how small or big a role one plays, he or she is an indispensible part of the team. Working together as a team, this sport requires a great deal of alertness, strength, skills and communication. Communication here refers to body language or even a look of trust and confidence. In most cases, this was achieved from the understanding we have with each other over time. Training was tough and we had to spur one another to move on. Throughout this process, it made us stronger, both physically and mentally.

However, I had to give up the sports I love and the food I crave for when I was diagnosed with uveitis (inflammation in the eye) and arthritis about 3 years ago. They were due to a specific gene, meaning there isn’t any cure at the moment. The only thing the doctor could do is to suppress the condition and reduce the pain. I had to make huge adjustments to my lifestyle but I am still very positive about the future. I am thankful to have a supportive family and loving friends and I cherish the time I have with them. :)

I believe I will soar to greater heights if I continue to display optimism and enthusiasm. Every day is a learning experience; face all challenges with courage and learn from our failures. We only live once, so live life to the fullest.

Personal Statement

I am a 3rd year undergraduate majoring in Chemistry in National University of Singapore (NUS). Being exposed to Science for more than a decade has encouraged my curiosity and exploration in this field. Its training has also equipped me with the analytical skills, which I am confident, will serve me well in the future.

Apart from excelling in my studies, I am also actively involved in school activities. I have volunteered my service as an orientation group leader in freshmen orientation camps like Science Camp (SCAMP) and Science Orientation Week (SOW). I have demonstrated my leadership skills when the group I led was awarded the best orientation group (OG).

I enjoy playing sports and dancing and this explains my passion for cheerleading as a co-curriculum activity during my secondary school and junior college (JC) days. Cheerleading is a sport that requires high level of team-work. Working with the team, I understand the importance of tolerance, effective communication and team-spirit so as to put up a good performance. I believe my years of experience with the school’s cheerleading team has taught me to be an industrious team player and groomed me to be a leader.

Having a highly independent and self-motivated personality, I held part-time jobs to pay for my living expenses and to gain more experiences in different fields. The part-time jobs include sales executive for NET and NAFNAF label, home tutor and project assistant in Research International Asia Pte Ltd, etc. I have gained many valuable insights and I believe I have improved my customer service, interpersonal skills and organizational skills through these job experiences.

I believe I will soar to greater heights if I continue to display optimism, enthusiasm and stay motivated. Every day is a learning experience; face all challenges with courage and learn from our failures. We only live once, so live life to the fullest.

Job Application letter

Job title and description:
Marketing executive of EPChem International Pte Ltd. EPChem International Pte Ltd is a Singapore based marketing, distribution and manufacturing company for special performance chemicals and materials. The products that EPChem actively markets include waxes, polymers and additives, oils and various complementary materials.

Responsibilities:
• Sales and Marketing for Specialty Performance Chemical in South East Asia
• Service existing accounts and provide solutions to customers

Requirements:
• Degree / Diploma in Chemistry /Chemical Process Technology
• Quick learner and dynamic team player
• Good interpersonal and presentation skills
• Self motivated and results oriented

Below is a copy of my application letter.

Block 778 Yishun Avenue 2
#07-1557
Singapore 760778
(+65)82822706

September 2, 2009

Mr. Seah Tze Yang
General Manager of Human Resource
EPChem International Pte Ltd
33 Ubi Avenue 3
#06-18 Vertex
Singapore 408868

Dear Mr Seah,

Application for Marketing Executive

I am very interested in the marketing executive position posted on www.jobstreet.com.sg. When I graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, I would like to begin a fulfilling career in marketing with your organization.

You will note from the enclosed resume that many of my co-curricular activities and work experiences were in relation with organizing of events. For example, I was involved in organizing and setting up a cheerleading team in my junior college. My background includes direct sales experience soliciting customers for NAFNAF label at Takashimaya departmental store. My most challenging and rewarding experience to date was working with Research International Asia Pte Ltd, where I was tasked to complete projects with very demanding deadlines. Through this experience, I have proven to be responsible, hardworking, and persevering. In addition, my years of experience with the school’s cheerleading team has taught me to be an industrious team player and groomed me to be a leader. I believe that my sales and managerial skills and team-building mindset will be an asset to the organization.

In view of your company's objectives and possible openings, I believe that my capabilities are in perfect line with your current needs. If your organization is looking for a dependable, results-oriented professional with a desire to learn, I would be glad to discuss how my expertise and ability may be of help to your organization. I can be reached at (+65)82822706 and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,



Chow Shin Ye

Enclosure: Resume


P.S. Hi all, I'm having difficulties with the font. The website should be italic. The title should be bold and underline. The sub-headings should also be bold. Please pardon these mistakes, I'm trying to rectify them.

Resolving interpersonal conflicts

Imagine this; two good friends of 3 years nearly came into nothing because of a stupid mistake. What could have happened? Emotional intelligence would definitely be the answer.

James and Xavier were good friends in college and they had known each other since first day of school. They have been buddies ever since and kept in contact even after graduation. They would talk about anything under the sun and would usually tease each other just for fun. Both were recruited into big companies and their future looked bright.

James soon realized that working in a big company could get really stressful and competitive. However, he seldom confides in Xavier. When James was retrenched, he felt depressed and lost. He decided to meet Xavier for a drink hoping to find comfort in his friend. Instead, Xavier mocked James.

Xavier was actually worried about James but Xavier just couldn’t bring himself to display his softer side to console his buddy. To Xavier, the usual mocking and teasing was his way to cheer James. He even passed sarcastic remarks thinking that James would not be affected by it.

This angered James, who then retaliated and punched Xavier, while hurling vulgarities at him. Xavier then realised he had angered his friend. Due to pride, Xavier resisted apologizing immediately. This led to both friends not communicating, till Xavier apologized. Everything seemed alright between them. But would it assure such problems from happening again?

The problem between James and Xavier came about because; they could not handle their emotions. James found it hard to express himself and always felt pessimistic about others, while Xavier speaks without thinking. His action had unintentionally offended James.

How could this have been prevented?

How do you think James could have handled his emotions effectively?

Do you think Xavier was right to mock James of his mishap? Could he find a better method to cheer James up?

This is what could have been done:

Firstly, James should have talked to Xavier about his problems at work or sought advice from his friends. All James needed was someone to listen to him vent his frustrations.

Secondly, James should learn to control his emotions when things turn out unexpected. He should have known that he would react badly when under stress and when he’s not feeling very well. He should have stayed calm and think logically. Would violence have resolved this conflict?

Thirdly, Xavier should apologize upon realizing his mistakes. He should be responsible for his own actions. Xavier should have put himself in James’ shoes before mocking him. Would he feel good being mocked by his close buddy instead of being consoled? Would he have liked the experience of being retrenched? Xavier should think before making those comments and be responsible for what he had said. I believe that James would have forgiven Xavier should he have apologized to him right after hurting him. Likewise, James should also apologized for punching Xavier.

Lastly, Xavier should reflect on his own behavior. Was he there when his buddy needed him? Was he right to mock his buddy, James? Did he make an effort to console James? Xavier must realize that nobody’s perfect and he should have look on some areas for improvement, to make himself a better person, and friend.

In conclusion, Emotional Intelligence is actually a very important aspect in one’s success in life. By controlling our emotions and think before we act, we could minimize conflicts and attain self improvement which is essential in achieving our goals in life. It also helps us stay focused and remain hopeful during challenging times. We should know ourselves by increasing self awareness, choose ourselves by building self management and give ourselves by developing self direction.

Do feel free to give better suggestions.:)

Why is professional communication important to me?

What is communication? Communication is defined as the exchange and imparting of messages, thoughts and information. Where can communication skills are used effectively? There are a few areas where communication is very important. They are friends and families and workplace respectively.

First of all, I would like to share my personal experience regarding effective communication. I was involved in a project work group while I was pursing my ‘A’ levels in Nanyang Junior College. Ineffective communications was one of the key aspects that contributed to the poor grades we were awarded during the evaluations.

Though we know each other in class, we came from different ‘cliques’. We seldom hang out together during or after curriculum. We were made to group together for our project and we’ll only get together for the project. Because we seldom talk to each other and nobody actually tried to break the communication barrier, information on the project were not passed down effectively and efficiently. There will bind to be unclear instructions and information but nobody made an effort to clarify with each other regarding it. We’ll just leave it the way it is thinking that we have actually done our part and had contributed significantly to the project work. However what we forgot is that a lot of the work done by us is actually redundant and double work.

Communication between friends and families are a key aspect in building rapport and understanding with one another. By communicating well with friends and families, not only will you build strong bonds and gain mutual trusts, relationships with one another will definitely get stronger. Should communication fails, relationships and bonds will gradually break and start to drift away.

I believe that all of us have at least one good friend, someone whom we can trust, pour our sorrows to and share happiness with. But how did this good friend came about? It is due to months and maybe years of communication between one another. We talked to each other about anything and everything. We found out more about each other, likes and dislikes and shared a lot with one another. The same scenario applies to our family as well. Parents themselves have to be good speakers and listeners as well. They have to communicate well with their children and concurrently be good listeners so that they can understand how their children is feeling and hear what their children have to say.

Employers and employees respectively require a certain level of good communication skills in order to ensure a smooth operation and mutual working relationships. As employers themselves, delegating jobs and motivating workers to achieve desirable sales target for the company is an essential component an employer should be master at. This would all come down to nothing if not for communications skills. Employers should know their workers’ strengths and weaknesses. How do you attain this? Communicate more and get to know each other better. Delegating jobs and tasks requires the speaker to give clear and concise instructions to the listeners, who are usually the employees. This way, it reduces the risks of misunderstanding und conflicting instructions between the employers and employees. Being employees should also be good listeners. They should not interrupt when instructions or messages are passed down to them and they should wait till the speaker, who is the employer, is done with his speech before asking questions and clarify doubts instead of just interrupting the speaker. This is deemed rude and improper manner.

I also realize that I’m not a good presenter and listener myself. I tend to pace up and down during presentation and I don’t feel composed as I would like to be. My body language also says it all when I presenting. Unnecessary movement while presenting gives away my tense and nervous appearance. I’m also very long winded and I would tend to repeat myself when I’m conveying a message or thought. I would usually lose focus and not pay attention as I believe that I get distracted very easily. The slightest distraction would just pull me out of the conversation immediately. I’ll have to ask the speaker to repeat what he or she is saying as I do not get what the speaker is trying to convey.

In conclusion, I believe that effective conclusion is very important and useful to me. It is a indispensable and life long skill that can help me irregardless of where I am, in school, at work or even at home. Effective communication minimizes conflicts with one another and it also reduces lost information through communication channels. I definitely hope that my communication skills can be further improved to make me a more effective student, a more understanding daughter, a better friend and a competent employee/ employer in future.