Oral presentations are a necessity to advertise or promote a product! In my recent class activity regarding the oral presentation, it was a joy to work with my group members as well as see other groups present!
To get a presentation perfect, a lot of effort has to be put in. From being well versed in the presentation slides, (as well as what to present) to the visual aids, to even the different nuances in presentation, everything must be prepared sufficiently to bring out the maximum level of effectiveness to impress the audience.
Going through the order of presentation, I felt that Cai Fang's group was excellent! The visuals, the pictures, the preparation. A well versed unit, flowed like a well-oiled machine. In my perspective, their presentation won the top honors for being so smooth in presentation. I was truly wow-ed by it. Seeing them present gave me the jitters, how could my team stand up on par with them?
Next was Noori's group. The presentation went as well as Cai Fang's group. However, overall I felt Cai Fang's group was better as Cai Fang's group seemed so smooth. However, when Noori came up to present, there was this sense of being blown away. His words carried impact, his gestures and choice of words left me wondering that if that had been a real proposal, he'd be the idea sales pitcher. His other teammates did well, but he really stood out.
Skipping my group and onto Bernadette's, her entire group made a wonderful impression on me. In terms of preparation, I think they were the best. Fluency, preparation, choice of words, pictorial descriptions, all were done to the smallest detail. I thoroughly enjoyed their presentation.
I believe my group had many areas that could have been improved. Just focusing on myself, I think more visuals would have been better, However, it was not without attempt. My portion was to explain the binding reason of the problem. That itself was not an ease to find a pictorial example on the quality of life. However, maybe some statistics in the form of graphs might have been good.
On the whole, I loved the entire presentation. Thank you all for being part of my class!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Intercultural Relationships
Intercultural Conflicts can be quite complex at times but sometimes it just boils down on how sensitive are you to the other cultural group. Many times, it can be either something complex like how Americans think cleaning the van which is not used is pointless while Japanese think cleaning the van regardless used or not is a duty (as given in our readings). Sometimes it can be really simple like different practices and a lack of attention to detail from either party.
The following intercultural issue is not a conflict, but is more of a misunderstanding. Once, my sister was working late with a colleague. Being concerned about her friend's welfare, she offered food to help ease the hunger of her colleague. Her colleague was a muslim, as such, was forbidden to have pork. My sister, in all earnest, had taken notice that her colleague was a muslim and was well aware of her colleague's sacrament against eating pork. However, as my sister offered biscuits from "Arnot's Baked not Fried", it contained bacon bits. She was unaware of the make up of the biscuits and offered them to her colleague.
My sister's colleague had studied the package and politely rejected without mentioning why. My sister was puzzled but did not pursue the matter. It was only after when she reached home, as she was looking at the food packaging, she noticed that the biscuits had contained bacon bits. She then realised her error and apologised the next day.
Though the short situation that happened here did not involve any heated flare ups or much emotion, we could see my sister's colleague's polite disagreement as well as my sister's puzzlement in response to her rejection. When I look back at the entire incident, and play myself in the shoes of my sister's colleague, I believe I would act in the same way and politely reject my sister's kind offer as well. I do believe that my sister's kind intentions were known, but they were unable to be fully appreciated by my sister's colleague.
In the shoes of my sister, I think i would also be able to understand her surprise. Surely her good intentions were not expected to meet with rejection from her colleague. I believe when my sister realised what she did wrongly, she would have felt bad and I believe she apologised to her colleague the next day.
She did share this incident with me and my brother. My brother had the same views as me as we laughed the incident off. Though it may seem as a silly joke for now, I guess if the same thing had happened again, I believe we will not be laughing. To be sensitive to others, especially those from a differing cultural group, is key for harmony and working together in this globalised world.
The following intercultural issue is not a conflict, but is more of a misunderstanding. Once, my sister was working late with a colleague. Being concerned about her friend's welfare, she offered food to help ease the hunger of her colleague. Her colleague was a muslim, as such, was forbidden to have pork. My sister, in all earnest, had taken notice that her colleague was a muslim and was well aware of her colleague's sacrament against eating pork. However, as my sister offered biscuits from "Arnot's Baked not Fried", it contained bacon bits. She was unaware of the make up of the biscuits and offered them to her colleague.
My sister's colleague had studied the package and politely rejected without mentioning why. My sister was puzzled but did not pursue the matter. It was only after when she reached home, as she was looking at the food packaging, she noticed that the biscuits had contained bacon bits. She then realised her error and apologised the next day.
Though the short situation that happened here did not involve any heated flare ups or much emotion, we could see my sister's colleague's polite disagreement as well as my sister's puzzlement in response to her rejection. When I look back at the entire incident, and play myself in the shoes of my sister's colleague, I believe I would act in the same way and politely reject my sister's kind offer as well. I do believe that my sister's kind intentions were known, but they were unable to be fully appreciated by my sister's colleague.
In the shoes of my sister, I think i would also be able to understand her surprise. Surely her good intentions were not expected to meet with rejection from her colleague. I believe when my sister realised what she did wrongly, she would have felt bad and I believe she apologised to her colleague the next day.
She did share this incident with me and my brother. My brother had the same views as me as we laughed the incident off. Though it may seem as a silly joke for now, I guess if the same thing had happened again, I believe we will not be laughing. To be sensitive to others, especially those from a differing cultural group, is key for harmony and working together in this globalised world.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Job Application and Resume
Hello!
Today I will be posting a sample resume and job application letter. Due to myself being bonded to the RSAF for four years upon graduation from the university, I have written them in foresight of my future experiences. Please feel free to critque and write your various comments on them.
Regards,
Watson
Job Advert:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sm7YYi1z2cRzedfvonR8EzCOcciNgW6xL6-vN5rKOMQ/edit?authkey=CLSw--AK&hl=en#
Job Application Letter:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sRziPEwPOXNZkiwKjbMoqz69qJe2IbeztxiSeNWKhhs/edit?hl=en&authkey=CO2K2vwK#
Job Resume:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NEP69sbeoVm9RFNqG93rEr3VOYzrktDyteNKsme0uJk/edit?authkey=CKLJ68wF&hl=en#
Today I will be posting a sample resume and job application letter. Due to myself being bonded to the RSAF for four years upon graduation from the university, I have written them in foresight of my future experiences. Please feel free to critque and write your various comments on them.
Regards,
Watson
Job Advert:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sm7YYi1z2cRzedfvonR8EzCOcciNgW6xL6-vN5rKOMQ/edit?authkey=CLSw--AK&hl=en#
Job Application Letter:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sRziPEwPOXNZkiwKjbMoqz69qJe2IbeztxiSeNWKhhs/edit?hl=en&authkey=CO2K2vwK#
Job Resume:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NEP69sbeoVm9RFNqG93rEr3VOYzrktDyteNKsme0uJk/edit?authkey=CKLJ68wF&hl=en#
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Interpersonal Conflicts
Interpersonal relationships can turn sour and conflicts may arise. The question is; how do we view problems objectively, while at the same time using tact and handle the situation well? Being able to solve the problem by telling what we should do is often easy. However, to be tactful or to listen to the emotional needs of others is more often than not, done wrongly.
There was a time where a school project had to be done in groups. At that time, me and seven others were taking the same module and naturally, I assumed that we would split ourselves nicely into groups for the project. It happened that at the same time, I had another friend, Benjamin who lived near me, was taking the exact same module. Benjamin was not close to my other friends but I often would talk to Benjamin as we lived nearby, looking out for him when he missed class. My friends then decided to group themselves without me, assuming that I would be find Benjamin to partner up. Benjamin on the other hand, had found his other ex-classmates to pair up with for the project. I was left alone, and without a partner for the project. Of the seven friends that I had, I was particularly close to one of them, Lester. I felt a sense of betrayal and upset that they had not consulted me when they went ahead to group themselves for the project. I was left alone and had to find a stranger to pair with for the project. At that moment, what I felt was that though everyone finding their groupmates was a 'free-for-all' matter, the fact that my close friend Lester had just left me out, was a surprise and was rather disheartening, given that we were so close. My upset, turned to disappointment, and disappointment turned to anger. I ignored Lester for a few days and our friendship was not as it was. Deep down, Lester sensed my unhappiness and constantly asked me what was wrong even though I frequently would tell him that everything was fine.
One day, I told myself that our friendship should not have to fail because of such a simple mistake. It was my fault that I had not approached my friends early on to arrange for groups. Though Lester was my close friend, and friends do look out for each other, it was largely my fault. I set aside my pride and talked to Lester about the entire issue, telling him why I was upset and apologised for being so cold. Lester also saw my point and also apologised to me. I was grateful for him not getting upset about me being so petty. We eventually got back to being great friends and still are till today.
Till today, I guess the main reason for this conflict that we had was due to me being unreasonable and expecting to be spoon-fed a place in the groupings. Other reasons for such could well have been that my friends did not look out for me. However, I do believe that my expectation of my friends looking out for me was a little too naive as I have to first depend on myself to get things done before being dependable to aid others. If I assist my friends to achieving their needs, it is a bonus, likewise for them assisting me.
If you were a friend to a person in the same situation as me, how would you explain your own actions to me in a way that I would be able to accept and not be upset (or be consoled)? Likewise, if you were in my shoes, how would you relate your unhappiness to your friends while attempting to keep your friendship with them? To me, I approached the problem by taking full responsibility for the entire problem. Whether it is the best way, I do not know. However, I did achieve the intended result of getting back on good terms with Lester, and that is what I treasure greatly.
I hope you will not receive a similar situation to as I have, or even if you do, you would be able to approach the situation with tact and able to think for the other party(ies) first and solve the problem amicably.
There was a time where a school project had to be done in groups. At that time, me and seven others were taking the same module and naturally, I assumed that we would split ourselves nicely into groups for the project. It happened that at the same time, I had another friend, Benjamin who lived near me, was taking the exact same module. Benjamin was not close to my other friends but I often would talk to Benjamin as we lived nearby, looking out for him when he missed class. My friends then decided to group themselves without me, assuming that I would be find Benjamin to partner up. Benjamin on the other hand, had found his other ex-classmates to pair up with for the project. I was left alone, and without a partner for the project. Of the seven friends that I had, I was particularly close to one of them, Lester. I felt a sense of betrayal and upset that they had not consulted me when they went ahead to group themselves for the project. I was left alone and had to find a stranger to pair with for the project. At that moment, what I felt was that though everyone finding their groupmates was a 'free-for-all' matter, the fact that my close friend Lester had just left me out, was a surprise and was rather disheartening, given that we were so close. My upset, turned to disappointment, and disappointment turned to anger. I ignored Lester for a few days and our friendship was not as it was. Deep down, Lester sensed my unhappiness and constantly asked me what was wrong even though I frequently would tell him that everything was fine.
One day, I told myself that our friendship should not have to fail because of such a simple mistake. It was my fault that I had not approached my friends early on to arrange for groups. Though Lester was my close friend, and friends do look out for each other, it was largely my fault. I set aside my pride and talked to Lester about the entire issue, telling him why I was upset and apologised for being so cold. Lester also saw my point and also apologised to me. I was grateful for him not getting upset about me being so petty. We eventually got back to being great friends and still are till today.
Till today, I guess the main reason for this conflict that we had was due to me being unreasonable and expecting to be spoon-fed a place in the groupings. Other reasons for such could well have been that my friends did not look out for me. However, I do believe that my expectation of my friends looking out for me was a little too naive as I have to first depend on myself to get things done before being dependable to aid others. If I assist my friends to achieving their needs, it is a bonus, likewise for them assisting me.
If you were a friend to a person in the same situation as me, how would you explain your own actions to me in a way that I would be able to accept and not be upset (or be consoled)? Likewise, if you were in my shoes, how would you relate your unhappiness to your friends while attempting to keep your friendship with them? To me, I approached the problem by taking full responsibility for the entire problem. Whether it is the best way, I do not know. However, I did achieve the intended result of getting back on good terms with Lester, and that is what I treasure greatly.
I hope you will not receive a similar situation to as I have, or even if you do, you would be able to approach the situation with tact and able to think for the other party(ies) first and solve the problem amicably.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Effective Communication
Is effective communication important? That is a question with an obvious answer, but how is it important? Most will take a pause at this question and think, how is it important to me? To phrase an answer, is something many people have not thought of. The instant answers that pop into the head are usually, ‘to please my boss’, ‘to make good lifelong friends’, etc. These quick thoughts usually translate to two large categories, the working world and the social world. To elaborate, these two categories mean the areas where effective communication skills are important to us. Essentially, the areas where effective communication is needed are direct links to how they are important to us!
The Working World
The working world is a key place where effective communication skills are needed. From the topic list (from the ES2007S course schedule), some key supporting points picked out are already, resume writing, giving bad / good news, or even presentation skills. These are just some practical applications where effective communication skills are needed as we need to convey ideas and qualities to our target audience, be it through writing or even in person, orally. Going in deeper, it is often needed in our daily lives in our jobs as we communicate with our higher ups or even our subordinates. Imagine the brightest scientist with poor communication skills. Would his brilliant inventions not be recognised and tossed aside, all because he did not know how to tell others how brilliant they were? Many of the most successful businessmen today have to, as a must, communicate effectively (Donald Trump, Steve Jobs, just to name a few). This just goes to show how much we do need this in the working world.
The Social World
Having proven effective communication’s importance in the working world, it is obvious to state that it is important in the social world as well, after all, there is a certain degree of overlap between the two. To get some day to day examples out of the office, its application can begin from asking a favour from a friend to the awesome proposal to the love of your life. With the proper application of effective communication, the powers of persuasion increase, just akin to selling ice to the Eskimo. Are we able to do so? Are we able to get a friend to go out of the way to help us, or even able to make a magical moment even more special?
Towards Me
That being said how are these skills important to ME? Being an engineer in training, I expect my job will need me to be effective in communication because of the following three areas;
1) Need to communicate my engineering perspective and knowledge to my superior(s)
2) Need for me to ask favours from the more senior engineers or engineers from other fields
3) Need for me to command the technicians under me to effectively carry out the engineering solution
Without even going into the future, the demand for me to communicate effectively is already present as a student! To present my ideas to the class or to my fellow project mates, to communicate with professors and ask for their advice, or to even communicate with industrial clients to aid in my design projects are some of the few areas where effective communication is already demanded from me. From a social standpoint, in my co-curricular-activity (CCA), where I am called to make decisions and communicate with club members, it is demanded from me to build the image of the club to the new members as well as the old ones.
To communicate effectively, is definitely a skill important and pertinent to me. For use now, and in the future. I do trust that all students nod in agreement with me!
The Working World
The working world is a key place where effective communication skills are needed. From the topic list (from the ES2007S course schedule), some key supporting points picked out are already, resume writing, giving bad / good news, or even presentation skills. These are just some practical applications where effective communication skills are needed as we need to convey ideas and qualities to our target audience, be it through writing or even in person, orally. Going in deeper, it is often needed in our daily lives in our jobs as we communicate with our higher ups or even our subordinates. Imagine the brightest scientist with poor communication skills. Would his brilliant inventions not be recognised and tossed aside, all because he did not know how to tell others how brilliant they were? Many of the most successful businessmen today have to, as a must, communicate effectively (Donald Trump, Steve Jobs, just to name a few). This just goes to show how much we do need this in the working world.
The Social World
Having proven effective communication’s importance in the working world, it is obvious to state that it is important in the social world as well, after all, there is a certain degree of overlap between the two. To get some day to day examples out of the office, its application can begin from asking a favour from a friend to the awesome proposal to the love of your life. With the proper application of effective communication, the powers of persuasion increase, just akin to selling ice to the Eskimo. Are we able to do so? Are we able to get a friend to go out of the way to help us, or even able to make a magical moment even more special?
Towards Me
That being said how are these skills important to ME? Being an engineer in training, I expect my job will need me to be effective in communication because of the following three areas;
1) Need to communicate my engineering perspective and knowledge to my superior(s)
2) Need for me to ask favours from the more senior engineers or engineers from other fields
3) Need for me to command the technicians under me to effectively carry out the engineering solution
Without even going into the future, the demand for me to communicate effectively is already present as a student! To present my ideas to the class or to my fellow project mates, to communicate with professors and ask for their advice, or to even communicate with industrial clients to aid in my design projects are some of the few areas where effective communication is already demanded from me. From a social standpoint, in my co-curricular-activity (CCA), where I am called to make decisions and communicate with club members, it is demanded from me to build the image of the club to the new members as well as the old ones.
To communicate effectively, is definitely a skill important and pertinent to me. For use now, and in the future. I do trust that all students nod in agreement with me!
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