Analytical/ Critical Reflection
Greetings to all,
It has been 13 weeks since my first blog post and this might
just be the last. I am writing this reflection for my fellow readers to understand how
I have developed myself after taking up an Effective Communication module.
My first assignment was to share my strengths & weaknesses
and elaborate on my goals for the module. It did not take long before I started
typing away, a simple informal letter for my readers to read at their own reading
pleasure. Little did I know, there was more to simply expressing my thoughts. Reviewing
what I had written then, I am thankful that I am able to witness how I have
progressed over time.
The next assignment was not something that I was looking
forward to, honestly. I had to research a given topic before drafting a design
summary. For this assignment, I was taught how to paraphrase selected key
information, summarise within a word limit, and apply the appropriate citation
skills. I felt that it was nothing new to me, but I was wrong. Peer feedback helped
me view my design summary from another perspective which could be further
improved. It was long before another draft was on its way. However, I learned
something new after each draft. The mistakes I made were clear indications of an
area of knowledge that I was lacking. There was more to simply paraphrasing and
summarising, and I am glad that I was given the opportunity to learn from my
peers through my mistakes.
Next came my team-based research project where I had to write
a report, a 2000-word design proposal report! My team, PIXIE, is a group of talented
individuals that I am lucky to be able to work with for the design proposal. After
countless of hours writing the report, we managed to come up with a proposal to
improve an existing drone for a specific conservation organization. This assignment
was the most engaging one as the team’s written proposal would undergo series
of peer reviews and guided consultations. As one of the speakers in my team, I
was given an opportunity to pitch my team’s design proposal to other groups
within the class. Through this process, I was able to gradually develop the skills
necessary in engaging with my peers.
After passing the halfway mark of the module, it was finally
time for the 15 minutes team oral presentation based on my team’s proposed
design report. I learned different appropriate methods to opening and closing a
presentation to deliver a lasting message to the targeted audience. During my
part of the presentation, I managed to forget one of my lines which I managed to
recover and continue the presentation smoothly. Through my experience, I strongly
believe that being confident in public speaking will require; (1) a basic understanding
of the contents and (2) adequate time for practice. Once you are confident in
public speaking, half of the battle is already won.
With that said, all good things must come to an end. I have
gained a substantial amount of knowledge in being a much more effective
communicator which I will be able to apply for school, work, and in life. It has
been a fruitful 13-week journey where most credit goes to my team members;
Shaun, Chang Sheng, and Sabryna for making it an enjoyable ride.
Saving the best for the last, I would also like to express
my sincerest gratitude to Professor Blackstone, for you have groomed me to
become a much effective communicator than I was before. Until our paths cross
again, I will continue to support and enjoy your music. #DaddyPeetExpresso
Yours truly,
Richard Ow
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