Hello everyone, since this is the first blog post, let me share with you why I have chosen to undertake this module and some feelings which I have towards this module thus far.
This module teaches us how to become a more effective communicator in various social settings, especially within the workplace. What I like about this module is that it takes a holistic approach. The whole package teaches us how to do presentations, effective job search skills like resume writing and interview skills, improving our listening and speaking skills and also our team work ability.
Having attended the first few lessons, it has occurred to me that communication is not as easy as I thought it would be and certainly does not come naturally to everyone. Some may be very adept in communication, while others are simply terrible at it. Well, I believe that I am in the middle of these two extremes. Moreover, why make mistakes in the future as an employee while I can afford to make some mistakes now as a student? Thus, I feel that I should learn from my mistakes now and improve my communication skills as it would certainly benefit me in the future.
Besides, employers today not only look at the qualifications and experience but also if one possesses those invaluable transferable or ‘soft’ skills. Communication skill is one of those transferable skills. The ability of presentations, written and spoken skills to drive messages across effectively and accurately. Only then, your audience will be able to interpret those messages correctly and act upon it accordingly. Hence, I would certainly want to increase my chances of getting employed.
The first few lessons were really fun and were able to effectively drive home certain messages. I have enjoyed the lessons and will continue to be. Let us all become an effective communicator at the end of this course!
Dear Andrew,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the thoughtful response to the assigned topic. As you'd correctly pointed out, employers today are not just looking for qualified and experienced employees but also employees who can communicate effectively.
Be it verbal or nonverbal communication, one needs to master the various forms (spoken, written, graphics, multimedia etc.) of the communication process in order to give one an edge over others and to succeed in life!
I'm glad you have taken the first step towards finding out more about, and understanding this process. Looking forward to working with you this semester!
Ms. Lim
Hi Andrew,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that this module is taught in a different way as compared to the other modules in NUS. Currently, there are no compulsory communication modules in NUS SCIENCE FACULTY as contrasted to SMU, where they have to take a professional communications module before they graduate.
This module, in my opinion is taught in a way that simulates the working environment (Lots of interacts with colleagues), thus soothes the transition as we enter our workplace after graduation.
As you aptly puts it, it's better to make mistakes during class than in our workplace! =)
I believe we will all become better speakers after this course! See you in class =)
Hi Andrew,
ReplyDeleteAs a final year student, I've been thinking a lot about what employers are looking for, how to conduct myself during interviews and so on. In fact, I've heard so many stories that I started to find the whole process quite intimidating. I wasn't sure how to best explain why I am the right person for the job.
But I like how the module treats the topic of communication. All those activities kind of simplify the process for us. We better understand the importance of individual aspects like body language, tone, and so on. So hopefully, after this module,writing application letters and so on won't be as intimidating as it has been. And I also hope that you go from being somewhere in the "middle" to being a really good communicator by the end of the module.
Hey Andrew,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on learning form our mistakes now as a student rather than an employee. To top it all off, the module structure is comprehensive (like you mentioned), so there is plenty of room to learn from mistakes and experience. Pretty much any major area of communication I can think off seems to be in the course syllabus.
The importance of communication skills was so aptly demonstrated to us during our little stint with the finest of Singapore's defenders was it not? Too many times did an important message get garbled and misinterpreted, causing a conundrum of epic proportions. If only recording equipment was usable to capture the shenanigans of Singapore's Finest; we would a world class instructional video on the "don'ts" of effective communication.
Hmm Gerard, care to share more about your 'little stint' (if not here than in class)? I can't make heads or tails of your comment here, though one thing's for sure - you have certainly pique my curiosity!
ReplyDeleteOh there are so many amusing incidents to share. I am pretty sure many of the other guys also have their own collection of tales to tell. I'll just pick 1 of the more "taleworthy' instances.
ReplyDeleteThe first incident takes place in the middle of the parade square after our daily morning muster parade. As is the norm, the soldiers will be sent to continue sweeping the area clear of leaves and other debris, referred to in army lingo as 'area cleaning'. Enter Sergeant A, who is in charge of the platoon with some of the most notorious souls in the unit.
Sergeant A (to rifleman B, his subordinate, ie his 'man'): You! Go sweep the drain behind the building!
Rifleman B: I want to go smoke now.
Sergeant A: No! Go sweep now!
Whereupon Rifleman B promptly throws a devastating right hook and breaks Sergeant A's nose. All nearby freeze in a moment of stunned silence until some remember to rush forward to restrain Rifleman B.
As I have worked with Sergeant A before, I feel that he is a responsible and well intentioned person. However, he simply lacks the ability to phrase his commands in a diplomatic manner.
There are many more spectacular incidents that happen daily throughout the ranks of Singapore's Finest, a startling number of them drawing blood, and a rather uncomfortable number of them involving firearms. Maybe if there is time in class we could have the gents share more tales from the armpit of Singapore.
Hey Andrew,
ReplyDeleteLike Gerard and Jimmy, I like your comment on how it is better to make mistakes now, as a student, rather than in the working field. True enough, the university may accomodate such mistakes graciously whereas the workplace may not be as accomadating.
I also like how you explained the importance of communication in the working field. In this age, where book-based knowledge is more easily available than in the past, it is the "soft" skills that you mentioned that sets us apart. They may be the determining factor in whether a particular employee is more competent than the other.
Although I do have another year before I enter the workfield, I feel that it is best to work on my communication skills early, so that I will be able to employ them efficiently when I start my career.
Like you, I've also enjoyed the lessons thus far. This is mainly due to the manner in which they are conducted - very intersting and lively!
Gosh, Gerard, you didn't share a 'tale', sounds more like a horror story! Tell me Rifleman B didn't do that!
ReplyDelete