I believe that success is always built upon a strong foundation. Therefore, in this final blog post, I would like to focus on one of the fundamentals, namely the non-verbal aspect of communication that I have learned throughout the course of the 13 weeks.
Prior to this module, it never occurred to me how important our non-verbal cues were in communication. To me, having eye contact and gesturing while speaking were simply rules that most people will adhere to during formal occasions such as presentations. I could never bring myself to look into the eyes of my audience and would always try to avoid doing so by skimming over their heads. Instead, I chose to focus on the verbal aspect of communications.
Through this module, I have learned to appreciate the impact that our non-verbal cues can have on the outcome of a message. In addition, I am also more aware of my own non- verbal cues. What posture should I adopt while presenting in front of an audience? What is the message I am trying to send across by folding my arms in front of an interviewer? The presentations and interactions in class have provided an excellent platform for me to apply what I have learnt. The numerous feedback I have received were also essential for me to improve upon my weaknesses.
It has truly been a most fulfilling 13 weeks. Once again, I would like to thank Brad and my fellow Group 3 classmates for all your feedback and encouragements.
Serene dear,
ReplyDeleteYour post is well written because you start with the popular belief about non-verbal communication and then describe how much it is crucial to be an effective communicator. Non-verbal cues are vital when speaking because they are reflecting your emotions. If you are able to control these cues on your own, then you are a very strong "faker" :)
Moreover, if I may, I would like to highlights some writing points in your post:
1) 3rd paragraph, 1st line: I'd write "that" instead of "which"
2) 3rd paragraph, 6th line: "Have provided" rather than "have been provided"
Anyway, thanks for this post my dear.
See you on Thursday
Hi Guillaume!
DeleteThank you for your comments! See you tomorrow!
Hi Serene !
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice post! Concrete, concise, etc. : 7 C's rules!
Moreover, the structure is good. First of all, you explain us the importance of this skill for you. And after the questions that we have to ask us for the presentations. Nevertheless, I would have appreciated that you evaluated your current non verbal skills! How can you quantify your progress?
Anyway, thanks you for being a good partner in our blog team and congratulations for your improvements during this semester.
All the best.
Maxime
Hi Maxime!
DeleteI believe that I am better in my non-verbal communications. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement!
Thank you! Hope you have enjoyed your stay in Singapore!
Hi Serene,
ReplyDeleteI have been blog-walking through few people's reflections post and most of them emphasized on verbal communication. Your post is the first one (that I have read) that emphasized on non-verbal cues. That's great! You successfully bring up an important point.
I wonder, besides non-verbal cues, is there any other areas that you think you have improved on through this course?
Anyway, it was a pleasure working with you.
Best of luck for your finals! :)
Hi Serene,
ReplyDeletealthough I did not have any chance to work with you in the peer teaching/oral presentation, I could feel the difference in you from the start of the course. I thought you were already quite good in professional communication, but through this course, you have made improvements in the commonly neglected aspect of non-verbal communication. Good job, and all the best :)
Hey Serene!
ReplyDeleteI had that fear too! I was scared of looking people in the eyes because I thought it was kind of rude. Perhaps it is a cultural thing. I can see that you made an effort to establish eye contact with us during the oral presentation. This reminds me of the mock interview when you had to play the evil interviewer. Haha, stern, cold eyes. :P
Anyway, you have done a great job and hopefully it will help you for your FYP presentation. There should be one right? Good luck for your exams and see you around school! ;)
Thanks, Serene, for this honest and self-critical final reflection. I like the way you focus on non-verbal communication, elaborating on how important that area is and how you might have overlooked it before ES2007S. You also mention how vital receiving feedback is in developing one's skills, which is a central focus in our course.
ReplyDeleteYou've made a very good effort this term, Serene, and I'm happy to say that your development of non-verbals became more and more obvious as we progressed through the various stages of presenting. I really appreciate your willingness to take the feedback you got and act on that.
Of course, the development continues. I wish you all the best as you continue your learning journey.