Communication is a very interesting process where at least two parties exchange ideas, get to know about each other, and it is from communication where all relationships begin. It was how we build up relationships with our parents, our friends, our spouse, and every single person we might come across in any point of our life. And this is exactly why communication skills are important.
Initially, I did not perceive communication as a skill, but rather an instinctive ability born with each of us. My idea was that as long as I could get along with the people around me, I am capable of effective communication. In the sense, my definition of communication was narrow and simple.
However, as I got into school, I began to realize the broader aspects of communication. And now, being an undergraduate of NUS and nearing graduation (I am in my 3rd year), I start to appreciate the importance of effective communication, and I think about how appreciative is the working environment for this kind of ‘soft skills’ – being able to present one’s ideas in a coherent manner, clean and easy to comprehend.
To be truthful, I am not a confident and a good speaker. I often get pretty nervous prior to any presentations or interviews, or any occasions that require speaking in front of a crowd. Therefore, I figured it would be imperative for me to take the first step to train myself now, not only in terms of speaking up, as well as preparing for any skills that may be required in the near future, such as writing an application letter, preparing a proposal, working with others, etc.
By recommendation of my friend, I came across this module and decided to give it a try. I like the class the way it is so far, it is conducive for learning yet it is casual enough for sharing of ideas and getting to know new friends. I believe I will learn a lot from this module!
I’m glad you pointed out the many benefits of communicating effectively, Edward, and I’m also happy you’d shared with us your communication needs.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, effective communication skills are integral in our everyday lives, helping us to perform our many roles. According to a research conducted by Stanford Research Institute, 87.5% of career and business success is attributable to effective interpersonal and communication skills (versus a mere 12.5% for technical knowledge and skills). How one communicates really determines to a large extent where one ends up in work and in life.
Thanks for sharing with us a little more about yourself, as well as what you hope to achieve from the module. I look forward to working with you this semester!
Hi Edward,
ReplyDeleteInitially, I had also that assumed communication skills is an innate ability. It wasn't until the past few years that I realised communication skills can actually be trained and instilled in us.
Similar to you, I am in my penultimate year in NUS and realised that having a degree is insufficient to guarantee a placement in today's work force. I am sure that at the end of the semester, we will all be well equipped with the necessary communication skills to prepare us for the working environment!
I will end off here, wishing you all the best for this semester! =)
Hello Edward,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on successfully presenting your peer teaching topic to us this morning! I felt that your group did a really good job just now. Well done! :)
Just like what you and Mel assumed, I have also always thought that communication skills is an innate ability where if you are not able to communicate well, you will just have to live it. However, I was proven wrong when I met this girl in NUS. She was not a very good communicator initially, but in a short span of six months, she managed to improve her communication skills tremendously and now she is no longer afraid of giving a talk to a large crowd and getting her message across at the same time. My wish is to be like her!
Let's work hard together! :)
Dear Edward,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing something about yourself with us!
I have to agree with you that many of us (including me) only came to think about the importance of effective communication after we enter the University, more precisely when we are about to graduate. :) To be frank, I initially thought of taking up this module for it gives us the opportunity to learn to write formal documents (e.g. job application letter, resume, proposal etc) and to present them in a formal manner. I believe that by the end of this semester, we will all be equipped with all these skills and probably mastering in them!
On the other hand, I beg to differ with your assertion that you are not a confident or a good speaker. I could see that you presented in a very confident and appropriate manner during the presentation this morning. You just need to be more confident in yourself!
Looking forward to reading your next post!
Mei