Final Reflection on Learning

13 weeks ago, I was sceptical about taking ES2007s. I was doubtful on whether I could manage the workload for the module given that I was in the last lap of my race with my Final Year Project(FYP) and other modules hounding me. Today, however, I should say that I have no regrets having taken the module. It has shaped my verbal, non verbal skills and knowledge in so many ways that I think I would have regretted it if I left NUS without taking it. Most modules nowadays attempt to make you a good presenter and a good team player but what ES2007s did to me was much more than that. It made me a person with assertiveness.

I have always been submissive. I used to believe that saying "no" to someone was really unkind. I used to help my schoolmates with their assignments such that I soon became the "ask for help" person. I was taken advantage of. Taken advantage to do their homeworks and projects. One lesson in ES2007s on assertiveness opened my eyes to the possibility that I was being submissive. I realised that because I was constantly meek, many people took the chance to make use of me. They used me to get their school work done, they used me to get their projects done, they used me to get their errands done. I realised that maybe it was time I started being assertive. I started standing my ground and saying no to people.

The change from then was profounding, the pressure on me to do someone else's work was lesser, the pressure on me to share my assignments for them to copy was lesser. It felt like I had a mind of my own and a voice of my own. I still remember Dr Radhika saying during my group's discussion on how it was important to find your voice in this world. That line struck a cord and today, I think I have found my voice and my stand. The fact that I learnt this before my entry to the workplace has indeed been the biggest gift that ES2007s has bestowed on me:) For that, I am truly grateful for having taken the module.

Reflection on Oral Presentation

"It takes one hour of preparation for each minute of presentation time"-Wayne Burgraff

An oral presentation is one that puts forth a proposal in speech. Negelecting the nitty gritty details in a proposal, a presentation is one that attempts to catch the attention of an audience with visuals. To present a proposal in a persuasive manner is an art to be mastered. The art of persuasive presentation is one that comes with constant practice. Today, when I sit down to reflect on my group's presentation, I know that each of us have attempted in our own ways to master the art of presentation. We have come a long way, all the way from small bickerings on the topic to choose for the proposal to an eloquent and persuasive presentation. The hardwork of all my team members shone through on that day. Honestly, I would say that all of us showed improvements in presenting our ideas. I personally felt that I learnt three things while preparing for my presentation showdown on monday. 

“In presentations or speeches less really is more” ― Stephen Keague, The Little Red Handbook of Public Speaking and Presenting

Firstly, less is definitely more when it comes to presentations. I learnt that visuals should not be distracting, they should be simple and they should aid the reader in understanding what you have to say. They are an aid to your presentation, you had to be your presentation. In that way, I would say that the slides that my group used for the presentation were apt. They had few words, many pictures and they were to the point. 

“There is no such thing as presentation talent, it is called Presentation Skills”-David JP Phillips

Secondly, I learnt that practice is the key to a good presentation. Memory is secondary, what is primary is practice. My group practiced several times before the presentation. We ensured that we synced as a group and we did our part as individual presenters. I used to believe that presentation was a talent but I learnt that in fact, anyone can be a good presenter with practice. That practice slowed me down and gave me the chance to convey the message to my audience. I learnt that at the end of the day, my presentation should enlighten the audience, not leave them in a mess and to do that, I had to start with speaking slowly.

“Top presenters have total control of their fears. They make fear their slave, not the master."-Doug Malouf

Lastly, I would say that the biggest fear I overcame through these practices was the fear of public speaking. I learnt that if you knew what you had to say, you need not fear of saying it in front of an audience. Knowledge is indeed a powerful tool to overcome your fears.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”― Mahatma Gandhi

Overall, I would say that my group's presentation was one that came with strengths and weaknesses. Whatever the case, the learning process to the presentation was the one that mattered and that process has strengthened us individuals in ways aplenty.