This module really taught me the importance of communicating effectively through writing. The weekly blogging session every week really 'force' me to pen down my thoughts and reflection for every topic. I must say that this is really not an easy task for me. Unlike my friends who could simply write long and impressive essays without much effort, writting an essay to me its definitely not an easy feat. Being particularly weak in my english language adds more challenge to the task of writing the weekly blog. These maybe the reasons why I don't have the habit of keeping diaries or writing blogs. However, I should express my thanks to this module as it really 'forces' me to write. It is the best way for me to improve my communication skills of writing which will serve to be very useful next time when I have to write long emails to my boss or clients at work.
The survey report took up quite a bit of my time. As my group members are from different faculties and all of us were quite tight up for time due to our busy schedules, most of our meeting were discussed online besides the time we spent discussing during our tutorial class. I guess the reason why we did not get the grades we expected is because of the 'ineffective communication' that we had when we discussed our project online. I only came to realise this until the final presentation when I realised that all our points in the report itself were all not coherent. That is when me and my group members really sat down together in school and reorganized the entire flow of our report through the night. Though the initial 'ineffective communication' really penalised the grading of our report, I am glad that this lesson really taught me the importance of effective communication. I hope that my group final presentation managed to salvage our group project in the end. Nevertheless I am thankful that this module has really taught me something which I had neglected all along.
Well, I am glad that I made the mistake now and its good that I am given the chance to amend my mistake. At least I am sure that I will not commit the same grave mistake at work next time :)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tips on Job Interview
Looking back at my first post, I can say that I have a much better understanding of effective communication now. I used to thought that effective communication cannot be taught. How we respond to different people and situations is something that will just come naturally and we can only learn it base on accumulated experiences. Meaning to say that if I were to make a wrong remark or behave inappropriately in some event, the nasty feedback which I received would be my lesson learned that will warn me not to behave in such a manner again should the same situation arises.
However I realised that learning from these 'nasty experiences' would take time and it would also mean that I would have leave a bad impression on those whom I have offended previously. Considering that I am graguating this semester, I have never really give a thought about the tricky questions that the interviewer might ask me during inteviews. Having almost zero experience for permanent job interview, I was quite taken aback by the interviewing questions which were posted during ES2007 class. I am really glad that the particluar class made me mentally prepared for any of my future interviews and taught me on how to deal with some of the tricky questions.
I am glad that I took ES2007 this semester. Besides the part that I am really not much of a blogger and my english language have (much X 3) more room for improvement as I compared mine with my friends' blogs, I am really thankful for taking this module :) Cheers!!!
However I realised that learning from these 'nasty experiences' would take time and it would also mean that I would have leave a bad impression on those whom I have offended previously. Considering that I am graguating this semester, I have never really give a thought about the tricky questions that the interviewer might ask me during inteviews. Having almost zero experience for permanent job interview, I was quite taken aback by the interviewing questions which were posted during ES2007 class. I am really glad that the particluar class made me mentally prepared for any of my future interviews and taught me on how to deal with some of the tricky questions.
I am glad that I took ES2007 this semester. Besides the part that I am really not much of a blogger and my english language have (much X 3) more room for improvement as I compared mine with my friends' blogs, I am really thankful for taking this module :) Cheers!!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
My Biodata
Sherri Liao is a year 4 undergraduate majoring in Mechanical Engineering and is expected to graduate in May 2009. Her academic career in National University of Singapore as well as her outstanding extra curricular activities has helped her develop into an all rounder. She have gained tremendous experience during her past employments which enabled her to experience working in the corporate world, honing my interactions and networking skills. Her leadership experience as a Block Representative of NUS Kent Ridge Hall has allowed hee to take charge and organized a vast array of activities for my fellow hall residents. Moreover, she have undertaken several important roles in various committees in Kent Ridge Hall and Faculty Camps which entrusted her with the responsibilities of managing logistics, sourcing for event sponsors as well as the handling of ticketing sales and finance matters.
Apart from academic, her grestest interest is learning new skills. She has great passion in japanese language and she decides to pick up learning again when she graduates. Sherri is also a girl who loves outdoor activities and she picked up skating a yeay ago. Family and friends are most important to her she cherish the quality time spent with all her love ones.
Apart from academic, her grestest interest is learning new skills. She has great passion in japanese language and she decides to pick up learning again when she graduates. Sherri is also a girl who loves outdoor activities and she picked up skating a yeay ago. Family and friends are most important to her she cherish the quality time spent with all her love ones.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tutorial Assignment
I used to take Japanese language module in NUS for a year. Despite the heavy workload, I must say I enjoyed it thoroughly. Taking up this course really makes me have a greater understanding about japanese culture and their people.
For this module, there are always alot of home assigments to hand in for every tutorial lesson and we have 3 tutorial lessons per week. We were always told to hand in our assignments at the start of the class and each assigment will be counted towards our final grade. When I just started on this module, there was once we need to hand in 2 assignments at the beginning of the class. For some reasons (I guess it slip my mind or something), I only hand in one assignment at the start of the class. When the class end and I start to pack and leave, I realised that my other assignment is still in my file.
When I went up to my tutor and handed her my assignment, I was told that I won't be graded for that particular assignment because she considered me as handing in late. Nevertheless, she will still mark it for me. I was dumbfounded for a moment as it was the first time I ever encountered such an incident. Initially I thought my tutor would accept my home assignment readily like my previous tutors. The same incident happened to my tutorial mates as well who were new to the module. They have forgetten to bring their assigments to class and as they stay in hostel, they promise to go back and get their assignments when the class end but the tutors also refuse to grade them.
From the above, I realise that Japanese really keep their word and are very particular about punctuality. Ever since then, I always make sure that I always bring all my assignments whenever I go for my japanese class and hand in my assignment ON TIME!!!! Haha..
For this module, there are always alot of home assigments to hand in for every tutorial lesson and we have 3 tutorial lessons per week. We were always told to hand in our assignments at the start of the class and each assigment will be counted towards our final grade. When I just started on this module, there was once we need to hand in 2 assignments at the beginning of the class. For some reasons (I guess it slip my mind or something), I only hand in one assignment at the start of the class. When the class end and I start to pack and leave, I realised that my other assignment is still in my file.
When I went up to my tutor and handed her my assignment, I was told that I won't be graded for that particular assignment because she considered me as handing in late. Nevertheless, she will still mark it for me. I was dumbfounded for a moment as it was the first time I ever encountered such an incident. Initially I thought my tutor would accept my home assignment readily like my previous tutors. The same incident happened to my tutorial mates as well who were new to the module. They have forgetten to bring their assigments to class and as they stay in hostel, they promise to go back and get their assignments when the class end but the tutors also refuse to grade them.
From the above, I realise that Japanese really keep their word and are very particular about punctuality. Ever since then, I always make sure that I always bring all my assignments whenever I go for my japanese class and hand in my assignment ON TIME!!!! Haha..
Monday, February 16, 2009
Critique my Business Letter critique
Dear Mummies,
As part of our Letterland focus on Eddie Elephant, we will be making a trip to the Singapore Zoo to see the elephants! As this is the last field trip for the year, we would like to invite the parents to join us.
Details as follows:
Date/Day: 6th Nov/Thur
Time: 8.30am to 2.15pm
Venue: Singapore Zoo
Cost: $15 (child) / $21(adult)
Attire: Uniform
Do note that the cost per person includes zoo admission, tram ride, a snack and transport charges. Please make confirm attendance and payment by Wednesday 5th Nov. As I will be off tomorrow, do make payment to either Lao Shi or Shirley. However, should you need more details about the trip, please either email or call me.
For parents who are Friend of the Zoo, admission charge of $4.50/child or $9/parent is not applicable. If you would like to make your way there, do also let me know by Tuesday.
Feedback for week 6 & 7 will be emailed to you on Tuesday, do let me know if you don't receive it by Tuesday night. Also, please note that 7th November, Friday is a schoolholiday. School resumes on 10th November,Monday.
Thank you & regards,
Shareen Ng
Principal
RightStart Kindergarten
Tumble Tots (S) Pte Ltd
2 Sembawang Crescent
#02-02, The Jelutung Community Club
S(757632)
Tel: 72570109
____________________________________
My Critique
Firstly, I think that the letter should address to 'parents' instead of just 'mummies'. Moreovee the letter should start off with a subject heading like 'Field Trip to the Zoo' to give the reader a rough idea of the purpose of this letter.
On the whole, the tone of the letter is pretty informal and the some of the sentence structure is not quite correct. Instead of 'Please make confirm attendance and payment by', it can be change to 'Please confirm your attendance and make payment by' which sounds more appropriate.
The letter ended with a note about the sending the feedbacks of the child via email and the schedule of the new school term. This is a side track from the initial purpose of the letter which is to inform the parents about the trip to the zoo. I feel this second issue should be address in another letter with a proper subject heading as it will make the letter look more formal and professional.
When ending off, 'Thank you & regards' cannot go together. I feel the principal should end off with 'Thank you' in the final statment and 'With Regard' when signing off.
As part of our Letterland focus on Eddie Elephant, we will be making a trip to the Singapore Zoo to see the elephants! As this is the last field trip for the year, we would like to invite the parents to join us.
Details as follows:
Date/Day: 6th Nov/Thur
Time: 8.30am to 2.15pm
Venue: Singapore Zoo
Cost: $15 (child) / $21(adult)
Attire: Uniform
Do note that the cost per person includes zoo admission, tram ride, a snack and transport charges. Please make confirm attendance and payment by Wednesday 5th Nov. As I will be off tomorrow, do make payment to either Lao Shi or Shirley. However, should you need more details about the trip, please either email or call me.
For parents who are Friend of the Zoo, admission charge of $4.50/child or $9/parent is not applicable. If you would like to make your way there, do also let me know by Tuesday.
Feedback for week 6 & 7 will be emailed to you on Tuesday, do let me know if you don't receive it by Tuesday night. Also, please note that 7th November, Friday is a schoolholiday. School resumes on 10th November,Monday.
Thank you & regards,
Shareen Ng
Principal
RightStart Kindergarten
Tumble Tots (S) Pte Ltd
2 Sembawang Crescent
#02-02, The Jelutung Community Club
S(757632)
Tel: 72570109
____________________________________
My Critique
Firstly, I think that the letter should address to 'parents' instead of just 'mummies'. Moreovee the letter should start off with a subject heading like 'Field Trip to the Zoo' to give the reader a rough idea of the purpose of this letter.
On the whole, the tone of the letter is pretty informal and the some of the sentence structure is not quite correct. Instead of 'Please make confirm attendance and payment by', it can be change to 'Please confirm your attendance and make payment by' which sounds more appropriate.
The letter ended with a note about the sending the feedbacks of the child via email and the schedule of the new school term. This is a side track from the initial purpose of the letter which is to inform the parents about the trip to the zoo. I feel this second issue should be address in another letter with a proper subject heading as it will make the letter look more formal and professional.
When ending off, 'Thank you & regards' cannot go together. I feel the principal should end off with 'Thank you' in the final statment and 'With Regard' when signing off.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Resolving Interpersonal Conflict
This happened to me and my group of good friends when I was still staying in hostel. Val, Ling, Mel and me had became very close as we were neighbours in hall. Me and ling were of the same year whereas Val is one year older than me and Mel is one year younger than me. All four of us participated actively in hall activities. When I was in year 3, Mel is one of the Block Representative for my our Block.
The incident happened during my year 3 second semester when Val and Ling are graduating. Being a senior in hall, I decided to leave hall with them because most of my close friends are graduating. For my past 3 years in hall, I have done what I wanted to try and I want to focus more on my studies as I have been neglecting them due to hall activities. Ling wants to enjoy her final year therefore she also started to miss out on alot of hall activities. Val despite being her final semester, was less busy than me because she only has her fyp and 1 s/u module to cope for that semester. Therefore she still find time to attend some block activities.
Mel was not very happy with Ling and me because she feels that as hall residents, we should attend hall activities. As a Blk Reprentative myself when I was in year 1, I totally understand why she feel this way. I felt the same way about about my seniors who missed out on hall activities when I was in year 1. I cannot understand why they behave like until then. We named those people 'phantoms' of the hall. I have to concentrate on building up on my resume and prepare myself for the working world.
Being 1 year younger than me, I feel that Mel still cannot see my point of view. She knew that I was busy with my work and writing resumes for internship but her attitude towards me and Ling changes. Ling and I could not seem to do anything about it. Despite our busy schedules, Ling, Val and me were still in contact with each other after we leave hall but Ling and me do not have much contact with Mel since then. Val is still in contact with Mel occasionally.
Can you advise me how to solve this issue? I feel that it is really silly to forgo a friendship for life over this issue.
The incident happened during my year 3 second semester when Val and Ling are graduating. Being a senior in hall, I decided to leave hall with them because most of my close friends are graduating. For my past 3 years in hall, I have done what I wanted to try and I want to focus more on my studies as I have been neglecting them due to hall activities. Ling wants to enjoy her final year therefore she also started to miss out on alot of hall activities. Val despite being her final semester, was less busy than me because she only has her fyp and 1 s/u module to cope for that semester. Therefore she still find time to attend some block activities.
Mel was not very happy with Ling and me because she feels that as hall residents, we should attend hall activities. As a Blk Reprentative myself when I was in year 1, I totally understand why she feel this way. I felt the same way about about my seniors who missed out on hall activities when I was in year 1. I cannot understand why they behave like until then. We named those people 'phantoms' of the hall. I have to concentrate on building up on my resume and prepare myself for the working world.
Being 1 year younger than me, I feel that Mel still cannot see my point of view. She knew that I was busy with my work and writing resumes for internship but her attitude towards me and Ling changes. Ling and I could not seem to do anything about it. Despite our busy schedules, Ling, Val and me were still in contact with each other after we leave hall but Ling and me do not have much contact with Mel since then. Val is still in contact with Mel occasionally.
Can you advise me how to solve this issue? I feel that it is really silly to forgo a friendship for life over this issue.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Effective Communication Skills
Effective communication skills are important especially since we live in an environment where we have to deal with people everyday. People who are equipped with effective communication skills will have good interpersonal relationships in their work place, social circle, school and family etc. This is because being able to communicate effectively will reduce misunderstandings and establish stronger relationships with people. Misunderstandings arise when the party that we are conversing with misinterprets our actual intentions. Everyone is unique as they are brought up in different culture and upbringing and hence the differences among people arises. These differences might lead to misunderstandings when we interact with one another.
In the work place, communicating effectively will help prevent us from committing grave mistakes at work. For instance, goods which cannot be delivered on time at the correct location will cause the company to incur a loss and affect its credibility. On the other hand, it will be helpful in work if we are able to establish good relationships with our clients or colleagues. People will also be more forgiving towards us when we commit a mistake and it will be easy for us to ask for help whenever we encounter a problem. Moreover being able to communicate well with others will also leave a good impression of us and this is especially helpful when we are going for job interviews.
Effective communication skills is essential and it is a skill to keep for life. However these skills require time to master and is built on experiences. Therefore it is important that we make an effort to develop and enhance this skills along the way in life.
In the work place, communicating effectively will help prevent us from committing grave mistakes at work. For instance, goods which cannot be delivered on time at the correct location will cause the company to incur a loss and affect its credibility. On the other hand, it will be helpful in work if we are able to establish good relationships with our clients or colleagues. People will also be more forgiving towards us when we commit a mistake and it will be easy for us to ask for help whenever we encounter a problem. Moreover being able to communicate well with others will also leave a good impression of us and this is especially helpful when we are going for job interviews.
Effective communication skills is essential and it is a skill to keep for life. However these skills require time to master and is built on experiences. Therefore it is important that we make an effort to develop and enhance this skills along the way in life.
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