ES2007S - Professional Communications
♠ I guess it's goodbye? -an ending brings about new beginning-
8:23 AM @ Monday, November 15, 2010 @ Elgin
Is this the end? Time sure flies (as the saying would go, when you are having fun), and true enough, 13 weeks has passed. This course is officially over with this "final" blog post. Nevertheless, every ending brings about a new beginning (for us students, it would be the 'start' of exams). Well, that is one gloomy picture....

Now, on a lighter note... this course has been really enjoyable (and no... Brad didn't pay me to say this). Despite taking this module with a group of friends, to say that I have not made friends with the rest of the class, I would be lying and this course would be a failure. After all, we are to "communicate effectively". Learning new things on a first hand experience and open discussion is something that is unique in this module, as this is not often available in the Singaporean education system (sad to say!).

I have joined this course hoping to learn new skills, be a better, more effective and more confident (which I feel I really lack), and without really thinking about the grades. Of course, the grades are an additional incentives, after while, we are part of the education system which grades matter, but I always feel that learning is more important, so to a certain extent I wouldn't bother much about grades. In fact, this mindset often helped me to appreciate knowledge better.

Now that this is the official "final" blog post, I think it's farewell, to a great class of fun sharing, interesting styles and effective learning. I believe each of us have learnt something, and is one step closer to our success as we define it. All the best to fellow classmates. Till we meet again! -

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♠ MAPP your future!
12:01 PM @ Wednesday, November 10, 2010 @ Elgin
Our final oral presentation to present our proposal. Please feel free to watch and listen, and do let us know if you would be convinced to take our proposal.

Part 1:



Part 2:


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♠ Direct your future with a compass and MAPP
11:37 AM @ @ Elgin
After several rehearsals, with countless times of saying "Good morning ladies & gentleman..." since I was the first speaker, the actual presentation has finally ended. Despite the time spent, I feel I have learnt a lot through the interactions with my fellow team-mates. Thank you Yuen May, Nanhai and "Thank you Shivam" (it's an inside joke between the team).

Just a personal reflection on the way we carried out the presentation... Keeping in mind of the target audience, we feel that we should keep the presentation as formal and simple as possible. Thus, we decided to use the standard powerpoint slides, and has been done to our advantage. Using the different strengths of our group members, we have a variety of styles that added some color to the presentation. Not only that, keeping it short and sweet (approximately 3-5 minutes per speaker) help us to make a greater impact by being clear and concise.

I do not have many opportunities in standing in front of a crowd (even though it's only about 15 people in the class), but this has certainly been a good chance for me to gain confidence. Looking back at how I performed, I think it went slightly better than I expected, probably because of the intense rehearsals the past few days before the actual day. I feel it is essential to have a few run-through of what you are going to present. Other than the combined practices, I often made used of the time walking from the bus-stop (to school or back home) to rehearse my part. Even though I didn't remember the exact words each time, I learnt to explain my main points using various sentences.

One good thing I felt that went well for me, was the use of illustrations. Using a compass to explain the analogy of direction-setting, as well as sharing a little story about motivation and confidence, really helped me to engage the listeners more. Not only that, this time I kept my feet planted to the ground and did not move as I was presenting, as well as keeping my hand gestures to a minimal (which these 2 are often my weakness when I'm nervous). I managed to make effective eye-contact this time, at least scanning through each and everyone.

On the other hand (like they say there is always two sides to a coin), there are certain flaws which I feel I need more improvements. Firstly would be my speaking speed. I have a tendency to speak a little fast. Even though I had my feet planted to keep me steady, my legs were shaking (literately!) and that sped up my words a little. Also, I feel that I tend to mumble a little, quite like a bad habit to open up my mouth properly to pronounce accurately. Nevertheless, it is good reminder and practice for me.

So, for those who have watched and listened to my presentation. Do share with me your thoughts, so I could gain better insights on how I can improve myself. Many thanks in advance!

A last note, I would like to say another thank you for such a wonderful team through this project! =D

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♠ How to do an effective presentation, under 3 minutes?
6:21 PM @ Saturday, October 30, 2010 @ Elgin
Hey to those who drop by my blog to read, here is an interesting link that I would like to share with you. With all the lessons learnt about effective communications and making good presentations, here is another video that we all can learn something from.

It is a presentation under 3 minutes (and you can see that there is actually a timer for the speaker too). It will probably be longer if I typed about it here, so why not watch it for yourself?

How to start a movement: Derek Sivers on TED.com

Enjoy!


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♠ Is that an insult?!
6:44 AM @ Monday, October 4, 2010 @ Elgin
Don't we all make mistakes from time to time, saying the wrong things at the wrong time or even at the wrong place? How would you react if you said or did something wrong, but you did not know what was wrong? I was caught in a situation just like this, it was all because of one misinterpreted word.

Not too long ago, I was introduced to a European couple by a close friend of mine. It was quite a thrill for me to meet people from a different continent. Ben and Ashley were newly-wed couple and had just moved to Singapore because Ben was relocated by his company to Singapore for two years.

I was invited over to their home for dinner one night. We enjoyed each other's company as we chatted as we ate. The meal cooked by Ashley was superb and ever satisfying. What could be better than having great company and great food? I wanted to thank them for being so hospitable, so I said, "Thanks so much for inviting us over, with great food and company. You are such a homely couple".

Just then, their facial expression changed drastically. Ashley stood up frustrated, quickly cleared the table and went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Ben, still seated at the table, looked as though someone had killed his dog. It suddenly became so quiet, that it almost seemed like the Cold War all over again. At that time, I didn't know what was wrong, but I knew there must be a reason why they had steam coming out of their ears and nose. I had to do something, so I asked Ben what was wrong.

After some clarification, I realized my folly. When I described them as "homely", I actually meant that they were hospitable and I felt comfortable. Little did I know it was an insult to them. Ben explained to me that in Europe, "homely" means unattractive and is used to make fun of someone. I immediately apologised to both of them, and explained to them my real intention. Thankfully, the misunderstanding was resolved immediately. Who would expect, a small little word, could have two very different meaning in two different cultures?

10 comments
♠ My Sample Cover Letter
10:29 PM @ Sunday, September 5, 2010 @ Elgin
Hi all, I'm currently doing a sample cover letter for a job application. Please note that this will not be actually sent now, but I would appreciate all your feedback to help me improve on my current draft. (please note that due to the format of the blog, the alignment may be off). Nevertheless, thank you very much in advance!

------------------------------------------- Job Application Advertisement -------------------------------------------

Advertised on 26-8-10. Application deadline on 25-9-10.

Chemistry is an industry where the dream of creating new wealth for people's lives is realized.Mitsui Chemicals contributes to society by providing high-quality products and services to customers through innovations and creation of materials while maintaining harmony with the global environment. Our Subsidiary, Mitsui Phenols Singapore was incorporated in 1999 and it is designed to engage in the production of Phenol, Aceton and Bisphenol-A.

Chemist
(Jurong Island - Sakra)

Responsibilities:

  • Supervise a team of laboratory technicians and manage the daily operation of the QC/QA laboratory
  • Oversee and coordinate daily sampling and analysis schedules with operation staffs to ensure the requirements are met.
  • Ensure accurate and prompt documentation and analysis of records
  • Provide continuous suggestions to improve laboratory activities and operations.
  • Perform calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  • Manage and maintain laboratory supplies and inventories.
  • Ensure good housekeeping of laboratory facilities and equipment
  • Support the implementation and execution of the Company’s safe workplace practices in accordance to the Company’s Quality, OSH & Environment Policy.

Requirements:

  • Diploma/Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry or related field
  • Minimum 3 years of relevant experience
  • Good analytical skills and a team player
  • Organised and meticulous
  • Good interpersonal skills and leadership qualities
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
  • Well versed in laboratory instrumentation like GCs, LCs, UV etc.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit detailed resume via jobstreet or email torecruit_sg@mitsui-chem.co.jp

We regret only shortlisted candidates will be notified.



------------------------------------------- My Cover Letter Draft -------------------------------------------

Ting Zhi Hong Elgin

(My Address)

(My Contact Number)

(My Email Address)


5th September 2010


The Human Resource Manager

Mitsui Phenols Singapore Pte Ltd

3 Harbourfront Place,

Harbourfront Tower 2, #10-01

Spore 099254

To Whom It May Concern,

Application for a Position of Chemist

I am very interested in the position for Chemist that was advertised in the webpage of JobStreet.com (Singapore) on the 26th August 2008. This position will give me opportunities to explore new and challenging ideas in research as I contribute to the growth of the organization.

I am currently an undergraduate student in National University of Singapore (NUS), pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Chemistry, expecting to graduate in May 2012. Due to my interest in research, I have read modules over the different specialisations to have a good overview of each field, such as Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry. While in NUS, I have also obtained good grades for other courses such as marketing, financial accounting and professional communications to be better equipped in today’s world.

This job requires knowledge of laboratory instrumentations and a few years of relevant experience. During the course of my studies, I was exposed to various experiments and was trained in many laboratory techniques including Gas Chromatography (GC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and different types of spectroscopy such as Infra-red (IR) and Ultraviolet (UV). One of the key requirements for us was to conduct the experiments with minimal help, which has sharpened my laboratory skills to be effective in synthesizing compounds and analyzing samples.

Besides having the academic knowledge, I am proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel. During my university term breaks, I held a part-time job at an events company that required me to manage and analyze large databases, and presenting to the management. In addition to being meticulous, this job has trained me to effectively organize and analyze data records. As an operations specialist in the Singapore Armed Forces during my national service days, I have supervised and led teams on big scale projects, such as National Day security management and visits by foreign delegates to my unit. Hence, this has enhanced my leadership skills as well as my interpersonal skills.

My personal attributes include possessing excellent interpersonal and communication skills and being a team player. Also, I am self-motivated, flexible, responsible and able to work independently. In this ever-changing industry, my flexibility in responding to diverse situations will be beneficial to the company. With my academic knowledge and data analysis skills, I believe I have the necessary skills to work well with people and to contribute to your organization. I can be contacted at the numbers indicated in the enclosed resume.

Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to your reply.

Yours Sincerely,




Mr Ting Zhi Hong Elgin


7 comments
♠ Interpersonal Conflict - possible to resolve?
10:36 PM @ Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ Elgin

As the saying goes "no two snowflakes are alike", similarly there are no two person exactly the same, but it is amazing how people with different background, personalities or even likes and dislikes are still able to get along well. This is the power of communication, the ability to bring understanding between two people. Nevertheless, communication breakdowns are still possible, often resulting in misunderstandings and may even lead to a conflict. When it has accumulated to the "conflict stage", resolving the issue will not be an easy task and I can attest to that.

I'm facing such a situation with a group of friends, in which the misunderstandings have escalated to a conflict from a simple comment. After talking to both parties involved, I found out that it began from a passing statement that Amanda made one day about Beatrice's hair, commenting that it looked as if as she saw a ghost. However, Beatrice mistook it and thought Amanda said she looked like a ghost and was offended. In defense, she insulted Amanda for her "over-friendliness" with the other guy friends in our group. Days passed, and neither parties talked to each other, instead, they started sharing with the others in our group. Not long after, two distinctive cliques were formed and the cold war started. Although I am closer to Amanda as a friend, I chose to stay neutral and remain friends with both cliques. Now, I am stuck in between and I have no clue on how to resolve this whole situation.


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