Reflection on Learning

This module has been informative and enjoyable. It has taught me to be more outspoken and interactive, as well as how to present myself to others in a more professional manner.

Throughout the tasks and activities of this module, I learned how to analyse and reflect on the nature of effective communication. This has led to the development of several practical skills that can be applied to everyday life, especially the reading and interpretation of body language, that will definitely improve my interpersonal relationships. Components such as the writing of formal letters/applications and the 7 C's will invariably prove useful in delivering impactful presentations and reports, key components of a successful career.

The project proposal component has also taught me how to better work with others, listening to new ideas, as well as giving opinions of my own. Of particular importance was the willingness to have an open mind, to try to see the viewpoint of my team members before making any decisions about their ideas. In addition, the taking of turns to play the role of team leader taught me that being a leader is not just about telling others what to do; it is the ability to guide team members towards accomplishing unified goal.

Last of all, this blogging component has been very useful in forcing me to think back and reflect on the skills taught each week. This analysis and re-evaluation has brought about a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subtleties of effective interpersonal communication.

Oral Presentation Reflection

Team TREE decided to come up with a proposal for the improvement of the planning and management of upgrading works in Singapore. With all members having experienced real life scenarios where daily routines have been sundered by the interjection of construction works (sometimes even 2am in the morning!), we were able to empathize strongly with residents we interviewed, to come up with a proposal we really believed in.

The first draft of our presentation was a little wordy, containing many examples and elaboration. Slides we prepared were cluttered with text; throughout rehearsals, we frequently exceeded the allocated 20 minutes by small margins. Bringing to mind the 7 C's, we decided to completely revamp the presentation slides, minimizing almost everything to point form with the elaboration committed to memory. Further rehearsals then ensued, but while we now met the time frame of 20 minutes, each delivery was spontaneous and unique, the phrasing and content differing slightly with each presentation. Alvin also pointed that my presentation was a little monotonous. Hence, I tried to put myself in the shoes of irate residents, and interjected their emotion into the delivery with mixed success.

I also decided to make use of visual cues such as pictures and graphs to trigger key ideas that I wanted to discuss and elaborate in my oral presentation. All information on the slides would be the bare minimum, in point form, diverting the audience's attention to myself and the ideas I wanted to put across (rather than reading them off the slides). While this made each delivery slightly different each time, all the crucial ideas and concepts to be presented to the audience would be maintained. This method also brought about the additional benefit of looking more professional, with less referencing to notes and cue cards.

All in all, I felt that it was a pretty good delivery of our proposal.

Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour

This incident occurred when I was in Cambridge for an exchange program during my JC years. Students from many locales were invited to join a Summer Science Program at the University of Cambridge. We were split into groups, and assigned to different professors to complete a 'mini science project'.

My group consisted of 5 members including myself; 2 Singaporeans, 1 Vietnamese, 1 Japanese and 1 American student. We got off to a fine start, each taking turns to bring up ideas we had regarding the science project. However, as the discussion went on, the American student, Jonas, began to voice out his opinion more and more frequently, sometimes even interrupting people in mid-sentence. He mostly made critical comments about other people's ideas, without sparing a thought for other people's feelings. I did not mind constructive criticism, but the way and manner in which he phrased it – "that's a stupid idea", "ridiculous" etc.

I found this behaviour appallingly crass, and couldn't help thinking to myself: "What kind of upbringing did he have? Can't you at least wait until people have finished talking before you speak? Why are you so rude?" Tension in our group started to build, and our members spoke less and less.

Later on, as we took a break for lunch, I decided to confront Jonas about his overly aggressive comments. I asked him why he had to take such an offensive tone and manner when speaking to his peers. He didn't seem to see anything wrong with his behaviour, and explained that that was the way he talked to his classmates back in high school. Through talking to him, I realised that was the way he was moulded; in his society, the ability to speak your mind and assert your ideas in a direct manner was valued.

After explaining to him a little about how Asian cultures tended to take into consideration the situation and the feelings and opinion of others, and suggesting how he could phrase his comments in a more polite and constructive manner, he quickly saw how his behaviour could have offended the rest of the team. Luckily, on explaining a little about his background and apologising for his past behaviour, tensions in the team eased somewhat and or project was completed without a hitch.

This incident really brought to mind the concept of 'independent self' and 'interdependent self' – how situations could have turned ugly without understanding the appropriate behaviour and interaction customs in each situation.

Internship Offer and Application Letter

TEMPORARY STAFF / INTERNS / PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT

(Biocompatibility / Toxicology Laboratory)

Key Responsibilities

·        Dosing of laboratory animals by oral, dermal and injection routes

·        Blood collection through cardiac puncture or other routes

·        Full dissection and histology work

·        In vitro cell culture work

Key Requirements

Students from Biomedical Science, Biology, Veterinary Technology or related disciplines 

Assignment Terms & Conditions

Temporary Duration      :           6 months or more

Remuneration               :          Negotiable

Work Hours                  :          8.30am to 6.00pm (Mon to Thursdays)

                                               8.30am to 5.30pm (Fridays)

Work Location              :           TÜV SÜD PSB Pte Ltd

1 Science Park Drive

                                                Singapore 118221

                                               

Contact Person

Lyn Teo, HR Manager

Human Resource Department

Phone: +65 6885 1141

Fax: +65 6778 6328

email: lyn.teo@tuv-sud-psb.sg

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Teo Wei Loong Jonathan
No.3 Tanah Merah Kechil Rise
Singapore 465603
jonathanteowl88@gmail.com
62424380 (home)
91064844 (mobile)


9th Febuary, 2011


Lyn Teo, HR Manager
Human Resource Department
TÜV SÜD PSB Pte Ltd
1 Science Park Drive
Singapore 118221


Dear Ms Teo

Application for Internship at Biocompatibility / Toxicology Laboratory

It is with great interest and enthusiasm that I am applying for the TÜV SÜD PSB internship circulated to my mailbox. This opportunity is precisely what I am looking for and an ideal chance for me to expand my knowledge, educational background and experience in my field.

Since young, I have always had a passion for science and aspired to one day work in the Biomedical field; this is reflected in my education choices since secondary school. I have attended numerous workshops and seminars aimed at increasing my knowledge and skills to increase my worth and to better make contributions to this field of study. I not only enjoy learning more about the biomedical field, but find myself even more enthusiastic when it comes to practical laboratory work, where the theories learned come into play right in front of my eyes.

The highlights of my academic career involved the chances given to me put theory into practice. The strongest impression was made when I managed to secure an attachment to Temasek Lifesciences Laboratory, available only to a select few through a series of rigorous tests and interviews. My work there involved the cultivation and genetic manipulation of the model fungus Neurospora crassa. Under the guidance of my mentor, I defined some molecular mechanisms that plagued mutant #77. My meticulous and careful working style, coupled with creative and sometimes unorthodox ideas led to an early completion of the project. This application of theories to reality left me with a strong impression – I wanted to gain more experience to one day work in a research laboratory.

Despite this, I have yet to have the opportunity to work with live animals, a chance that I hope to acquire by working with distinguished company such as yours. It is thus with great pleasure that I seek out another fulfilling opportunity to compound my experience, one that I hope I can find with you and yours.

I look forward to having the opportunity to further discuss any questions you may have regarding my application.

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Teo

Time heals all wounds, but some wounds leave scars behind

Conflicts are an inevitable part of interpersonal relationships. It can be as minor as mild disagreement, it can be as serious as exchanging physical blows. Even the most tightly knit of friends will eventually fight; the key is in how we can analyse and resolve the issue before it gets blown out of hand.

Not too long ago, a few of my friends decided to plan an impromptu trip to Bintan, as one of them (Z) would be going to study overseas for two years soon. All the decisions were made in a hurry, as there was less than a week to plan and book passage and lodgings. That was when it all began...

Out of the six of us, two of us (X and I) felt that it was too rushed and wanted to postpone the trip. The other four were all for it, and tried to pressure us into going by claiming that "it was the last trip we would share together, as there will be no opportunities for the next 2 years" and that "the hotels and ferry tickets were already booked".

I already had a packed schedule, but decided to go for it by compromising some other less important things. However, I felt that the way they tried to use the "guilt" factor (not being able to see Z for the next 2 years) was kind of low.

X already had issues with all the last minute planning, and decided not to go. Thinking it would be less fun if not all of us were there, Y and Z who were keen on going tried to persuade X to go by psychoanalysing X's reasons for not going. This made the usually easy-going X extremely angry and even more dead set against going. I think that this was because instead of respecting X's decision, Y and Z tried to force X to see their viewpoint. In the end, everybody but X and I went for the trip.

To date, although all of us have met up and made up (with me mediating stuff between X and Y & Z), there sometimes seem to be an invisible line between X, and Y & Z. Will things never be the same between us again?

Was there a better way the situation could have been handled, and is there any way to repair the relationship between our group again?

Suggestions and feedback would be highly appreciated! 

Blog Post #1 - Why Effective Communication Skills are Important to me

Effective communication skills are the first step in bridging the gap between minds. These skills are important in conveying ideas and impressions to other people. It is also a vital component of maintaining good interpersonal relationships.

Being a life sciences major, I believe that effective communication is critical to my future. In this discipline, the ability to comprehensively put across ideas and concepts is of critical importance, especially where seminars and research papers are involved. It is my hope that learning effective communication skills will give me an edge in securing and ascending a future job prospect in this field.

On a more personal note, being of a quiet and reserved nature, effective communication skills are essential for me to convey my thoughts to others effectively. Through learning the skills for effective speaking, I wish to overcome the barriers I have regarding verbal communication. On the other hand, while I have been told I am a good listener, I believe that the concepts pointed out in active listening can help me further improve in this area. In short, adopting the skills of effective communication can enable me to better interact with other people and expand my social network.

To sum it all up, effective communication skills are a critical part of everyday life, playing a role in all our interactions, especially in maintaining social networks. Through the acquisition of better communication skills, I hope to overcome my shortcomings and achieve more fulfilling interpersonal relationships.