Back to what communication means to me

At the start of ES2007S, Brad made us write a blog post about what communication means to us. In that post, I wrote about how insecure I was about approaching strangers and opening up to them. This was probably due to my issue of low confidence, and on top of that, my inadequacy in communication skills as well. Over the years, I slowly tackled these issues to become who you see today. Yet, taking ES2007S was probably one of the most risk- taking steps I had ever taken in hope of improving myself as a person. The most valuable lesson that I took away from the course was to trust myself, to trust that I am no longer the low confident kid, that when I stand in front of the crowd what I say is worth listening to and that I am special in my own unique way.

Throughout this course, we were made (although forced seems to be a more appropriate word, haha) to do presentations and our research group mates were assigned. Initially, I was worried that it will be awkward for me to work with strangers. But surprisingly it was one of the most enjoyable projects I had ever done. The fact that Ranmali, Valarie, Ye Thu Win and I were of different nationality and background made the experience even more interesting. During each meeting, I was able to learn something new about foreign culture and to know them more personally and in turn allow them to know me as well. Stepping out of my comfort zone really let me experience things that I otherwise would not have experience; not being around my usual friends also made me understand that I am no longer the insecure child I used to be.

During presentation, subtle differences between personalities were shown as everyone step up to better their presentation skills. Through the presentations, I learned that while there is not a correct way of presenting, there are definitely styles which better suit a person's personality and hence improve on their delivery. Personally, knowing my content was the first step before I can develop my 'style' of delivery. Then it was about letting my personality come through during the presentation. In the past, I did what everyone did, which was to maintain eye contact, speak at an appropriate pace, memorise what was to be said. A consequence of that was a phobia of not presenting the correct way and tones of nervousness. Now, I feel that perhaps smiling, walking and cracking small jokes are acceptable as well as long as I use them correctly. I no longer feel the need to impersonate another person and adopt a ‘style’ that is not me. Well, I had not mastered the skill yet but I am sure I will one day.

Right now, if you ask me what communication means to me, I will still give you the same answer. Communication is not merely about talking but also about the things you say, how you say it and all the nonverbals that goes along. However, on top of that, people need to know themselves first. Through this course, I learned more about myself and how I had grown over the years as well as the various skills to make myself a better communicator.

Thank you, Brad and my 14 other classmates for making this module such an enjoyable one for me. Geraldine: Thank you for taking the module with me! Ranmali, Valarie and Ye Thu Win: Thank you for bearing with all my over the top behaviour and my constant fun-poking comments during the project meetings. It was really great working with you guys