#6: Final reflections

One of the many things that this course has helped me greatly with is my confidence in presentations.  I have always had a fear of public speaking, and over the course of 13 weeks, this fear has decreased.

I think that the reasons for this change boils down to the class setting.  From day 1, Brad had introduced the goal of the module and set the tone of the class right. I knew that I was in an environment where I could learn, make mistakes, and not be embarrassed by it. 

In addition, most of the classes were discussion based. Initially, I found it difficult to voice my opinions in class as I usually have problems articulating my thoughts, or that others would judge me based on what I said. However, as I got used to the style of the lessons, I gradually opened up and was more confident to share my ideas in class.

Having the opportunity to present and watch others present helped me to be more self aware of things to look out for during a presentation. Things like eye contact, stance, filler words were repeated so many times that I would keep these things in mind as I prepared for presentations.  Not being able to use notes was intimidating as first, but I now know that this is possible, and the benefits of it.  Having the opportunity to go through the job interview process was another valuable experience as I realised the need to be self aware and confident in myself and my abilities.

My research team helped me greatly too.  We met up many times to talk through the project discussion, mock and real presentations.  We would give each other suggestions and feedback, and affirm each other’s strengths.

I am glad to say that I am more confident in myself now, especially when giving presentations.  Practice and internalising the content that you are presenting definitely helps!

Thank you Brad and all my lovely classmates for this semester together! Thank you for the reminder through the Bolshoi video that we should never give up on our dreams and passion just because things may get difficult. I wish that for all of us too. Have the courage and determination to follow your heart.

#5: Reflection on Oral Presentation

Note: This is my second draft. I have edited my post from the previous one to make it more personal.

Preparation

Despite not having that much time to prepare for the presentation, I would say that we did relatively well. While preparing the slides, I tried to make them in the clearest way possible for the audience and constantly revised them, adding pictures or changing figures to graphs to emphasise the difference between savings and installation costs. I am glad that the flow chart was clear. Writing down notes for each slide helped me to  remember the links between the different slides as well as the content.  As we were only able to meet once to compile the presentation, I mainly practiced at home starting by looking at the notes that I made for each slide. After I was more familiar, I practiced in front of a mirror and in slide show view.  I consciously tried to use words that were more persuasive.    

Delivery

Being prepared paid off. After the presentation, I was surprised that I did not feel as nervous as I would usually be, a feeling that I have never had before.  Usually, I would just be a bundle of nerves.  I hope that I would be able to replicate this feeling in the future. I tried to consciously leave out my ‘ums’ and intonate my voice more as I am usually monotonous when presenting.  I was surprised when Brad commented that I had good eye contact, as I did not notice that myself. 

Use of slideware

A special mention to Jerick who painstakingly made the slides for his part! 

I tried to have a balance between words and pictures for my slides. Animations were added while explaining the cost benefits, which allowed the audience to better follow my explanations. In addition, I believe that the animation helped to create more impact when the figures appeared.

I am relieved and glad that this is one of the better presentations that I have had, especially in terms of the feeling of nervousness. While watching the video (find it on Jerick's blog), I still had my 'ums'. One thing that I want to improve on is to be more natural, as though I am speaking with each member of the audience and not just presenting. 

The “A-OK”

Random picture that I found this interesting, didn't know that this gesture meant money in Japan and and insult in Brazil! Emphasizes the importance of being sensitive and aware of our actions when interacting with people of different cultures.
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Mainly used by scuba divers to mean “OK” (to prevent ambiguity with the thumbs-up sign, which means “ascend”), this hand gesture is generally called ‘A-OK’, and in America and the UK is often used to tell somebody that they’ve made a great meal, as talking with your mouth would just be impolite. Essentially the meaning comes out as “great”, or “absolutely fine”.

Not so, however, in a few countries in Europe, where the numerical interpretation gives the signal an insulting overtone – essentially you’re telling them that you think they’re a ‘zero’.

Far worse, however, is the meaning in Brazil, Germany and a few Mediterranean countries: the circular shape of the gesture gives it the meaning of “anus”, and is therefore used to call somebody an “asshole”, or, by extension, a homosexual. 

Picture from: http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/cross-cultural_differences.html
Text from: http://www.languagetrainers.co.uk/blog/2007/09/24/top-10-hand-gestures/

#4: Evaluating Intercultural Behavior

 “J’arrive.” This was a phrase I heard many times while on exchange in France, most often by waiters when we were eating out. The phrase translates to “I’m coming.” While the phrase is not rude per se, the body language and tone often accompanying the phrase made it clear that they were not very pleased.  After a couple of such incidents, me and my friends realised the reason behind their ‘rude’ attitude.

They do not like to be hurried at all.  For the French, the enjoyment of food is very important and eating out in bistros or restaurants is treated as an experience.

The first few times when we ate out, we felt that the service was slow. Waiters took a long time to take our orders, serve the food, and one of our biggest pet peeve, to bring the bill when we asked for it. As a result, we kept hurrying the waiter for the bill, to take our orders etc and we would just be replied with a very curt “J’arrive.” We found this rude and compared this to Singapore, where we would not get such ‘poor’ service.

However after some time, I realised the importance of meals to the French and that they simply enjoy them. This does not include just the food but the entire dining experience with the company of friends and family.  This reveals the difference in eating culture between Singapore and France.  Singaporeans are usually in a hurry, and meals are often taken quickly when eating out, with the exceptions of dates on weekends.  We expect fast service and efficiency.  This contrasts to the French who can have meals that span a couple of hours, my longest being 3 hours.

Overtime, we learnt not to expect quick efficient service while eating out.  Hence whenever we did so, we tried to ensure that we were not on a tight schedule.  I also learnt the beauty of having slow unhurried meals. We enjoyed each other’s company more and could chat more.  I am glad to have had this insight during my exchange. Lastly, while I have a greater appreciation for leisurely meals and service when eating out, I have to say more often than not I prefer the quick efficient service in Singapore. :p

#3: Application Letter Critique

Lau Pui Kheng Priscilla

5 Faber Drive

Singapore 123421

Contact Number: 9xxxxxxx

Email: priscilla_lau88@hotmail.com

9^th February 2012

Dr Craig Stenberg, Associate Dean (Student Affairs & Admissions)

Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore

Admissions Department

8 College Road

Singapore 169857

Dear Dr Stenberg,

I am writing to apply for the MD program at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School. I believe that my strong interest in biology, passion and desire to serve the community and determination makes me a suitable candidate for your graduate program.

I am currently enrolled at the National University of Singapore as a Life Sciences major specialising in Biomedical Sciences.  I have a strong interest in human biology and for my specialisation I studied topics like Pharmacology and Immunology, related to the medical aspect of biology.  My keenness for continual learning has been demonstrated by seeking out research opportunities.  I was attached for eight months to the Drosophila fly lab at Duke-NUS.  I applied knowledge and techniques learnt in school and was exposed to the research process in a laboratory. My Final Year Project in NUS will hone my research and analytical skills further.  The year of individual research, part of the MD program curriculum will give me even more opportunities to pursue my research interests.

In addition to my interest in biology, I am convicted and passionate in serving the community, giving back to the community in any way that I am able to.  I volunteer consistently at Melrose Home where I tutor the children on a weekly basis. I see this as a small act of offering my skills and knowledge back to the community so that they may benefit. Similarly, being trained as a clinician-scientist at Duke-NUS will train me a new set of skills and expertise to give back and serve the society.

I understand that I will face many challenges in being a clinician but I am optimistic of overcoming them. I have displayed my resilience in adjusting back to the rigours of the Singapore education system after studying in an international one. I have also exhibited determination during my student exchange to Paris where I faced great difficulty in taking lessons in my third language, French.  I believe that Duke-NUS will train me to tackle the rigours of working in the medical industry as your institution is dedicated to nurturing competent clinician-scientists, having an edge being trained in both research and being a clinician.

Thank you very much for your time.  I look forward to hear from you regarding my enrolment.  Attached is my resume for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Priscilla Lau

#2: Resolving Interpersonal Conflict

I was on exchange in Paris last semester and I stayed in an apartment with three friends: A, B and C. A and B are girls, while C is a guy. We first met in June 2010, during a one month language immersion program. We got along well and made plans to stay together during our exchange as we all applied to go to Paris.

The first two months were extremely enjoyable. However, it all changed in early November.  A and C travelled together to Amsterdam as they had recess week before B and I joined them for the weekend.  They stayed with A’s friend, while B and I stayed with B’s friend. From what I know, A and C had a taste of spacecakes on the first night but only A had it the next night (Friday). While A was feeling vulnerable as a side effect, C did not make her feel safe but provoked and taunted her repeatedly to tears.  C was unapologetic and even found it amusing. The same night, A told us what had happened and that she did not want to spend any more time with C.

When B and I arrived on Saturday afternoon, we were supposed to meet A and C but chose to meet A first to see how she was.  We were not taking sides as we were planning to meet C on Sunday to find out his side of the story.

C was angry and sent me a text saying that it was natural that we sided with A as we are girls. He took this as a hint that we did not want to meet him, changed his train timing and left Amsterdam on Sunday afternoon. When we reached home on Monday, he did not speak to B and I when we greeted him. We decided to let him cool down for a few days, before asking for his side of the story. But this did not happen as it was clear he did not want to speak with us anymore. B and I did not apologise for meeting A first as we did not think that we were in the wrong, and C did not apologise for behaving that way to A. Days turned into weeks and months, and we did not speak to each other for the remainder of our time on exchange and even till now.

Do you think things could have turned out differently? What could I have done differently to have prevented this awkward living arrangement?  If you were ever in a situation like this, what would you have done and why? 

Words vs Nonverbal Communication

Just thought I would share something I found on nonverbal communication.

I guess this shows that as much as nonverbal communication is important, at the end of the day, words still play a big part.

But I'm wondering: exactly how big a part do words play in the communication process? What do you think? (: 



Body language and non verbal communication. 2009. Retrieved on January 29, 2012 from: http://maxatkinson.blogspot.com/2009/06/body-language-and-non-verbal.html