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As I receive my training in Chemistry, I realised that there are many other essential skills which my course cannot fulfil and one of it is communication. The last time I had an interview, it was pretty much a disaster. So, when I find myself lacking in these areas, I decided to take up this module. I think that effective communication is an important life skill for reasons which I will explain.
Firstly, I believe that effective communication will enable me to portray a professional image which is important in earning the trust and recognition at work. Professionalism is important as I believe that it is one of the key qualities which will leave employers a good impression. It is crucial at the workplace as it affects whether my future superior and co-workers can trust me at a task or my leadership. Hence, apart from having the ability, effective communication skills to convey my ideas are also absolutely essential to me.
Secondly, I believe that effective communication skills minimises problems arising from misunderstandings. Be it at a workplace or social setting, ineffective or lack of communication is often the root of arguments or conflicts. These conflicts and arguments are detrimental to relationships and a waste of time of effort in resolving them at work. Very often, I find people misinterpreting my point or completely missing it and I suspect that this is due to my inability to put my message across properly. Through this course, I hope that I will pick up skills which will help me organise my thoughts and ideas, learn how to put them across clearly and transform myself into an effective communicator!
Before we reach the age where are able to read each other’s mind through implanted microchips (which I suppose won’t be any time soon), let’s learn how to convey our thoughts and ideas effectively and save time guessing what each other is saying or explaining, “That’s not what I meant!”.
Hey Pei Zi,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that effective communicators have a professional image associated with them. In the workplace, there is also a sense of security knowing that the message delivered was received properly at other end.
Such actions can save time and money as misunderstand and confusions are minimized and work is done in an efficient manner.
I'm still looking forward to that implanted microchips age though. =)
Hey Pei Zi,
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow Chemistry major, I feel that our course DOES teach us about communication - we communicate our experimental findings to others through lab reports, journal articles and other similar means. However, I agree that that alone cannot ensure our success in the workforce, as we have to interact with colleagues and superiors as well. Writing a business letter using our typical lab report format simply won't do!
Here's looking forward to a fruitful time spent taking this module, and a great peer teaching session! =)
Hi Pei Zi,
ReplyDeleteHow I wish we can read minds. It would definitely reduce a lot of unnecessary conflicts. But as you have said it would not be possible anytime in the near future, nor do I want it to happen. I agree that would be best to learn to communicate effectively, this way we can still keep our private thoughts private.
Lets us strive to be able to ‘read minds’ by effective communication.
Thank you for sharing with us what you think about communication, Pei Zi. Indeed, effective communication skills are integral in our everyday lives, helping us to perform and excel in our many roles; and becoming a more effective communicator can certainly benefit us personally, professionally and publicly.
ReplyDeleteReally appreciate you sharing with us a little about yourself, as well as what you hope to achieve from the module. I’m glad you’d taken the first step to refining your skills in communication. Looking forward to working with you this semester!
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response to my post. I believe that I will benefit a lot through this course as I learn how to become a more effective communicator.
In response to Keefe, yes, our course of study does teach us certain communication skills which are specific to our future profession. However, I feel that it is still insufficientm especially when it comes to verbal communication such as oral presentation and all. All these seems to come only when we are in Year 3 or Year 4. Therefore, I feel that we can better prepare ourselves by taking up a communication course such as ES2007S. :)
Regards,
Pei Zi