Final Reflection (Post #7)

In my first blog post, I mentioned that effective communication skills are important in every sphere of our lives. However, reflecting on my post again, I realized that my understanding of the value of effective communication skills was only peripheral at that time.

Over these couple of months, this module has enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of the value of effective communication skills. Now, I can relate the importance of effective communication skills in more specific aspects such as in interpersonal and intercultural interactions. Moreover, I have learnt that effective communication skills are not only essential in preventing misunderstandings, but are also crucial in resolving conflicts.

The importance of effective communication skills was also emphasized in many activities and assignments involved in this module. In particular, the group report required effective communication between me and my team members, Cass and Desmond. It was evident that our communication skills improved as weeks into the module passed as toward the end, we experienced ease in conveying our ideas across one another. Moreover, the joy we experienced when we were communicating well with one another when working on our report proved that the value of effective communication should not be undermined.

Besides developing verbal communication skills, I have benefited from this module by being able to communication well through writing as well. Written assignments such as minutes, business letter, resume and job application have enabled me to develop written communication skills which I am confident will be useful for my future career.

Overall, I am convinced that the development of good communication skills does not stop when this module concludes, but should be extended out of the classroom. Thus, I am determined to utilize my knowledge gained from this module to continually interact well with others and ultimately, be an effective communicator, be it at the workplace or among my friends.
As the picture illustrates, the process of communication is analogous to a puzzle. The communication skills we possess we help us fix the right pieces in place (conveying and receipt of ideas), thus resulting in the desired picture (effective communication). Hence, developing and maintaining effective communication skills is a continual process which should not be overlooked.

Lastly, I would like to thanks Ms Goh for imparting many invaluable communication skills to me, and my module mates for the wonderful tutorial interactions as well as the many insightful comments on my blog posts.

Biodata (Post #6)

I am currently in my 2nd year of studies in the National University of Singapore (NUS) and majoring in the Life Sciences. My life-long interest in the complexities of Biology motivated me to pursue studies related to Biology. Capitalizing on my interest and education background, I aspire to build a career in the Biomedical field.

As the reading of elective modules is a requirement in the NUS, I have read Psychology, Marketing and Management modules from which I have gained substantial knowledge of these respective fields of studies. Moreover, I’ve modules which enhanced my communication skills. These modules have improved my knowledge and soft skills which I hope will be of advantage to me in my future career.

I have an affinity for outdoor activities such as running, cycling and in-line skating. Hence, I joined the Track and Field team when I was in junior college. Through the participation in many individual races, I learnt the importance of self-discipline and self-motivation. Assuming the position of the vice-captain of the track team for a year taught me the importance of effective interpersonal communication as well as the importance of being a good team player.

After serving my National Service, I worked at the OCBC Bank under the EasiCredit department for eight months. I had the privilege of experiencing various work situations and how communication skills played key roles in the conveying of information. Given the opportunity to deal with clients’ information, I had to exercise diligence and honesty.

I hope that my education and work experiences would enable me to be sufficiently prepared for my future career. Moreover, I endeavor to make significant contributions to the Biomedical industry.

The Dress Code (Post #5)

Communication encompasses channels such as verbal, non-verbal and as some may even contend, telepathic. In daily communication, people are mindful of the verbal communication processes which they are engaged in. Notably, our interactions with others are affected by dressing as well.

It is difficult to avoid conveying information through dressing. In this, dressing is parallel to the nonverbal channels of communication such as kinesic and proxemic behaviour. Whatever the position assumed or whatever the distance maintained between people, there is no “neutral” setting.

Our dressing gives strong impression of who we are. When people dress, they not only put on clothes but an attitude, a role, sometimes an entire way of life. Thus as onlookers, we can interpret strangers’ narratives by what they wear; their mood, style, beliefs, lifestyle, and sense of belonging to a group or ideology.

Though our sense of dressing defines who we are, there are situations when we need to alter this expression for purposes of enhancing our communication skills. For instance, a business suit is appropriate when attending a corporate meeting. Failure to act likewise may seem to others as an act of disrespect. More radically, the “ungrammatical” dressing of items of clothing that belong to different styles of dress would be considered as a contravention of codes set by society. Such unorthodox behaviours may in turn create bad impressions and hinder effective communication processes.

As such dressing appropriately enables people to identify with each other and helps overcome initial communication barriers and. Less attention will then be placed on a person’s appearance and more emphasis can be placed on ideas to be conveyed.

Dressing is a form of communication whether you mean it to be, or not. Express yourself in the way you want to be understood. Subtly but surely, the right choice of dressing will aid in effectively conveying our ideas to others.

How have you used dressing to help you communicate effectively?

Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour (Post #4)

On recent overseas trip, some Japanese tourists in front of me on a tour bus were having an intense conversation in their native tongue. Noticing the frowns on their faces, a curious American enquired on their subject of displeasure. One of the Japanese explained that his organization was hiring proficient English teachers for a Japanese school and had received an application from a Canadian. When answering “What makes you a strong candidate for this position?” in the application form, the Canadian greatly elaborated on his academic qualifications and personal achievements. The Japanese rejected his application since he felt that the Canadian was boastful and such a character was not suited for the position of a teacher. The Japanese tourists also concurred that the Canadian applicant was egoistic to the point of being rude! Bewildered by the perceptions of the Japanese, the American explained that it was a norm for Canadians to explicitly express their strengths in order to secure a job opportunity in Canada.

Initially, I shared similar thoughts with the American. However, my multi-cultural societal background helped me comprehend the viewpoints of the Japanese and Canadian. This was clearly a clash between different cultural values. The Japanese probably felt that the Canadian’s application reflected that he was boastful and individualistic. This was unfavourable to the Japanese since they value teamwork. Moreover, the Canadian’s selling of himself was inconsistent with the Japanese culture, hence the adverse reaction of the Japanese. Conversely, the listing of one’s academic and personal achievements in job applications is a norm in most countries since employers seek all-rounded applicants with a multitude of qualities. As such, the listing of relevant accomplishments would boost applicants’ chances in securing a job application.

Through confirmation with secondary sources, I learnt that such misunderstandings are common in intercultural interactions as it is easy to make negative attributions as a result of cultural differences. Cultural norms that might be instinctive to one might be repulsive to another. These cultural differences and hence misunderstandings often result in unpleasant emotional and practical consequences such as hurt feelings, missed opportunities, and even organized warfare if considered in extremities. Therefore, cultural sensitivity is a real issue that one needs to be aware of when making intercultural communication.

Business Correspondence Critique (Post #3)

The following email was received recently following my enquiry regarding the furthering of my studies at Murdoch University.

From: Murdoch University
To: Bryan Zhao
Subject: Murdoch University

Dear Bryan,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Advanced Standing at Murdoch University.

You may be eligible for Advance Standing (credit and unit exemptions) towards an Undergraduate Degree at Murdoch University on the basis of your previous studies at a recognised university, polytechnic or college.

Please note that postgraduate applicants are not usually eligible for credit transfer.

A CREDIT reduces the number of credit points from the total number of points required for your particular course. It is awarded at specific levels:

· Credit at Part I refers to first year level.
· Credit at Part II refers to second and third year level.

Your course will require you to achieve a certain number of credit points at particular levels.

An EXEMPTION reduces the requirement for that particular unit to be taken.

If you are successful in being awarded credit but no exemptions, you can still use your credit to reduce your general electives, providing the credit is at an appropriate level (Part I or Part II). You can only use your credit toward required units and course electives if you are awarded specific exemptions for those units.

You can gain a better understanding of this process from the Advanced Standing Website at: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/International-students/Murdoch-entry-requirements/Advanced-standing

The University Handbook also provides you with guidelines regarding Advanced Standing guidelines: http://handbook.murdoch.edu.au/

Assessment for Advanced Standing
In order for the International Accreditation Officer to assess your qualification for Advanced Standing please provide the following documentation:

· An original or certified copy of all your statement of results (academic transcripts); and
· Evidence of completion of diploma degree (graduation certificate).

To assess your previous studies for Exemptions you will need to provide the following:

· the unit descriptions for the units you have completed at another institution that you think substantially duplicates the content of the core units offered under the Murdoch Bachelor degree you wish to undertake.

If the above documents are in a language other than English you must submit certified translations of your previous studies.

At Murdoch University there are two basic criteria that you must satisfy in order to graduate with a Murdoch degree:

· You must achieve the total number of credit points required for your particular course. A three year undergraduate degree at Murdoch typically requires a total of 72 points.
· You must successfully complete all the required Core Units and any Specified Electives of your course.

I hope that this information has satisfied your enquiry. Should you have any further inquiries please do not hesitate to contact us on '+ 61 3 9627 4809.

Warm regards
Novika
International Enquiry Officer
Murdoch International
Murdoch University
Murdoch 6150
Western Australia
T: +61 3 9627 4809
F: +61 8 9310 5090
W: www.murdoch.edu.au/international-students
E: internat@murdoch.edu.au
CRICOS Provider Code - 00125J
_______________________________________________________________________
Generally, the email had an appropriate format. The salutation made clear that the email was intended for me. The enclosure was well substantiated with contact details for further inquiry. However, the subject heading, ‘Murdoch University’, could have been more detailed. Also, there was slight inconsistency in the format as after the salutation a comma was placed, but the sender signed off without a comma.

The email can be further analyzed adopting the 7Cs as heuristics. The opening was courteous. This also builds a friendly tone, which was appropriate as it portrays the essence of welcoming a student to the university.

Concreteness is shown in the specification of levels at which credits are offered and can be used.

There was substantial use of paragraphing. Boldface and capitals were also used to place emphasis on certain words. These contributed to clarity of the message.

The repeated use of ‘you’, an example of active-voice sentences, emphasizes the topic and improves conciseness. However, there are wordy expressions, such as ‘If you are successful in being awarded…’, which could be shortened.

The email was complete since it included adequate information such as explanation of the credit system, required documents for application and websites for reference.

There was coherence as ideas were linked in an orderly and logical fashion, by first explaining the credit system followed by how students are assessed for advanced standing. However, there was minimal cohesion, possibly due to the paragraphing of single sentences.

Lastly, language was correctly used, with appropriate usage of grammar and formality level.

Overall, this email was effective in clarifying my doubts and it has left me with a good impression of the university. Though there is room for further analysis of this email, I’ve reached the word limit. Thus, my fellow coursemates, do critique this email and together enhance our business correspondence skills.

Resolving Interpersonal Conflict (Post #2)

I was involved in an interpersonal conflict with Kim (not her real name) in junior college when I, as the vice captain of the track team, was registering members to compete in the National Schools Track and Field Championships. Kim was a talented sprinter and thus a good representative in the 4x100m girls relay team. However, she was tepid in committing to trainings as the exams were approaching as well. As we had limited talented athletes for the girls relay team, Kim reluctantly agreed to be registered for the 4x100m race.

Over the following weeks, Kim was inconsistent in attending trainings. She complained of insufficient study time. The coach and other members of the relay team became concerned of her irregular attendance as it was important for the team to train together. The other girls of the relay team had hopes of doing well in the competition but were aware they needed Kim’s participation for a good race. There was pressure was on me to persuade Kim to commit to the competition as Kim was a close friend of mine and we shared a common clique of friends. Though puzzled and antagonized by the way Kim was acting, I had to manage my feelings well as some of my friends in the clique became wary of the situation Kim had caused and began commenting about Kim’s irresponsibility.

The race was in two days’ time and Kim became persistent that she no longer wanted to compete. The other members of the relay team were demoralized as they knew they would not qualify for the finals if Kim had to be substituted. If I could not handle this situation well, the teacher-in-charge would probably view me as an incompetent leader.

What could I have done to encourage Kim to compete in the race, without jeopardizing our friendship?

The importance of developing effective communication skills (Post #1)

Communication is an imperative process in which an individual engages to convey information of any kind to others. Depending on the need, the transmission of information may be verbal, or at other times, writings or nonverbal cues to may be used. Even a scent may carry a message. If we expect to convey a precise message, it is important that we possess effective communication skills. Unfortunately, such proficiency is not easily achieved.

Though having been communicating with others since infancy, the process of transmitting information accurately still poses a challenge to me. It is a complex process which can result in erroneous situations such as immense confusion, wasted effort and missed opportunity. Only by the conveying of the exact message would communication be an effective and fruitful process. To achieve a clear and concise delivery of thought, efforts are required from both the sender and the receiver.

Effective communication is essential in every sphere of life, be it personal or professional. In any industry, employers seek workers with effective communication skills. In academic institutions, effective communication skills play a vital role in the conveying of ideas within a classroom. In social life, effective communication skills are the key to successful interpersonal relationships. In effect, the importance of communication skills has spread through the society not as an overt requirement, but a covert necessity.

These said, how can one develop the right effective communication skills to be an effective communicator in this interactive biosphere? Though I am not equipped to provide a comprehensive answer at this point in time, I hope to be able to do so when this module concludes.

Personally, communication can be perceived as an art. Mastery of this art requires much understanding, practice and ultimately the development of effective communication skills which can prove to be an invaluable asset. Whether in work or dealings with personal life, the importance of effective communications skills cannot be underestimated.

Welcome

The most important things are the hardest to say,

because words diminish them.

-Stephen King