Looking back on my initial self-introduction letter, I believe I have not only met but exceeded my original goals. Thanks to Professor Brad’s guidance, I have significantly improved my technical writing skills and overcome my fear of public speaking. Additionally, I have gained valuable knowledge in identifying and referencing different types of sources, from websites and academic journals to images. I have also learned to effectively utilize generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to enhance my writing.
One of the key ways I incorporated generative AI into my learning was through paraphrasing, which helped me refine my sentence structure and word choice, ultimately making my technical writing more coherent. Furthermore, I actively participated in class discussions and frequently volunteered to speak. The more I practiced, the more confident I became in articulating my thoughts. This allowed me to focus on other critical aspects of public speaking, such as voice projection and non-verbal communication.
Beyond technical skills, I also developed adaptability in group settings. Since class activities often involved working with different classmates, I learned to quickly assess my teammates' strengths and weaknesses. By leveraging their strengths and providing support where needed, I was able to contribute to more effective and successful collaborations. This experience not only improved my teamwork skills but also reinforced my ability to communicate and work efficiently with diverse groups of people.
With these newfound skills and experiences, I am confident that I have not only achieved the goals I initially set for this module but also grown significantly as a communicator and team player.
Although I have made significant progress in public speaking during class, I recognize that there is still room for improvement. As I mentioned in my presentation, “However, there is a gap between the ideal and reality.” This became evident during the formal presentation of our technology design proposal, where I felt that my non-verbal communication could have been much stronger. Whether it was the pressure of speaking formally to an audience or the challenge of recalling my script, I realized that these factors impacted my overall delivery.
One key lesson I learned from this experience is the importance of relying on the information displayed on my slides rather than trying to memorize every detail. Attempting to store excessive information in my mind proved counterproductive, as it caused me to forget a significant portion of my presentation. Moving forward, I recognize that memory work should be reserved for key anecdotes and impactful points, while the slides should serve as a guiding framework.
Additionally, observing my peers' presentations provided valuable insights into techniques I can incorporate into my own speaking style. For example, Aravind’s energetic delivery, evident through his dynamic posture and expressive tone, added a compelling presence to his speech. Meanwhile, Zenden’s ability to engage the audience seamlessly, weaving anecdotes into his speech without hesitation, showcased a natural and confident delivery.
While I did not fully meet the high standards I set for myself during the formal presentation, I see this as an opportunity for growth. By acknowledging my weaknesses and drawing inspiration from my peers' strengths, I am committed to refining my public speaking skills further. With continued practice and self-awareness, I am confident that I can elevate my presentation abilities to the next level.
One of the key ways I incorporated generative AI into my learning was through paraphrasing, which helped me refine my sentence structure and word choice, ultimately making my technical writing more coherent. Furthermore, I actively participated in class discussions and frequently volunteered to speak. The more I practiced, the more confident I became in articulating my thoughts. This allowed me to focus on other critical aspects of public speaking, such as voice projection and non-verbal communication.
Beyond technical skills, I also developed adaptability in group settings. Since class activities often involved working with different classmates, I learned to quickly assess my teammates' strengths and weaknesses. By leveraging their strengths and providing support where needed, I was able to contribute to more effective and successful collaborations. This experience not only improved my teamwork skills but also reinforced my ability to communicate and work efficiently with diverse groups of people.
With these newfound skills and experiences, I am confident that I have not only achieved the goals I initially set for this module but also grown significantly as a communicator and team player.
Although I have made significant progress in public speaking during class, I recognize that there is still room for improvement. As I mentioned in my presentation, “However, there is a gap between the ideal and reality.” This became evident during the formal presentation of our technology design proposal, where I felt that my non-verbal communication could have been much stronger. Whether it was the pressure of speaking formally to an audience or the challenge of recalling my script, I realized that these factors impacted my overall delivery.
One key lesson I learned from this experience is the importance of relying on the information displayed on my slides rather than trying to memorize every detail. Attempting to store excessive information in my mind proved counterproductive, as it caused me to forget a significant portion of my presentation. Moving forward, I recognize that memory work should be reserved for key anecdotes and impactful points, while the slides should serve as a guiding framework.
Additionally, observing my peers' presentations provided valuable insights into techniques I can incorporate into my own speaking style. For example, Aravind’s energetic delivery, evident through his dynamic posture and expressive tone, added a compelling presence to his speech. Meanwhile, Zenden’s ability to engage the audience seamlessly, weaving anecdotes into his speech without hesitation, showcased a natural and confident delivery.
While I did not fully meet the high standards I set for myself during the formal presentation, I see this as an opportunity for growth. By acknowledging my weaknesses and drawing inspiration from my peers' strengths, I am committed to refining my public speaking skills further. With continued practice and self-awareness, I am confident that I can elevate my presentation abilities to the next level.
Thank you, Jonathan, for this comprehensive and heart-felt reflection. I realize that in your OP there were some tough moments and frustration, but as ypur essay notes, you were able to take value from that experience.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the great effort!
All the best in your continuing learning journey and for life in general!