In my first post, with regards to the importance of effective communication, I conclude that our lives will definitively be more enriching if we can possess the ability to communicate effectively in every aspect of our lives.
My views on the value of effective communication remain unchanged after completion of the module, ES2007S. This is primarily because I already realized the value and importance of effective prior to taking the module, ES2007S. The desire to further improve my communication skills such as oral abilities, presentation skills, business writings, led me to enroll in this particular module.
I found one lesson, writing business correspondence using an indirect approach, to be of great value. As I am a straight forward people by nature, I always try to keep my message concise and precise especially when communicating with other people. Hence, indirect approach of business writing seems especially difficult to me. In that particular lesson, I was taught how to compose negative news with an indirect approach. First, begin with a buffer to prepare the recipient for the bad news. Second, state the negative news. Third, close with a positive courteous tone. That lesson proved to be of great value to me.
Overall, due to the continuous writing and corrections by our teacher, Mrs Richardson, my grammar and writing skills have improved as well. Having a good grasp of grammar is of paramount importance for effective communication. Thank Mrs Richardson for meticulously corrected all 57 pages (including appendixes) for our survey report. Only few teachers whom I know would read and correct the entire report including appendixes. Her teaching dedication has definitely enriched my overall learning experiences.
5 comments:
I definitely agree with you that not only do we pick up communication and writing skills, we are also constantly being corrected upon for our blunders in grammar and language by our tutor. I was in fact touched when I realised that she relentlessly and patiently perused our reports and CVs, every single detail! This is also another aspect which we need to consistently remind ourselves about when we converse orally or in writing. Not only is content important, the organisation and the language used serve a crucial component as well!
Nevertheless, it is surprising that your views on this course did not change. But, are you in some way enlightened? Perhaps, you really came prepared!
Hi Victor,
Indeed, you have gained a very valuable skill – the appropriate use of direct and indirect approach of writing, as well as, speaking. It would build goodwill between people and convey a better impression of the writer/speaker.
I agree that good grammar is very important in effective communication. Many friends of mine are very particular about it because bad grammar gives the impression that the writer could not be bothered (though sometimes it is not really true). I think Mrs Richardson is a good example for us to emulate. Being meticulous is a very important virtue in writing. This semester, I had the chance to work with Infineon Technologies for a group design project and our mentor shared with us that being consistent in our writing, for example, the size of our font, the spacing between words, is vital to an impressive presentation or report.
Hi Victor,
It is gratifying to learn that you have known the value of communication skills prior to taking this course. However, one point I wish to bring out is that realising the importance of effective communication and practising effective communication are perhaps two matters which appear to be associated but may not necessary have close correlation. It is up to the individual to decide whether one wants to place emphasis on what is deemed to be important in life. After identifying areas of weaknesses, the next step is work on them for continual improvement. I am glad to see that you have gained insights on writing business correspondencs during the undertaking of this course. Hope that these skills would be further polished in your career!
I would like to thank Mrs Richardson for her teaching and meticulous corrections of our meeting minutes, report, resume and job application letters.
Last but not least, thank you for teaching me many things in the project. All the best to your future endeavours after graduation!
Hi VIctor,
I agree with Huiping that realising the value of effective communication and practising it are two quite different issues. Like what you said, you are a straightforward person. Maybe your definition of effective communication is getting your message across in the fastest possible way. However, other people's definition may be very different from yours. They may define effective communication as drafting a message that spells out your ideas clearly while taking in account the other party's feelings. Therefore, they may prefer to write a longer message.
When your value and other people's value of effective communication clashes, there will be friction between both parties. Therefore, what I think is that we should always place others before ourselves, look at people's values (of communication) as more important, so that we can talk/write in a way more acceptable to them. If we place our own values as top priority and communicate in the way we want, I think effective communication is not achieved.
Being meticulous is an attribute all of us should strive for. It leaves a better impression on people as it shows that you have put in a great amount of effort in your work. And as you have stated, Mrs Richardson is quite meticuluous when marking our scripts, and that is what makes us very "wow-ed" by her - all the effort put in.
Also, as you have stated in response to what I have posted on my blog, it is important to have tact even though you want to try to be efficient when communicating with people. Without it, it could actually be worse since relations might be strained as stated by Teresa. Which then undermines your effort for trying to be efficient when communicating.
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