Reflection on the course

As I look back at this course I am reminded of the things I have done well and also the things I’ve done not so well. My objective to take course was to improve my communication skills to be successful in life. There are so many things I wish I would have done better. But hindsight is 20/20, so I am glad at the fact I have made a decision to. So many times I have been looking at my computer and I cannot think of anything to say, I found that to be the case especially with the personal statement. For me it is so much harder to write about myself than to write about something. So my goal coming into this class was to learn how to express myself better, and I think I have done that a lot better than when I started. I’m not saying that’s its perfect. There has been improvement nonetheless.

So much has happened since I started. I have become more in tuned to what my body is saying compared to what my words are saying. This for me was not always the same thing. But now that I know that I can change the way my body sends messages so I only send out the ones I was intending to. So many times I thought, “Oh! This should be easy!” but when it came to practice, I found it to be harder than I first thought. In this class I have met several students with various backgrounds, which is good because it provides a different outlook on my writing than I would normally have otherwise. I think that posting on the blogs and getting feedback are great tools for me to see how well or how the audience receives the message I am trying to convey.

In today’s world big companies are looking not just for a bright mind, but also a person with communication skills, like leadership as well as good adaptability. That is more important than ever before as we become globalised, we have to work with people who might not have the same background as us. Although soft skills like I have mentioned are becoming more important, we still have to remain professional at the same time, which can be a very hard thing to do. That is what I have tried to make the most of this course. Also emails are another subject of interest for me as it is too easy to send a casual e-mail. It is a shame that we as young people have been doing. Even more so with text messages, we can’t even be bothered to type full words like Monday for example.

I’ve learned how to evaluate situations from a neutral point of view. I’ve learned when discussing conflicts and problems within a work setting, it is critical to use the third person point of view. While it is important to own your own feelings, it is imperative to professional relationships to consider both sides of the story and listen to the other person’s side of the story to discover the root of the problem. The things I learned will help me so much when I get a job. It is hard for me to think of not only my feelings but also of the others’. So I hope I can use the skills I have learned.

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to Mrs. Richardson for always being there to guide us all along the journey. I would like to say thank you for all the feedback I have gotten from all of my classmates. It was a pleasure to have met all of you. I hope all your dreams will come true.

Reflection on the Presentation of our Proposal

This whole experience has taught me a lot more than I thought it would. Before the presentation, I was not aware of how much improvement I needed, from designing the slides to having the talk under control. When I began brainstorming for the presentation, I thought that I had known most of what we would cover in the class. On the contrary I was totally wrong. Giving talks is completely different from writing. One needs to rehearse it again and again in order not to get stage fright.

During the presentation I realized that being a good listener is as important as being a good presenter. To be honest I was very nervous at the very beginning of the presentation because I was hoping to give a professional presentation. As a result I was even more stressed out when I saw the negative response from some of my friends from their uninterested look. Sometimes I heard someone chuckling; I panicked as I thought, “Oh! No! Did I do anything silly? Is something going wrong?” My confidence was about to get lost then I saw the friendly smile on our teacher’s face. It was very encouraging and inspiring whenever I looked at Mrs. Richardson. She always shows a lot of interest, enthusiasm and appreciation in any group’s topic. I thought I had to perform better as at least there was one person looking forward to the show. I had a feeling that the ice was broken and I now could go on like the ship sailing on the windy ocean. I appreciate Nigel’s support a lot when he said, “Yes!” in agreement with my questions to the audience as he was the only one who talked. It was one of those cliff hanger moments when if no one said anything, it would be hard to get back on track. It is almost as bad as telling a joke at the start of the presentation but no one laughs.

I have learned so much about myself and how to communicate in a professional fashion. Moreover I find all the strategies we have used during the presentation useful as we might be required to present in our future jobs. I have understood that there is more to effective communication than just listing all the points out and keeping on talking. It also involves understanding the other person’s points of view and feelings.

I have gained so many new skills that will help me in life. I feel that my confidence when speaking to a crowd has improved thanks to this project of giving a presentation. I’m so glad that I have taken this class as it has helped me grow as a person.

Evaluating Intercultural Behavior

I participated in “Work and Travel in the USA” programme last summer vacation. I learned a lot about working in a multicultural environment. During one of my shifts while I was at work, I witnessed a conflict specifically regarding intercultural communication. I was a server so it helped me a lot to interact with everyone in the kitchen. Dinner was the busiest time of the working day. I was a bit I asked one of the servers in the same shift if he could help me run an order to one of my tables. His name was Frank from the U.S. and he said he could help me. After my table had finished their meal, I asked Frank if he could help me bus the table, because it was a big top. Frank helped me bus the table, but as we placed all the dishes in the pit, this conflict broke out. The dishwasher that night was a Japanese girl, whose name I can’t recall at this time. She had been working, by herself, for the last six hours. It had been a very busy night, and I knew she had been working her hardest. Frank was also busy with his own tables and he had helped me with my twenty top. He threw his bus tub into the dish pit and said a crude remark under his breath to me. The girl in the dish pit took it as being about her right when he said it. I could see she was visibly angry about the situation as she started to walk away from her duties to take a break. During the rest of the evening I could feel the tension between Frank and the Japanese girl regarding the comment he had said to me. I knew the situation could be resolved easily if they could just sit down and talk. At the end of the night I knew I had to do something. I asked Frank to sit down with the dishwashing girl and try to work the situation out. He had no idea he had even caused a situation. He said he had said his comment to me, and had no idea that the said comment had offended this girl.


There are many ways to interpret the situation. Let us focus on the girl right now. She took it as an insult because he said something under his breath. When someone does that in Japan, it is rude. On the other hand, in the USA it is OK to say something under your breath most of the time when you are mad about something and if you do not want someone to hear. So Frank thought that he did nothing wrong but the angry girl thought that he should say he was sorry for being rude. Every American thought nothing of it but all the Japanese that worked there were a little mad. I do not think it was healthy to have a cultural conflict at work.

I personally felt that the girl was overreacting to the situation because Frank wasn't talking about her. So to him there was no reason why she should be mad at him. She should have asked if he really was before she got all mad about it. She should not have just assumed things in her own way. However imagine you were the Japanese girl, you were working very hard and someone said something bad about you and your work. It hurt your pride. You would not be in a good mood and clear mind to look at the matter straight. I would interpret it as misunderstanding. If they both had tried to put themselves in the other person’s shoes, the problem would have been worked out.

Personal Statement

My name is Thoai Anh Tang. I am about to graduate from National University of Singapore with a Bachelor degree in Chemistry. I have always dreamt of being a teacher ever since I was young. So when I came to know about the opportunity to study in Singapore, I quickly grabbed the chance to be one step closer to my dream. I have always been a very determined and motivated person even when I was young. I will do whatever it takes to fulfill my dream. The reason why I want to be a teacher is that my teachers in Vietnam have had great influences on me. They have encouraged me to always try my best, which I still remember to this day. I also think that it is a noble profession. Furthermore teaching is great since I am able to learn through out the teaching process. I am confident and energetic, which will aid me with handling students in school.


While pursuing my study in NUS, I have been taking a variety of courses so that I am well-rounded in studies. I have been tutoring for over 4 years in Math, Chemistry and English in order to be well-prepared for the challenge I am going to take in my future career. I would love to teach a variety of subjects instead of just one. I also went to study in Canada as an exchange student. I then participated in “Work and Travel in the USA” during the summer. My interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to working in a multi-cultural environment have improved so much that I was overwhelmed with joy. I believe it was an invaluable experience of a lifetime. In short I would like to share my knowledge and experience to the young generation to shape up Singapore as well as the world talented people.

Application Letter (Draft 2)

Block 689B Choa Chu Kang Drive

#04-308, Singapore 682689

September 05th, 2009

To whom it may concern

Ministry of Education, Singapore
1 North Buona Vista DriveSingapore 138675

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter in regards to your open teaching position with your prestigious Education system. I would like the opportunity to become a Chemistry teacher at one of your schools.
I am well aware with the high standards the Ministry of Education has set and it would be a privilege for me to be a part of your staff.
Being a full-time student and a part-time tutor has taught me lifelong lessons. They involve time management, responsibility, and organizational skills which I plan on using in the class room. In addition I am an enthusiastic, determined and highly motivated teacher. I want my students to grow socially as well as academically. I possess many skills related to your teaching position. These skills make me a good candidate for the teaching position.
I have a B.S. degree in chemistry obtained from the National University of Singapore (NUS). My degree will assist me in teaching the students to the best of my abilities.
I have been a chemistry and math tutor for the last 4 years. While being a tutor, I developed skills directly pertaining to your teaching position. Tutoring students has also built up in me skills in understanding the student mentality, which will assist me a lot with handling a variety of students.
I have also been an English tutor for the last 4 years. Tutoring students in their English studies has taught me respect and patience. This attribute will be very beneficial with regards to being a teacher at of one your schools.
I have taught many students in their weakest fields of study and have felt very rewarding to see great improvements along their studies.
With these skills I believe that I am ready to take up the challenge and be part of the dynamic teaching staff in Singapore. I would like the opportunity to live my dream to become a teacher. Given the chance, I would try my very hardest to be an asset to the Ministry of Education.
I appreciate your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely yours,
Ms. Tang

Resolving Interpersonal Conflict

Two good friends were in the gym lifting weights. Their names were Carl and Matthew. As they were rotating sets, they both saw a beautiful girl, Johanna, running on the treadmill. As fate would have it the two guys and the girl both left the gym at the same time. Pleasantries were exchanged and as they parted ways all three had smiles on their faces. During the next week the two guys saw the girl again and again. Feelings started to form for the girl from both guys. At this moment the two guys had a conversation about who would ask this girl out. They both wanted each other to go for it, so they did nothing. Matthew told Carl he had to go to California for a couple of days so not to do anything while he was gone. Matthew also said they would figure out who would ask the girl out after his trip. Later that same day the girl came to talk to Carl and asked him out. Carl said he would like that; the girl smiled and left the gym. The two days Matthew was gone Carl and Johanna spent every minute they could together. On the third day Carl and Johanna were walking through the university campus holding hands. Matthew saw them walking around holding hands and got irritated. Matthew confronted Carl and asked him how he could have done this to him while he was gone. Matthew told Carl their friendship was over and walked away. Matthew felt betrayed by his best friend. Carl felt like a traitor.

The main problem involves betrayal.

What does Carl need to do to seek forgiveness from Matthew?

Why are effective communication skills important for me?

Effective communication is one of the most essential aspects of owning, running or working for a successful business. Throughout the different echelons of a business, communication skills will need to be changed for different situations as they arise. For instance if you are the owner of a business, your communication skills will be mostly delegation. You will need to be able to communicate with all your employees, and help them understand what their job title entails. As the owner you must also deal with vendors, licensing personnel, and most importantly customers. Without good communication skills you will not be able to have my business, good or bad, for very long. As you climb down the business ladder, you will most likely find managers. Managers must have good communication skills because as their main job title states, they must run and maintain the business regardless of whether the owner is present or not. They must be able to not only communicate with the employees working for the company and make them understand their specific duties but also communicate with people higher up the ladder. Understanding and accepting criticism from the owner or CEO is unfortunately part of the job. Without effective communication skills a manager would find it very hard to comprehend and learn from the criticism given to him. The backbone of any good business is the employees. They are the people who keep the business running from day to day. Without good communication through the eyes and ears of every employee, day to day operation of the business will come to a halt.

So what are some aspects of effective communication? Ernest Hemingway stated, "When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen." One of the most important parts of good communication is listening. Whether you are the owner, operator, or employee of a successful business, sending a message to other employees will never be too difficult. The important part of the message involves the receiving of said message. Without good listening skills, all communication sent to people will become static. Another aspect of good communication in a business is the messages being sent. Plato said, "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because the have to say something." The quality of the message being communicated can be just as important as receiving the message. If you are able to communicate with quality in your messages to an individual or a group, people are more likely to listen and retain the message. With a cluttered message, the integrity of the message will become lost in translation. If you truly do have something to say, people will listen. If you are, sadly, talking with no real purpose, why would people even need to listen?

The president and CEO of National Semiconductor Corp., Gilbert Amelio stated, "Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can't get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn't even matter."

In conclusion, effective communication is one of the most important things we as humans possess. Without good communication skills, we are nothing more than animals.