I used to think that as an engineer, I would just operate on machines and hence I do not need to talk, machines would not response me either. But now I believe that I would gradually become a machine if I seldom communicate. Human is never isolated as if he was in a solitary island. Engineers do not marry machines, but they also have their life besides work. Furthermore, nowadays working as a team is always more productive than as individual. Thus, to communicate and effectively is essential.
For me, I believe I am a good listener. I can easily concentrate while I am involved in a conversation. It is easy for me catch the information that others are trying to convey. However, things are different when I am going to talk (in English). As I learn English by memorizing vocabularies and grammars rather than from communication, sometimes I would fail to express my thoughts clearly. Occasionally people will misunderstand what I actually mean. It is impossible to enlarge my vocabulary within a short time. Therefore I think, effective communication skills would primarily help me understood easily by others.
That is also the reason why I take ES2007S, which most PRC students extremely fear. I wish as time being, effective communication skills will not only help me understood by others, also help me become impressive and lead me to a success.
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ReplyDeleteHi Zhang Jiao,
ReplyDeleteIt seems like I have found another peer who shared the same thoughts as I did in the past about the importance of effective communications to an engineer.
Initially when I first read your post, I do not share the same sentiments that talking to others is harder since I have been educated in English medium schools. However, the issue of language barrier becomes apparent when I tried to communicate with my peers from PRC in Chinese and it was then I truly understood your difficulties.
I believe it must have taken you lots of courage to bid for this module but I am sure that you will learn a lot from it.
Regards
Chung Wing Tai
Dear Zhang Jiao:
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are not like most PRC students who are fearful to take up this module and I believe that you take the right step. I think that this module will allow you to immerse yourself in an environment where English is the main mode of communication. In my opinion, this will increase your vocabulary and build your confidence as you communicate more with us in class.
As the labour market become more competitive, good communication is required to support the technical skills one may possess. Thus, I believe your motivation in improving your communication skills will definitely be put to good use for your employment in future. I hope your effort would pay off and you can walk away from this module with a better ability to interact and engage others in any form of communication.
PS: I hope I did not give you a fright in the morning when I asked you to share with the class during the presentation.
With regards,
Kar Liang
Hi Zhang Jiao,
ReplyDeleteYou have identified listening skills as building blocks for effective communication. I do agree that listening correctly is the first step toward successful communication. After reading your post, I am looking forward to your sharing on how you build up your listening skills in more details. It will be enriching to learn how you synthesize non-verbal cues, show enthusiasm to the speaker, and of course how you identify information beyond the words.
You also mentioned that you have difficulty in speaking to others in English. I share the same view that it is not easy for us to speak in languages other than their mother tongue. It does require a lot of practices to improve on that. This course is a good platform for us to learn techniques on presenting ideas effectively and further put these skills into practices. Hope we could all enjoy the course along this learning journey.
Chaoyi
Hi Zhang Jiao
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. I know it is difficult to write a post in English, which is not your first language.
While I understand what you have written, I need to point out that correctness is lacking. Perhaps, in future, you can ask someone to help you edit your posts.
Regards
Happy