Chai Yong Jian
3 Emirates Road
Blk 420, #03-30
13 September 2016
Ms Lim Lay Hoon
Professor
3 Emirates Road
Blk 420, #03-30
13 September 2016
Ms Lim Lay Hoon
Professor
Singapore Institute of Technology
10 Dover Drive
Singapore 138682
Dear Ms. Lim,
Subject: My Strength and Weakness in Communication
Subject: My Strength and Weakness in Communication
I am writing you this letter to share with you more about my background, strength, weakness and the goal that I have in mind.
My name is Chai Yong Jian, and I graduated from Singapore Polytechnic with a Diploma in Clean Energy. I am currently pursuing a degree in Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Building Services) in Singapore Institute of Technology.
I consider my strength in communications to be an active listener. I believe that someone who possesses good communication skills must not only be able to speak well, but also to listen well. During my time as a National Serviceman, I served in the Special Investigation Branch. I had to conduct interviews with a multitude of serviceman, from all walks of life. At times, I had to undertake cases involving self-harm and suicidal ideation of serviceman. I discovered that most serviceman involved in such cases just needed someone to talk to. Thus, I provided them my listening ear, considered their weight, and returned advices accordingly.
My weakness is my inability to express myself properly. Being an introvert, I tend to shy away from conversations unless circumstances requires me to do so. As a result, when faced with situations where I have to speak, I tend to get nervous, causing me to stutter and use filler words frequently. Although my experience in the Special Investigation Branch taught me how to better present myself, I still find myself greatly lacking in that aspect. My stuttering and usage of filler words, though reduced, are still present.
As such, my goal for the end of this module is to be able to speak up and portray myself more confidently. I have faith that the invaluable skills attained here will be able to fix my wrongs and improve my rights, and help me achieve my goals in life.
Yours sincerely,
Chai Yong Jian (Mr)
SIE2016/SEM6
Chai Yong Jian (Mr)
SIE2016/SEM6
Hi Yong Jian,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know that we share the same strengths. The ability to listen is such an important aspect that some people may undermine and deem it as being to passive. In my opinion, being a good listener is one of the key factors in becoming a great leader.
Regarding your weakness, I think you are just shy but I believe you are not an introvert, you are just unsure of yourself. You do not have enough confidence to speak up as clearly and accurately as you intended.
Hi Yong Jian,
ReplyDeleteIt was enjoyable reading your post especially about your time served in the Special Investigation Branch.
I agree with you on how communication is a two-way traffic where one should listen as well instead of just wanting to speak. It is a skill that not many possess so kudos to you for having that as your strength.
As for your weaknesses, I believe that with more exposure to presenting, you will slowly build up your confidence and be able to overcome your nervousness. Just remember that confidence is key.
Let us use this module as an opportunity to work on our weaknesses and as a platform to gain more experiences.
Regards,
Joelle
Hi Yong Jian,
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read that you came from a special vocation while serving your time in National Service.
I definitely believe that being an active listener is one of the key strengths in communications. When you are able to listen well, you are able to understand the person’s thoughts and give your advice accordingly. Having such a job is not an easy feat, as it involved a person’s life and I am truly glad to know you have done such a meaningful job that will possibly change someone’s way of living.
As for your weakness, I am able to relate as I was once an introvert who was very shy to talk or even open up to others. It would take a lot of time and effort to slowly build up the confidence to speak up, but it will definitely be an obstacle that you will be able to overcome.
Let’s work together to be more confident in our communication skills and thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Best regards,
Aloysius
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ReplyDeleteDear Yong Jian,
ReplyDeleteI had a great time reading your post on the blog. I like the way you presented your point views on yourself without any reservation for expressing your feeling.
I think that your post is well on the same page with the assignment. The content in your post was clear and very well expressed. I am impressed by the way you give concrete examples to support what you claim. Your writing is concise, coherent and cohesive. You expressed yourself in a clear and succinct manner. Writing was formed orderly and correctly. Every part of your post was incorporated together.
I agree with one of the statement you made. “…someone who possesses good communication skills must not only be able to speak well, but also to listen well…” Often, people would always classify people who tend to speak up and express their feeling as good communicator. This is not true. In my opinion, Communication is a two way process. A good communicator has to be able to convey his message out and take in views from others.
The language used in your post was polite and clear in conveying the message.
I hope to have the opportunity to learn from you throughput the ongoing course of effective communication. Let us work towards being an effective communicator together.
Regards,
Eng Sheng Cai
SIE2016
Group 6
Trimester 2017/2018
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Yong Jian,
ReplyDeleteIt is interested to know that you served in the Special Investigation Branch during National Service.
I believe your traits of being an active listener is important as communication works in both ways. Especially in your case as investigator, any wrong choice of words will cause undesirable consequences.
Similarly, I find myself as someone who is shy in nature and is unable to express myself well around people i am unfamiliar with. I think that we have to be open to meeting new people and get out of our comfort zone to know more people.
Overall, this post is interesting and well written. I believe we can help each other to overcome our problems and strive for better communication skills.
Regards,
Ming Liang