Critical Reflection

One of the most beneficial and significant projects I did with Effective Communication module would be the Technical Report. Through this approximately 6 weeks long assignment, I manage to pick up valuable presentation skills.

I was able to improve and develop my presentation skills. 2 weeks ago, I presented to my fellow classmates for my team’s idea “Retractable Handgrip.” As compared, the 2 previous presentations I had (Peer Teaching and Mock Presentation for Technical Report), I was much confident and clear when I present my idea to the class. I tend to be shaken and anxious when I am uncertain when I do not have a good grasp of the topic. To counter this, I should read up and educate myself with the background of the topic I am sharing about. This allows me to do on the spot changes to my speech if my mind was to blank out during the presentation. My classmate, Winfred, also ascertain that one has to be knowledgeable in an area, can he or she be able to carry out a clear and confident presentation. If I were to not share, I would probably take longer or never gain adequate confident to carry out a persuasive and clear presentation.

This experience has changed my view of learning in oral communication. For one to be sharing, he or she has to be knowledgeable in that specific field. My take away from this project is the ability to execute an effective and fluent presentation. This will benefit when I work in the engineering industry, where there are countless projects and presentation to be carried out and done.

To sum up my journey throughout this 12-week course, I strongly believe with the written and oral communication skills I have obtained, I am now an effective communicator.

Technical Report - Background

Hand grips in public trains are of paramount importance when it comes to safety of the trains commuters. As the train moves, standing commuters will use the hand grips to keep their balance. During peak hours, 84.4% of commuters are standing. Out of the standing commuters, only 19.3% are able to use the support poles while the 20% will need to use the hand grip instead according to Ng (N.D).

The grab handles in Singapore’s MRT are suspended at approximately 170cm, 4 cm shorter than the average height of a Singaporean male at 174cm as stated by Toh (2010). Based on an earlier survey conducted for this project, 88% of respondent find the hand grips to be an obstruction. With the current design, the hand grips swing back and forth while the train moves or when the previous person holding it releases. Commuters standing in the range of the swinging motion of the hand grip may get hit by it. In the conduct of an evacuation, commuters will need to walk through to either ends of the train. During which, the hand grips may be an obstruction for commuters.

Additionally, 66.7% of respondents find it unsafe to hold onto the hand grips as they find that the hand grip is not sturdy. As the train suddenly speeds up or slows down, some commuters may be thrown off balance. The hand grip turns with the commuter, and thus does not serve as a stable support to prevent the commuter from falling and getting injured.
The minimal changes to the hand grip design over the years proves the potential for change to be more effective in the future. The effects of technology can be implemented on the hand grips to better its functionality.

With the main stakeholder being SMRT and its investors, the safety of commuters should be enhanced and improved to keep up its reputable standards of a world-class transport system.

Analytical Reflection

Thinking back, my heart beat would still accelerate when I visualise the moment when I presented to my class. Indeed, those preparations over the weekend and the wee hours during the weekdays paid off. However, my lecturer and I have found out and pinpoint on a few improvements that can be made.

Firstly, I need to work on using audio-visual aids to better express my ideas during the presentation. After the mock oral presentation, my fellow classmates have given me a few valuable tips.  Raynor was the first to give his comments to me. He commented on the part where I showcase my group’s idea of the proposed solution. He thinks that the way I presented was rather unclear and disorganized. He emphasised that there are a lot of technical engineering terms that layman would not understand. With his input, I have made improvements by adding in animation video clips to better explain the content and reshuffled the flow of my presentation by considering from the point of view of an audience.

Secondly, I would have to improve on my body posture when I am waiting for my turn for the presentation and while presenting. My lecturers have commented on the way I stand and how I made small movement throughout the duration of the whole presentation. She mentioned that I was seen supporting myself with a single leg and fidgeting with my hands. These are small actions which can create a major negative impression of myself, which can hinder my overall confidence and image that I portray to the audience.

All in all, I have benefited much from this mock presentation. I am looking forward to applying the skills I have picked up and show the improved version of myself on the day of the actual presentation.