Any improvements?

Reviewing my oral presentation on video was an eye-opener as I was able to notice my strengths and flaws. Below is a list of goals that I wanted to achieve prior to OP2 and I will use them to reflect on my performance.

• Strong familiarity with content
• Clear and effective use of language
• Suitable eye contact
• Relaxed, natural and effective use of gestures
• Clear enthusiasm and confidence

OP1 weaknesses: Slightly monotonous; Looked nervous; Did not seem to know content ;Hesitation

I have stated my weaknesses in OP1 to check if there were improvements.

Firstly, I believe I was very well-informed of the content compared to in OP1. I did not solely depend on my memory but rather displayed understanding of the project. Hence, I did not hesitate like I did in OP1. So it was an improvement in that aspect. The use of language was suitable and appropriate and I believe I managed to get my message across effectively and clearly. I did a quick survey with the audience during my presentation and they responded to me well, which serves as a proof.

One of my weaknesses from OP1 was my nerves. I was visibly nervous. In OP2, I believe I appeared far less nervous although my heart was racing. This could be due to the extra rehearsals and practice. Also, I maintained eye contact with the audience throughout and engaged with them. Something I failed to do in OP1.

However, I would like to improve on my gestures. I gesture too frequently which could be a distraction. I could have kept my hands by the side at certain segments of the presentation. Finally, I should appear more enthused and inject some energy into the presentation. Something I feel will come with experience.

In summary, I feel there was progress and I am pleased. As a team, we did relatively well too.

This is Personal (Reflection on Team Meeting 1)

I would like to use this post to focus on my own performance during the first team meeting. I understand that my previous post covered predominantly the team's performance. Before I begin, below is a list of some of the roles of a team member.

1. Information Giver - Offers facts or generalizations that may relate to the team's task.
2. Information/Opinion Seeker - Asks for clarification of suggestions & opinions made by other members and asks how people in the team feel
3. Opinion Giver - States beliefs or opinions having to do with suggestions made
4. Supporter/Encourager - Praises, agrees with, and accepts the contributions of others; offers warmth and recognition
5. Feeling "Expresser" - Makes explicit the thoughts & feelings.

Now the question is, did I fulfill my duty as a team member?

Whenever any of my team members suggested something or offered any kind of input pertaining to the task, I clarified them to ensure we were on the same wavelength and that the suggestion/information was not something irrelevant to the task. I constantly asked questions to avoid making assumptions and to have a clearer picture of things. I also lauded Jing Mei when she contributed a unique idea that no one thought of, showing support.

However, I did not contribute enough to the meeting in terms of information/facts. The first ten to fifteen minutes of the meeting was largely one-sided with Tuan Vu speaking. This could be due to my lack of knowledge of the task. Also, I rarely provided any kind of opinion. I kept my feelings and thoughts to myself and did not express them enough. I was afraid my input would be of no use and only disrupt the flow of the meeting.

For subsequent meetings, I need to be armed with some knowledge about the task so that I can contribute. Also, I have to express opinions and thoughts without fear even if they ought to be futile.