Chanelle' Critical Reflection regarding this module:
GOALS?
At the beginning of this module, I set two key goals: improving my ability to present ideas with clarity and confidence and developing the skill of adapting my communication style to suit different audiences.
SO?
Reflecting on my progress, I believe I have successfully achieved my first goal. During our final presentation, I felt natural and was able to articulate my ideas clearly while confidently answering questions, despite my initial fears. I was also pleased with my performance and the score I received. To achieve this, I practiced extensively with my group—first using a script and then transitioning to a script-free approach once I felt ready. Additionally, I actively sought feedback from others, which helped me refine my delivery.
For my second goal, I recognize that it is still a work in progress. During the formal presentation, I received feedback that my posture appeared too casual when answering questions. Furthermore, I was advised to adopt a more professional tone, as I had referred to potential investors as "you guys," which was considered too informal. Despite these areas for improvement, I was able to maintain professionalism throughout most of the presentation.
Moving forward, I plan to refine my ability to adapt to different audiences by being more conscious of my posture and language in formal settings. Practicing with an emphasis on formality and seeking further feedback will help me bridge these gaps. Overall, this module has significantly enhanced my communication skills, and I am confident that with continued effort, I will further improve in these areas. (251 words)
HOW ABOUT MY RESEARCH PROJ?
As a group, we learned a great deal about each other throughout this project. Jonathan, Kai Jie, Jannah, and I came from different cliques, and under normal circumstances, we might not have worked together. As the elected leader, I chose to work with them to challenge myself and make new connections. I selected teammates I had previously worked with—either in this module or in trimester 1—believing that a mix of familiarity and new dynamics would create a productive environment.
At the start, our meetings felt transactional, strictly focused on work, and lacked a natural team dynamic. Conversations were formal, and some members hesitated to share their thoughts, leading to slower decision-making. I recognized that an effective team is not just about skills but about fostering positive relationships. To bridge this gap, I initiated casual conversations outside of work discussions, encouraging my teammates to connect beyond the project. Over time, our interactions became more natural, and by the time we reached our final presentation, we were friends.
Through this experience, I learned that a strong presentation is not just about individual preparation but also about team synergy. The trust we built allowed us to speak with confidence and authenticity rather than relying on rigid scripts. I also realized that collaboration extends beyond task division; it involves understanding and leveraging each team member’s strengths. Some of us excelled at structuring arguments, while others were more engaging speakers. Recognizing these strengths helped us divide presentation roles effectively.
This experience changed my perspective on learning. I now see that success in group projects is not solely based on technical skills but also on interpersonal dynamics. In the future, I will prioritize team bonding early on, knowing that it directly enhances communication, collaboration, and presentation effectiveness. Additionally, I will approach public speaking with a more adaptive mindset, focusing on connection rather than perfection.
Ultimately, this project taught me that effective teamwork is not just about working together but about understanding, adapting, and supporting each other’s qualities that translate into confident and compelling presentations. (338 words)
Thank you, Chanelle, for this articulate, very well focused and insightful reflection. All the best in your continuing learning journey and life in general!
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