I have a new subject this semester called Effective Communication Skills.Its quite interesting and I'm already loving the subject.It also helps when you have an intelligent and lively lecturer to guide you as you learn.Basically,the subject tells you the do's and don'ts when communicating with people.I'm sure some people would be thinking ''Why do I need to learn this subject?I already know how to speak!''. Rest assure,I'm sure you do .But do speak effectively?Now thats a catch.Turns out there's so many things I didn't know and not as easy as it seems.
Anyways,
The first assignment for this subject is a solo presentation.Each student is required to give a 5 minute speech on any topic that is intended to inform,to persuade, or to motivate others.I think its a fair task to do.Nothing so extreme that you have to rack your brains or spend hours in the library researching.I was excited already!
When we had to draw lots,and I got number 18 which means I was to present in a months time.But then I did something I wasn't so convinced of doing...but did anyway.I volunteered to be number ONE!Even as I'm typing this now,I still have no idea what gave me the courage to be the first speaker.I guess,considering its the easiest assignment,why not get it over with faster?In a way,it motivates you to work faster,plan better and present earlier.Also,I have more time to think about other assignments !
It took me days though ,to get the perfect topic.Like other people I tend to overthink and assume that every topic is never 'good enough'. Should I talk about experience?Sports?Culture?Advantages of eating a banana?Ok the last one is just lame.But see,the list is endless......
After switching topics every 4 hours,doing drafts halfway and starting new ones,I found a story that I thought was worth sharing.Not gonna attach the entire story here but I'd like to summarise it.I hate tragedies, and avoid reading about these on the net.However,this story had a happy ending that I was compelled to make it my public speaking topic.Here's the gist of it;
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| Steve Callahan |
''My public speaking is about a man who has survived 76 days lost as sea.He was sailing solo when a night storm and a large unknown creature hit his ship.Water started flooding in and he escaped on a life raft.Days after,as he was starving to death,he caught sea birds and fish to survive.After 2 1/2 months ,he was rescued by several fishermen.He lost 1/3 of his weight and suffered mental disorientation.Throughout his time at sea,he saw 9 ships but all failed to detect him.After his recovery,he published a book and was invited to help make the movie Life of Pie.Its been 30 years since his survival but he's still strong.He's diagnosed with leukemia recently yet he did not succumed to the news.Cheerfully he said ''I spent my 30th birthday on a life raft and my 60th birthday on a hospital bed.Everything may not be wonderful but my wife and I always look for gifts in a situation''
Inspirational,isn't it ?
I would have burst into tears if I ever see him in person.There are just people who can touch you with their story.I know this sounds ridiculous,but I get teary each time I read about him.I wish him well and have a blessed life.I'm sorry this post isnt all smiles and roses but in conclusion,be grateful for your wonderful life and STAY grateful.
I'm still using my remaining one week to edit and prepare my powerpoint slides for the presentation.Yes from one month of preparation,I have only 1 week left ! HAHA.
Till then,
All to best to me and my colleagues for our first presentation! Lets knock em dead !
PS:I'm actually planning a surprise for someone and it has nothing to do with this post.If it succeeds,I'll post it very soon.If it doesnt? Well then I wont .
Have a good weekend everyone !
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