"Have you checked your email this morning?"
"Not yet. I was busy troubleshooting the ultrasonic lid welder this morning."
"OK, never-mind. We will have 6 new employees on this coming Monday. I'd like you to give them PLC (programmable logic control for automation) and MicroCure (variable frequency microwave oven) training on Tuesday and Wednesday. Is it alright?"
"It's alright but, boss, i have never been a trainer before. I'm afraid that..."
"Don't worry. Just teach them what you know and tell them the most common problems as well as the solutions about the machines."
"OK, I'll give it a try.."
I was a technical specialist at InkJet Manufacturing Supply Hewlett-Packard Singapore (Private) Limited before i pursue B. Sc at NUS. I was shocked when i heard the news and my mind went blank. "Well, like Desmond (my boss that time) said, don't worry and just tell them what i know. As easy as pie." I told myself.
When Tuesday came, i was so nervous (i don't know why!) and my heart beat 100 times a minute. In fact there is nothing that i should be afraid of as I'm so familiar with the machine as well as the software. But somehow, i just cannot conquer the fear. Instead, my mind was overtaken by the fear!
"Relax!" i kept telling myself that.
There were an Indian (from India, not local), 2 Chinese (from China, not local as well) and 3 locals. As you might have expected, I was in a mess; the Indian and the Chinese did not understand most of my "English"! Worst, my face was stiffed as a board and i stammered off and on. They were lost when i explained the troubleshooting guideline. I was so embarrassed.
Also, I've made a lot of mistakes and conveyed a lot of wrong ideas as i was so nervous to express myself right. At the end of the day, i think the Indian and the Chinese could barely understand 20% of the trainings. It was such a waste of time.
From that day onwards, I've finally realized the importance of professional communication. If I was well equipped with the skills of effective communication for the training, i would express myself concisely. We will have no waste of time and, most importantly, i can avoid such a big embarrassment. When i have graduated and have started my working life again, regardless work as a scientist, engineer, science teacher or even technical specialist again, i believe that everyday of my life is about "presentation"--normal conversation, idea sharing or even making a complain in front of my boss. All these require the art of effective communication in order to obtain the best result. So, being an effective communicator, it would have a big advantage in my life and i won't be on edge to express myself anymore.
How i wish i could present myself like Steve Jobs one day!
Communication breakdown could have occured due to lack of understanding by the Indian and chinese as you mentioned. This could also probably due to singapore's culture and probably due to our 'singlish'. In addition, I think it is also important to build up confidence level and the way we present ourselves in the working world. Lastly, it's great to share your story and hope you can be like Steve job.
ReplyDeleteYour story certainly reminds me of many situations I had back when I was serving the Army.
ReplyDeleteGiving presentations to foreigners are always a challenge. This is mostly due to the fact, they are used to hearing English in a different accent.
To add on to the bad situation, since you were nervous, I am sure you rushed through or spoke quite fast.
Learning these skills will help, but practicing is more important. Like Eileen said, confidence is very important. Having the skills will not make you more confident but believing in yourself will.
Hi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteyour experience reminds me that we must be real careful with our english when we communicate with foreigners. i guess you must also have exhibit abit of nonverbal cues to show that you are nervous.anyway, i find the sentence as follow is abit long and it would be great if you can refine it to make it short and simple. "When i have graduated and have started my working life again, regardless work as a scientist, engineer, science teacher or even technical specialist again, i believe that everyday of my life is about "presentation"--normal conversation, idea sharing or even making a complain in front of my boss."
Thanks. Look forward to hearing more experiences from you!
Gail
To Eileen and Pak Ming, thanks for your encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you guys that lack of confident is really my biggest barrier for me to communicate concisely and professionally.
Well, i think i should tell myself: "Good morning! Chin up and kan ba te! You are the best!" every morning when i wake up in order to boost my confident.
Hope it works. :P
To Gail, thank you too for the point you surfaced as well as the sms reply on Sunday.
Cheers (n_n)
Hi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting post i must say, but how does it fulfil the assignment??
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Wei Hong,
ReplyDeleteAre you referring to the second post?
I have not finish my second post yet--LOL. I always change/modify my post off and on before 1200am of Monday.
Anyway, after talking to my friend, Wayne, just now, he told me that actually it is an internal stylist competition. Wayne need to wash and trim Alicia's hair within 30 mins and the result will determine Wayne's promotion of becoming a stylist.
I hope i have answered your question and pardon me for the confusion caused.
Cheers,
Ryan