Critical Reflection

 At the beginning of this module, I set two personal goals. Firstly, to become more confident and composed when speaking in front of groups, so that my ideas can be conveyed effectively, and secondly, to structure my thoughts more clearly in conversations and presentations, so I could contribute more meaningfully in team settings.

Looking back, I believe I’ve made significant progress in both areas. Weekly group discussions and peer feedback sessions gave me the chance to step out of my comfort zone and gradually build confidence. Early on, I often found myself hesitating or stumbling when speaking spontaneously, even when I had a solid grasp of the content. However, as the course progressed, I noticed a clear improvement in my ability to communicate under pressure. I became more composed and articulate, gaining confidence in both my delivery and presence. I learned to pace my speech effectively, maintain steady eye contact, and focus on conveying key messages with clarity. These skills proved especially important during our final group presentation.

These skills proved especially important during our final group presentation. I still remember the moment when I spoke without relying on my notes. Instead of feeling nervous, I felt confident

During that presentation, I was able to speak confidently and respond to questions smoothly without relying on a script. That moment clearly showed how much more in control and self-assured I had become since the start of the module.

My second goal, learning to structure my thoughts more clearly, was also addressed through reflective writing and class activities. I became more intentional in how I organized ideas in both speech and writing. For example, outlining key points before meetings helped me communicate more clearly and contribute more effectively in team discussions.

Additionally, this module deepened my understanding of critical thinking. I learned that effective communication goes beyond simply sharing opinions. It involves supporting ideas with reasoning, considering alternative perspectives, and listening actively. Through peer feedback and project work, I became more aware of how to express my thoughts clearly and engage more meaningfully in group discussions. This has helped me grow as both a communicator and a team member. Moving forward, I plan to continue developing these skills by seeking out more speaking opportunities, applying feedback, and staying mindful of how I structure and deliver my ideas. The progress I’ve made has motivated me to keep challenging myself in future academic and professional settings.

One key area of growth during the research project was developing presentation skills in a collaborative setting. While I’ve done presentations before, this one emphasized group coordination, message coherence, and audience engagement. I learned that a strong individual performance isn’t enough without team unity.

Working with my teammates to align our content and tone helped me see presentations as a shared responsibility. We practiced together, gave feedback, and refined our transitions to create a more seamless experience for the audience. This experience taught me to not only focus on my own section but to understand how it fits within the broader message we were delivering. It strengthened my ability to work collaboratively while staying focused on the audience’s perspective..

Preparation also played a key role in building my confidence. By understanding our research deeply and anticipating questions, I was able to present more naturally and handle the Q&A with greater ease. This highlighted my growth in both confidence and clarity.

Overall, this project reinforced that effective communication isn’t just about speaking well—it’s about connecting, listening, and collaborating. I genuinely enjoyed the module, especially the opportunities it gave me to grow through teamwork and discussion. These are skills I will continue to carry with me in future studies and my engineering career.