Descriptive Reflection - Formal Introductory Letter
Subject: Self-Introduction Letter
Dear Professor Blackstone,
I am writing this letter with the purpose of formally introducing myself and providing more context on who I am as a person. In 2021, I graduated from Singapore Polytechnic (SP) with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering. My interest in the engineering field has been an intrinsic part of me for as long as I can remember. I have always been fascinated with how the world around me works, and have been down many “rabbit holes” from even the simplest questions. My father also played a part in this, due to his job as an aircraft engine technician at the time and his attitude of “everything is fixable” that he showed to many things around the house.
Upon reflection, I feel that my communication strength is empathy. During conversations, I try to make it a point to really think about what I am going to say and how it might affect the other person.
As an introvert, my biggest communication weakness is public speaking. Paired with a slight stutter, I have always been apprehensive about speaking to groups of people. In situations where speaking to groups of strangers is inevitable, I always feel the same wave of nervousness creep up on me and though it has lessened over time, I am still not able to say that I am comfortable with it.
Through this module, I aim to improve my public speaking skills by getting quality practice and guidance. I also hope to refine my critical thinking skills and ability to articulate them by learning and applying relevant techniques. As for a personal brand, I think that “thinking before doing” is a succinct way to describe the type of person I try to be.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and any thoughts or feedback is greatly appreciated!
Warm regards,
Ewan Cheong
Hey Ewan, after reading your letter, you using "down a rabbit hole" gave me a refresher on the metaphor haha. I appreciate the way you structured your content according to the guiding question, it makes reading engaging. In terms of organisation I would consider linking communication strength and personal brand together as they are relevant and can enhance the coherence of your message.
ReplyDeleteFor example, "Upon reflection I have identified empathy as my communication strength...This aligns with my personal brand..."
Overall, your language use is commendable, and I can say that this letter reflects positively on you and allow readers like myself to feel connected and understand you on a deeper level. Well done Ewan! (also, love the background colour)
Hi Ewan,
DeleteGood read, with a natural flow in prose and structure.
A short history on how you got into engineering, citing your father as an inspiration, brings to mind how I've seen my father's work within construction sites for decades, and how that forms part of the sensibilities I have choosing civil engineering as a path forward. A great way to connect with your readers.
Regarding communication strength, to piggyback off of Gordon, I'd say perhaps some talk on how you've arrived at the level of empathy you practice in communications?
Being a wannabe public speaker, the nerves never go away. What comes with experience is how you control the nerves and find things to hang onto. For me, I try to use stories as material for public speaking (as you've seen last Tuesday). Telling stories, especially ones that are personal to you, gives you more freedom to bend the script, because the greatest obstacle of "knowing what to say" is already overcome. What matters then is only how you choose to tell the story.
"Thinking before doing," huh. Can't say I've ingrained that in me yet. Hope to learn from you on that aspect.
Dear Ewan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this highly detailed and informative letter. In it you address the key areas of the assignment, doing so with clear language use and fine illustrations. I like the way you provide a clear description of your evolving interest in CVE and how your dad's influence impacted you. You also explain in detail your communication skills, including the sense that you're an introvert. (I must say, you don't strike me as one in class.)
I'm especially impressed by the saying which you state is something you live by: "Thinking before doing." That's a very fine approach to have in life, one that more people should consider.
Language wise this is an excellent effort.
I look forward to learning more about you this term.
Best wishes,
Brad