Why work in RA
Typical day
Projects
Role of finance industry in the economy
GS Team = subscriber
News
Annual reports and recommendations
Formulate -
Research teams
Alistair:
Broad, coveted role
Financial modelling
Conveying information; written/verbal
Basically competitive
competiting on intellectual ground
Not just counter-balance...
RH flexible, looks after other people, is ridiculously nice. Some self-reservation in the mix. Don't just stop at 1 thing. Always thank about the next step.
Accounting dazzle me personality. Interesting. Grades, meets the minimum requirement, higher diploma. Volunteer. Picture yourself to go through. I want to meet up. Make yourself interesting.
Reserve contact, work experience.
Contacts....! Very important!
Be at the right place, right time
Angel
Perspective
Credit default - how is it interpreted overseas?
Bring something new into the discussion on top of what view is being held by the general public.
Old stuff ---> new ; Would you be willing to pay for it?
Educated guess/ probability chance
Imperfect combination of every information you have at hand. Plus methodology.
Everybody else does it...
Be yourself and be interesting.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
1. Establish objectives
2. Set strategy
3. Implement solutions
4. Review progress
1. Time horizon - returns expectations, portfolio, appreciation, absolute benchmark relative (in real terms).
2. Active/passive. Fixed income, cash holding.
3. Strategic (long-term 2 mths+)
4. Currency evaluation...different rates may affect yield.
Investor profile: conservative, moderate, aggressive. "High risk, high gain"
Volatility = std deviation
Portfolio re-balancing...passive, not active.
Process of buying/selling to maintain initial asset allocation for investment objectives & risk tolerance.
S&P 500 9% avg return, 5% historically feasible. If have right mix of composition, risk appetite, etc.
US 10 year bond 4% government-backed.
V.T: Good communicator, willing to take risk, outgoing personality, requires creativity...
Speak clearly, communicate effectively
Financial services. Consumer, retail, ib, am, pe, pb.
Bubbles burst every time, every where.
2. Set strategy
3. Implement solutions
4. Review progress
1. Time horizon - returns expectations, portfolio, appreciation, absolute benchmark relative (in real terms).
2. Active/passive. Fixed income, cash holding.
3. Strategic (long-term 2 mths+)
4. Currency evaluation...different rates may affect yield.
Investor profile: conservative, moderate, aggressive. "High risk, high gain"
Volatility = std deviation
Portfolio re-balancing...passive, not active.
Process of buying/selling to maintain initial asset allocation for investment objectives & risk tolerance.
S&P 500 9% avg return, 5% historically feasible. If have right mix of composition, risk appetite, etc.
US 10 year bond 4% government-backed.
V.T: Good communicator, willing to take risk, outgoing personality, requires creativity...
Speak clearly, communicate effectively
Financial services. Consumer, retail, ib, am, pe, pb.
Bubbles burst every time, every where.
Francis' cup analogy...
Asking people for advice, not all advice are suitable for you.
Make sure to evaluate, and reflect.
Unconscious effort "concerned about how other people perceive you is not a useful thing at all"
Listen to what other people have to say.
If other people care about you, it is a bonus.
K is looking for long-term relationships.
Down time:
So, invest time & care: [Work, family, immediate concern]
Stress can be bad or good - it depends on how you set it up for yourself.
Ask yourself why? Can it be resolved today and now?
Being prepare to face the worst situation may be helpful in reducing stress.
How can I accomplish this? [This is called the stress receiver].
Stuff from previous class:
You are an achiever because your persistence has paid off!
Be persistent and positive, with your enthusiasm in an open manner.
T.I.L.P.T.S.I.M
1. Humourous & funny. 2. Quick think on my feet type (spontaneous). 3. Analytical.
Be myself (after using D.C. principle to lay a foundation for my relationships.
Improve self-confidence.
W.O.P.H.S.A.M
warm, caring, fast learner, keen at improving personal relationships, become more confident.
A.N.T.F.
1. Humourous. 2. Strong will. 3. Dedication, passion. 4. Self motivated. 5. Always on top of jobs. 6. Warm an caring. 7. Flexible, Adaptive to circumstances and comfort zones.
F/F
18. Be sympathetic with the other person's p.o.v.
20. Dramatize your ideas.
Result - better understanding of each other; help each other.
M.V.I.36.M. 5/9/2008
I am a confident multi-task speaker and organizer.
Show appreciateion & encouragement to my friends and to my peers.
I will commit to what I have already done/promised. Be enthusiastic about the smallest things. Add enthusiasm to my work.
Motivate other people to do the same.
How to stimulate my thinking.
Don't be tary/ tary things too long.
IDHAF -why? How come?
.How, What, Why?
I really don't have too much problem w/ getting people to like me - so really it's about getting in touch w/ other people.
If you don't try to understand the other person, you may not be able to communicate or have a good relationship for them (gives them the idea that you're too selfish).
Asking people for advice, not all advice are suitable for you.
Make sure to evaluate, and reflect.
Unconscious effort "concerned about how other people perceive you is not a useful thing at all"
Listen to what other people have to say.
If other people care about you, it is a bonus.
K is looking for long-term relationships.
Down time:
So, invest time & care: [Work, family, immediate concern]
Stress can be bad or good - it depends on how you set it up for yourself.
Ask yourself why? Can it be resolved today and now?
Being prepare to face the worst situation may be helpful in reducing stress.
How can I accomplish this? [This is called the stress receiver].
Stuff from previous class:
You are an achiever because your persistence has paid off!
Be persistent and positive, with your enthusiasm in an open manner.
T.I.L.P.T.S.I.M
1. Humourous & funny. 2. Quick think on my feet type (spontaneous). 3. Analytical.
Be myself (after using D.C. principle to lay a foundation for my relationships.
Improve self-confidence.
W.O.P.H.S.A.M
warm, caring, fast learner, keen at improving personal relationships, become more confident.
A.N.T.F.
1. Humourous. 2. Strong will. 3. Dedication, passion. 4. Self motivated. 5. Always on top of jobs. 6. Warm an caring. 7. Flexible, Adaptive to circumstances and comfort zones.
F/F
18. Be sympathetic with the other person's p.o.v.
20. Dramatize your ideas.
Result - better understanding of each other; help each other.
M.V.I.36.M. 5/9/2008
I am a confident multi-task speaker and organizer.
Show appreciateion & encouragement to my friends and to my peers.
I will commit to what I have already done/promised. Be enthusiastic about the smallest things. Add enthusiasm to my work.
Motivate other people to do the same.
How to stimulate my thinking.
Don't be tary/ tary things too long.
IDHAF -why? How come?
.How, What, Why?
I really don't have too much problem w/ getting people to like me - so really it's about getting in touch w/ other people.
If you don't try to understand the other person, you may not be able to communicate or have a good relationship for them (gives them the idea that you're too selfish).
Sunday, September 21, 2008
People are selfish. They are interested chiefly in themselves. They are not very much concerned about whether the government should own the railroads; but they do want to know how to get ahead, how to draw more salary, how to keep healthy. If I were editor of this magazine, I would tell them how to take care of their teeth, how to take baths how to keep cool in summer, how to get a position, how to handle employees, how to buy homes, how to remember, how to avoid grammatical error, and so on. People are always interested human interest stories, so I would have to tell the stories of how they battled their ways up from the ranks to power and wealth.
There is nothing so interesting to ourselves as ourselves.
Audiences are composed of individuals, and they react like individuals. Openly criticize an audience and they resent it. Show your appreciation for something they have done that is worthy of praise, adn you win a passport into their hearts. This often requires some research on your part. Such fulsome phrases as "this is the most intelligent audience I have ever addressed," are resented as hollow flattery by most audiences.
In the words of a great speaker, Chauncey M. Depew, you have to "tell them something about themselves that they didn't think you could possibly know."
Audiences are composed of individuals, and they react like individuals. Openly criticize an audience and they resent it. Show your appreciation for something they have done that is worthy of praise, adn you win a passport into their hearts. This often requires some research on your part. Such fulsome phrases as "this is the most intelligent audience I have ever addressed," are resented as hollow flattery by most audiences.
In the words of a great speaker, Chauncey M. Depew, you have to "tell them something about themselves that they didn't think you could possibly know."
Friday, September 19, 2008
I don't want to be the generation that just misses by the tail.
Life is changing constantly.
It's the same thing as saying change is the only constant.
I may and hope not to hide up in grad school waiting for the economy to get better in the next few years...
Now, who is to say, "It's the economy, stupid"
Life is changing constantly.
It's the same thing as saying change is the only constant.
I may and hope not to hide up in grad school waiting for the economy to get better in the next few years...
Now, who is to say, "It's the economy, stupid"
20. Bad experiences can turn you off. Scarred for life. Will to develop good friends is like that. It's time to try again. If you don't try, you won't succeed. But if it's important, you must persist until you make the breakthrough.
21. Next time you meet someone that could be your good friend, go for it. Try. Don't be disappointed.
22. Shyness - how can you be more approachable otherwise?? If you're tired you go away. Somehow you give the other person the cold, hostile, unfriendly signal.
23. TRY TO BE APPROACHABLE, BE FRIENDLY USE PRINCIPLES 1-9.
24. The first step is initiating conversation with someone that you like. Try to be approachable, be friendly...it takes skills and practice. When the other person is making the first step, don't try to be the other person that you don't like.
25. Use the principles first. Think about the worries later.
First, good listener, approachable. Then decide if you like the person.
26. Master the principles. Because you can't do the subsequent parts, though the initial feeling is important as well.
Once you stop using the principles, you're not depositing into your relationship bank (maybe some other crap).
27. Having a meal together might be a bigger commitment.
Principles 1-9 are important to you for the time being...
21. Next time you meet someone that could be your good friend, go for it. Try. Don't be disappointed.
22. Shyness - how can you be more approachable otherwise?? If you're tired you go away. Somehow you give the other person the cold, hostile, unfriendly signal.
23. TRY TO BE APPROACHABLE, BE FRIENDLY USE PRINCIPLES 1-9.
24. The first step is initiating conversation with someone that you like. Try to be approachable, be friendly...it takes skills and practice. When the other person is making the first step, don't try to be the other person that you don't like.
25. Use the principles first. Think about the worries later.
First, good listener, approachable. Then decide if you like the person.
26. Master the principles. Because you can't do the subsequent parts, though the initial feeling is important as well.
Once you stop using the principles, you're not depositing into your relationship bank (maybe some other crap).
27. Having a meal together might be a bigger commitment.
Principles 1-9 are important to you for the time being...
It has also now come to my attention that other pressing matters that I would like to make better is how to fight off boredom and lack of motivation:
1. One hour off.
2. You have to be very conscious about taking a break off. Remember to watch the clock.
3. Matthew mind-maps.
4. Make practical lists...easier for you to memorize, to do a summary, or check out mind-map.
5. Some things that you don't know, actually requires discipline. But you know the not-so-good sides/ consequences?
6. You need someone to actually you.
7. Email correspondences are actually cycles you want to promote. But think about whether you want the feedback to be immediate, or take some time to write the response. Take your time, and so will the other person. It's a very normal thing that happens between two people who communicate.
8. Call them up and tell them you will be late. So they won't worry. Your situation may be delicate. They still have the responsibility to look after you, and they do have concern but can't directly tell you.
9. When you're busy and such you still need to be a responsible person.
10. Even if it's not too convenient for you...
11. Somehow, they might think it's hard to look after you, because you're not really their friends and you are certainly not family. Make more interaction happen. Appreciation.
12. If you don't tell them they don't know what your plan is.
13. How comfortable you are with another person depends on how comfortable you are with them. There are some people that are easier to get along with than other people. If you're not comfortable to socialize with other person.
14. Very boring, very limited...
15. Lower your level to make the other person feel comfortable.
Comfortability (when interacting with the other person): topics, whether you're giving the other person feedback, smiling, principles 1-9, [*genuinely interested in other people], showing interest will make other people feel relaxed - being a good listener. And showing that you're a good a listener!! Try, try to find something in their talk interesting...you're interested in me!=) But you still have to relate it to your life sometime to make other people feel comfortable.
Simple conversation - are you tired, what's new in your life, how have you been, how's it going, do you feel tired? Anything interesting thing in your life? How's your life? Not what did you do. Perhaps there is an interesting thing behind the boring story.
16. Conversation stack.
Stacking skill, pictures have linkages. Different perspectives of putting the picture into a different context, and this visual helps you to remember. But the impression is stronger than rote learning and memorization.
17. Phone conversation - ask permission to talk to them.
18. How are they, what do you think of the movie? Simple way to ask about the welfare of other people, but ALSO shows that you're interested in them...
Can you tell me more because of....but show what you think and p.o.v., or the other person won't be interested.
1. One hour off.
2. You have to be very conscious about taking a break off. Remember to watch the clock.
3. Matthew mind-maps.
4. Make practical lists...easier for you to memorize, to do a summary, or check out mind-map.
5. Some things that you don't know, actually requires discipline. But you know the not-so-good sides/ consequences?
6. You need someone to actually you.
7. Email correspondences are actually cycles you want to promote. But think about whether you want the feedback to be immediate, or take some time to write the response. Take your time, and so will the other person. It's a very normal thing that happens between two people who communicate.
8. Call them up and tell them you will be late. So they won't worry. Your situation may be delicate. They still have the responsibility to look after you, and they do have concern but can't directly tell you.
9. When you're busy and such you still need to be a responsible person.
10. Even if it's not too convenient for you...
11. Somehow, they might think it's hard to look after you, because you're not really their friends and you are certainly not family. Make more interaction happen. Appreciation.
12. If you don't tell them they don't know what your plan is.
13. How comfortable you are with another person depends on how comfortable you are with them. There are some people that are easier to get along with than other people. If you're not comfortable to socialize with other person.
14. Very boring, very limited...
15. Lower your level to make the other person feel comfortable.
Comfortability (when interacting with the other person): topics, whether you're giving the other person feedback, smiling, principles 1-9, [*genuinely interested in other people], showing interest will make other people feel relaxed - being a good listener. And showing that you're a good a listener!! Try, try to find something in their talk interesting...you're interested in me!=) But you still have to relate it to your life sometime to make other people feel comfortable.
Simple conversation - are you tired, what's new in your life, how have you been, how's it going, do you feel tired? Anything interesting thing in your life? How's your life? Not what did you do. Perhaps there is an interesting thing behind the boring story.
16. Conversation stack.
Stacking skill, pictures have linkages. Different perspectives of putting the picture into a different context, and this visual helps you to remember. But the impression is stronger than rote learning and memorization.
17. Phone conversation - ask permission to talk to them.
18. How are they, what do you think of the movie? Simple way to ask about the welfare of other people, but ALSO shows that you're interested in them...
Can you tell me more because of....but show what you think and p.o.v., or the other person won't be interested.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The little recognized secret of success
ENTHUSIASM
Set and accomplish goals
Practice better human relations
Handle stress
Feel better - More confident
Become more results-orientated
Develop leadership ability
Accomplish more each day
Influence others
"A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm" - Charles Schwab
ENTHUSIASM
Set and accomplish goals
Practice better human relations
Handle stress
Feel better - More confident
Become more results-orientated
Develop leadership ability
Accomplish more each day
Influence others
"A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm" - Charles Schwab
I wonder how, I wonder why, yesterday the day was a blue blue sky...
Gain the willing cooperation of others:
16. Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.
What is right, not who is right, is most important. By following this principle, we build another person's confidence and willingness to share ideas and strengthen the team.
17. Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view.
The other person's point of view may be clearer than ours. Learn what you can from other points of view.
18. Be sympathetic with the other person's ideas and desires.
Being understanding and sympathetic is a sure way of keeping channels of communication open.
19. Appeal to the nobler motives.
Most people will work very hard for ideals and the higher aims of the organization if they know what they are and how they apply in a particular situation.
20. Dramatize your ideas
A unique idea should have a unique package. Use creative approaches to help sell your ideas.
21. Throw down a challenge
Most of us have a competitive side. Challenging others to action often produces unexpected positive results.
Gain the willing cooperation of others:
16. Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.
What is right, not who is right, is most important. By following this principle, we build another person's confidence and willingness to share ideas and strengthen the team.
17. Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view.
The other person's point of view may be clearer than ours. Learn what you can from other points of view.
18. Be sympathetic with the other person's ideas and desires.
Being understanding and sympathetic is a sure way of keeping channels of communication open.
19. Appeal to the nobler motives.
Most people will work very hard for ideals and the higher aims of the organization if they know what they are and how they apply in a particular situation.
20. Dramatize your ideas
A unique idea should have a unique package. Use creative approaches to help sell your ideas.
21. Throw down a challenge
Most of us have a competitive side. Challenging others to action often produces unexpected positive results.
You need to understand your weakness before you can work on them. And the best way of identifying these weaknesses is to gather feedback from people who knows you. Identify six people who know you in work context and send them an email asking for their help. You may choose colleagues or ex-colleagues, clients or customers, suppliers, or even an ex-boss. Tell these people that you'll greatly value their candid opinions on your strengths and weaknesses in order to help you with your career development. Make it clear to them that you don't simply want compliment and platitudes, but some insight into how you come across to others. Simply these people three questions.
1. What are my strengths?
2. What are my weaknesses?
3. How can I improve on my weaknesses?
Ask people for help in tackling your weaknesses. Trusted colleagues, your manager, or even your friends may have some ideas for now to make you more effective at work. Do you perhaps need training in a particular skill? Or do you just need to behave in a different fashion - perhaps being more assertive, sympathetic, or tactful?? Ask the people that you trust their help and advice on improvement.
1. What are my strengths?
2. What are my weaknesses?
3. How can I improve on my weaknesses?
Ask people for help in tackling your weaknesses. Trusted colleagues, your manager, or even your friends may have some ideas for now to make you more effective at work. Do you perhaps need training in a particular skill? Or do you just need to behave in a different fashion - perhaps being more assertive, sympathetic, or tactful?? Ask the people that you trust their help and advice on improvement.
You can dance, you can jive
having the time of your life
see that girl, watch that scene
dig in the Dancing Queen.
Friday night and the lights are low
looking out for the place to go
where they play the right music
getting in the swing
you come to look for a king
Anybody could be that guy
night is young and the music's high
with a bit of rock music
everything is fine
you're in the mood for a dance
and when you get the chance
You are the Dancing Queen
young and sweet only seventeen
Dancing Queen
feel teh beat from teh tambourine,
oh yeah
you can dance, you can jive
having the time of your life
see that girl, watch that scene
dig in the Dancing Queen.
having the time of your life
see that girl, watch that scene
dig in the Dancing Queen.
Friday night and the lights are low
looking out for the place to go
where they play the right music
getting in the swing
you come to look for a king
Anybody could be that guy
night is young and the music's high
with a bit of rock music
everything is fine
you're in the mood for a dance
and when you get the chance
You are the Dancing Queen
young and sweet only seventeen
Dancing Queen
feel teh beat from teh tambourine,
oh yeah
you can dance, you can jive
having the time of your life
see that girl, watch that scene
dig in the Dancing Queen.
C.W pointed out that even in a perfectly competitive market, the best way for agents to figure out the equilibrium price is through trial and error, and that itself would be highly desirable through an auctioneer.
Of course, it's also interesting to see how one can view financial institutions as monetary intermediaries between people with money and who have access to wealth to those who are in need of it.
The bubble and economic shock in this case is also man-made and provoked/aggravated by man.
You can say that it's not such a big deal in one sense that it reflects nothing extraordinary other than the fact that there were too much lending that was not priced at the appropriate level.
Use your judgment call...
Of course, it's also interesting to see how one can view financial institutions as monetary intermediaries between people with money and who have access to wealth to those who are in need of it.
The bubble and economic shock in this case is also man-made and provoked/aggravated by man.
You can say that it's not such a big deal in one sense that it reflects nothing extraordinary other than the fact that there were too much lending that was not priced at the appropriate level.
Use your judgment call...
So...I totally need to write this down.
I had a nice final wrap-up chat with CW this afternoon.
It's a pleasure to tag alongside him and learning on the go.
If at all, this was a good introduction - kind of skimming on the surface for a newbie, especiall into econometrics.
At least part of me is glad this is over, I'm still sad that my summer is coming to an end.
Another chapter awaits...
I realized today (perhaps more emphatically) that both of my freelance work experience helped me understand a bit more about building relationships.
You just have to do what you need to do and adopt a better way of thinking.
That's all.
Peace.
I had a nice final wrap-up chat with CW this afternoon.
It's a pleasure to tag alongside him and learning on the go.
If at all, this was a good introduction - kind of skimming on the surface for a newbie, especiall into econometrics.
At least part of me is glad this is over, I'm still sad that my summer is coming to an end.
Another chapter awaits...
I realized today (perhaps more emphatically) that both of my freelance work experience helped me understand a bit more about building relationships.
You just have to do what you need to do and adopt a better way of thinking.
That's all.
Peace.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The U.S. economy, and subsequently, the world economy, is in a such a mess right now.
Who's to blame?
I remember a quote that sounded funny when he said it, him being C.K. during the final day, when each group came up to do their presentation (ML SWMP). C.K. mentioned how it U.S. Treasury Bonds are moderate risk investments, because it is ultimately lending money to the U.S. government. As the world's largest economy, there is some comfort in finding this a moderate risk haven because if the U.S. economy collapse, so would the rest of the world.
Who's to blame?
I remember a quote that sounded funny when he said it, him being C.K. during the final day, when each group came up to do their presentation (ML SWMP). C.K. mentioned how it U.S. Treasury Bonds are moderate risk investments, because it is ultimately lending money to the U.S. government. As the world's largest economy, there is some comfort in finding this a moderate risk haven because if the U.S. economy collapse, so would the rest of the world.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Okay, so I've been absent all this while (and I'm going to for a very nice walk downhill as soon as I finish up writing this post). What makes the perfect childhood/education background (this is from my experience only):
1. Attending an excellent education institution noted for its outstanding academics. Growing up and attending 3+ international schools, enough to identify oneself as a third culture kid.
2. Going on school expeditions and partaking in outdoor activities - this is especially special and dear for me, having spent the bulk of my adolescent years in S.E. Asia.
3. Learning and sticking with a musical instrument (because I'm just that stubborn, chuckling to myself).
4. Getting excited and interested in just about almost anything worth getting excited about.
5. Self-proclaimed bookworm.
6. Knowing how to NOT kill you brain cells and insult your intelligence.
7. Likes to wander and live in big metropolitan cities such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York City.
8. Goes through periodic phases of specific interests.
7. Is wise enough to say things because you 'get the theory behind it.'
8. Learning how to be nice, friendly, and likeable. It's something to admire and appreciate.
9. Finds time to be themselves.
10. Finds time to reflect and be creative and to "make moments happen."
11. Doesn't mind cooperating on sensible issues that needs cooperating to make it happen.
12. Is generally a really, really good person.
P.S. Keep up the good work!
Oh, and just because I want to share this funny thing with you:
I told a family friend of mine that my 10-year old family friend asked me why I like to eat fruit so much. He told me the answer is simple: Because I come from the tropics~
Woohoo.... =)
1. Attending an excellent education institution noted for its outstanding academics. Growing up and attending 3+ international schools, enough to identify oneself as a third culture kid.
2. Going on school expeditions and partaking in outdoor activities - this is especially special and dear for me, having spent the bulk of my adolescent years in S.E. Asia.
3. Learning and sticking with a musical instrument (because I'm just that stubborn, chuckling to myself).
4. Getting excited and interested in just about almost anything worth getting excited about.
5. Self-proclaimed bookworm.
6. Knowing how to NOT kill you brain cells and insult your intelligence.
7. Likes to wander and live in big metropolitan cities such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York City.
8. Goes through periodic phases of specific interests.
7. Is wise enough to say things because you 'get the theory behind it.'
8. Learning how to be nice, friendly, and likeable. It's something to admire and appreciate.
9. Finds time to be themselves.
10. Finds time to reflect and be creative and to "make moments happen."
11. Doesn't mind cooperating on sensible issues that needs cooperating to make it happen.
12. Is generally a really, really good person.
P.S. Keep up the good work!
Oh, and just because I want to share this funny thing with you:
I told a family friend of mine that my 10-year old family friend asked me why I like to eat fruit so much. He told me the answer is simple: Because I come from the tropics~
Woohoo.... =)
Mondays with Matthew
People aren't perfect, you can accept it and learn the lesson. Yous hould appreciate people's good side.
Despite their limitation.
Think positively.
Try to use a different way to do it.
It's amazing how when somebody says something obvious, and actually state the obvious, that I begin to pay attention to it...
What's the worst scenario that you'd be willing to accept (of course, let's hope that the worst case scenario does not become a reality).
That makes me accept the fact, and greatly reduces my worry and stress, and above all, anxiety.
People aren't perfect, you can accept it and learn the lesson. Yous hould appreciate people's good side.
Despite their limitation.
Think positively.
Try to use a different way to do it.
It's amazing how when somebody says something obvious, and actually state the obvious, that I begin to pay attention to it...
What's the worst scenario that you'd be willing to accept (of course, let's hope that the worst case scenario does not become a reality).
That makes me accept the fact, and greatly reduces my worry and stress, and above all, anxiety.
Friday, September 12, 2008
There are lots of ways to waste time. One such example involves not checking the time properly, resulting in me having to go back and forth between the Central Library and Causeway Bay MTR at least one and a half times. That's at least 30 min. + 10 min. time wasted settling down, and which could have been spent learning new Chinese characters at the self-study language center (which I was in the middle of doing until I broke off from it thinking that it was already time to go). Let's also not forget the amount of time it takes to wait for the lift, walk across the hall, cross at least two streets, AND avoid the crowd and throngs of people snaking in the opposite direction.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The voter turnouts for the Engineering functional constituency clearly demonstrated the fact that people are recognizing the need for change. Never-mind the fact that R.H won by a "wafer-thin" margin, the story behind the election outcome clearly shows that in this year's election, the decision made by the voters themselves, to cast their votes reveal a deep angst about the lack of concern for the diminishing engineering profession as well as the general consensus about the general state of affairs.
Looking back, I am still shocked about the whole ordeal. We were soooooooo close to winning the seat. I'm going to make an endorsement/statement now: Hong Kong deserves a better professional representative, given that the difference between the two major candidates is having the incumbent emphasizing on his consistent record, and the new comer challenging and bringing in positive ideas for change. I think that the single pivotal factor in influencing voting behavior is that last week we were supposed to be making phone calls urging all voters to please come out and vote for a new legislator. I am positively sure that if I'd reached out to more voters by giving them a call we would probably have won this year's election.
There are several good reasons why I believe this is the case. First of all, Hong Kong people are by far one of the most politically indifferent or politically passive citizens compared to other major, global metropolitan cities. Thus, only when there is an imminent and very strong desire to bring in a new politician, and in times when their vote will be very crucial in determining the outcome of the election will they decide to go to the polling stations to cast their votes.
The other major reason stems from the decidedly complicated voting system in Hong Kong. The system is skewed in the sense that it's not possible to win all the seats within each functional constituency based on majority rule or popularity vote, because each seat can only be won based on an allocation of the number of votes required to capture each seat. Then, the party with the leading number of votes leads off the assignment and partitioning of each seat. Any insufficient "leftover votes" are thus "wasted," hence the reason why there are very few incentives to vote because the chances that the voter's choice of candidate actually does get elected.
On the other side of this system is the sheer number of candidates participating in the Legislative Council election. It is very possible to say that voters have too many choices and, coupled with the party's campaign strategy and game rules leading up to election day, it's possible to see strategies fail and collapse onto itself in cases where different camps with similar ideology divert votes away between candidates running on the same party ticket. Surely this complicated system of vote allocation could very well cost a particular party a crucial seat in the Legislative Council.
Hence, think-tanks and advocacy groups calling for universal suffrage by 2012 have been engaging in this arduous struggle, to overcome the obstacles found within the internal system of the legislative itself. These opinion groups have been highlighting the citizen's distress with the current imperfect election voting system. In Hong Kong, the political struggle for power has always been divided between to distinct camps (as a very very broad overview): the pan-democratic camp and the pro-Beijing loyalists. It should be noted, however, that politics on the one side is about exercising power and guarding private or public interests, but that some systems are 'better' in the sense that they're more democratic and therefore allow change to be realize. Politics, thankfully (depending on how one perceives it) is about continuous change. This is the one hope for a better society and for improving the status quo. When it is hard to walk forward in the right direction, we can always set ourselves the goal of reducing our errors.
Looking back, I am still shocked about the whole ordeal. We were soooooooo close to winning the seat. I'm going to make an endorsement/statement now: Hong Kong deserves a better professional representative, given that the difference between the two major candidates is having the incumbent emphasizing on his consistent record, and the new comer challenging and bringing in positive ideas for change. I think that the single pivotal factor in influencing voting behavior is that last week we were supposed to be making phone calls urging all voters to please come out and vote for a new legislator. I am positively sure that if I'd reached out to more voters by giving them a call we would probably have won this year's election.
There are several good reasons why I believe this is the case. First of all, Hong Kong people are by far one of the most politically indifferent or politically passive citizens compared to other major, global metropolitan cities. Thus, only when there is an imminent and very strong desire to bring in a new politician, and in times when their vote will be very crucial in determining the outcome of the election will they decide to go to the polling stations to cast their votes.
The other major reason stems from the decidedly complicated voting system in Hong Kong. The system is skewed in the sense that it's not possible to win all the seats within each functional constituency based on majority rule or popularity vote, because each seat can only be won based on an allocation of the number of votes required to capture each seat. Then, the party with the leading number of votes leads off the assignment and partitioning of each seat. Any insufficient "leftover votes" are thus "wasted," hence the reason why there are very few incentives to vote because the chances that the voter's choice of candidate actually does get elected.
On the other side of this system is the sheer number of candidates participating in the Legislative Council election. It is very possible to say that voters have too many choices and, coupled with the party's campaign strategy and game rules leading up to election day, it's possible to see strategies fail and collapse onto itself in cases where different camps with similar ideology divert votes away between candidates running on the same party ticket. Surely this complicated system of vote allocation could very well cost a particular party a crucial seat in the Legislative Council.
Hence, think-tanks and advocacy groups calling for universal suffrage by 2012 have been engaging in this arduous struggle, to overcome the obstacles found within the internal system of the legislative itself. These opinion groups have been highlighting the citizen's distress with the current imperfect election voting system. In Hong Kong, the political struggle for power has always been divided between to distinct camps (as a very very broad overview): the pan-democratic camp and the pro-Beijing loyalists. It should be noted, however, that politics on the one side is about exercising power and guarding private or public interests, but that some systems are 'better' in the sense that they're more democratic and therefore allow change to be realize. Politics, thankfully (depending on how one perceives it) is about continuous change. This is the one hope for a better society and for improving the status quo. When it is hard to walk forward in the right direction, we can always set ourselves the goal of reducing our errors.
Monday, September 8, 2008
A disappointing loss for Ir A.L, who was narrowly beaten by incumbent R.H by 193 votes. R.H. will thus be commencing another term as LegCo Engineer FC representative for the third consecutive time.
Until I watched a live recording of one of the debates held among the three candidates, I had not, to be honest, really really felt the need to strongly support a particular candidate, primarily because I did not want to make my work politicized in some sense. But after the debate on Saturday it was clear that A.L (in my opinion) deserves to be elected, and as one voter succinctly puts it, it will be "a breath of fresh air". A.L represents positive change and political integrity, whilst R.H comes from an old breed of elitist who do not share the same views on democracies and representative powers. Although I've technically always gave some support to A.L, since I'm helping him with his campaign and being able to interact with him clear that he is a very kind person with a strong dedication to promote and deliver sustainable development.
In this respect, it seems as if this political climate is a typical one that shares some similarities with U.S. politics regarding Presidential elections. (From now on, it will be quite clear that what I say is still identifiable even though I'm not explicitly identifying the two camps). On the one hand, we have a democratic party which stands for the majority of the working and middle class. They may also contain working professionals because they share in the same values regarding work ethics and civic duties. The other, wealthier party consists of politically powerful politicians whose primary interest for politics is power in making use of politics to further private interests. This seems to be the case regarding rivalry/oppositiong between DAB and CP. Unfortunately, unlike the U.S., Hong Kong remains an unusually passive city when it comes to politics and voting. This year, approximately 45.8% of the people voted (or let's say, bothered to vote), which was 10% less than the last election.
Of course, I have to say that I am definitely very very grateful to have the chance to get involved. It is a rare opportunity to take part in a healthy, political organization without ever having to worry about my conscience (if that's the right word, I suppose), because in the end I did get involved and the only way to make this a great experience is to throw yourself in, learn as much as you can and as much as you care (because no one can order you to specifically take great interest in a particular activity). To this end, volunteering for the Civic Party personally turned out to be very good exposure to Hong Kong politics and Hong Kong culture. The Pan-democrats managed to gain at least the minimum 21 seats required to establish a veto-ing type power in making sure that some elements of democratic politics and good governance are maintained in issuing a more than 1/3 voting bloc. I find this particularly interesting because it is very logical (they already did the maths) and because it generally reflects the pragmatism of Hong Kong people as a generalized statement.
Until I watched a live recording of one of the debates held among the three candidates, I had not, to be honest, really really felt the need to strongly support a particular candidate, primarily because I did not want to make my work politicized in some sense. But after the debate on Saturday it was clear that A.L (in my opinion) deserves to be elected, and as one voter succinctly puts it, it will be "a breath of fresh air". A.L represents positive change and political integrity, whilst R.H comes from an old breed of elitist who do not share the same views on democracies and representative powers. Although I've technically always gave some support to A.L, since I'm helping him with his campaign and being able to interact with him clear that he is a very kind person with a strong dedication to promote and deliver sustainable development.
In this respect, it seems as if this political climate is a typical one that shares some similarities with U.S. politics regarding Presidential elections. (From now on, it will be quite clear that what I say is still identifiable even though I'm not explicitly identifying the two camps). On the one hand, we have a democratic party which stands for the majority of the working and middle class. They may also contain working professionals because they share in the same values regarding work ethics and civic duties. The other, wealthier party consists of politically powerful politicians whose primary interest for politics is power in making use of politics to further private interests. This seems to be the case regarding rivalry/oppositiong between DAB and CP. Unfortunately, unlike the U.S., Hong Kong remains an unusually passive city when it comes to politics and voting. This year, approximately 45.8% of the people voted (or let's say, bothered to vote), which was 10% less than the last election.
Of course, I have to say that I am definitely very very grateful to have the chance to get involved. It is a rare opportunity to take part in a healthy, political organization without ever having to worry about my conscience (if that's the right word, I suppose), because in the end I did get involved and the only way to make this a great experience is to throw yourself in, learn as much as you can and as much as you care (because no one can order you to specifically take great interest in a particular activity). To this end, volunteering for the Civic Party personally turned out to be very good exposure to Hong Kong politics and Hong Kong culture. The Pan-democrats managed to gain at least the minimum 21 seats required to establish a veto-ing type power in making sure that some elements of democratic politics and good governance are maintained in issuing a more than 1/3 voting bloc. I find this particularly interesting because it is very logical (they already did the maths) and because it generally reflects the pragmatism of Hong Kong people as a generalized statement.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
This summer I helped out as a campaign volunteer for one of the candidates who is running for the Engineering Functional Constituency seat in the Legislative Council election on the Civic Party ticket.
I remember how I was fairly skeptical or, to say the least, didn't expect anything prior to my volunteer, because I wanted to approach it with an open attitude. Prior to this I had not much, if not, minimal knowledge about Hong Kong politics and governance in general.
Working with Civic Party turned out to be a very memorable experience. On the one hand, I got to try out various things from the mundane office jobs, filling out application forms, following up on email correspondences, as well as helping out with canvassing. I now have the purple polo shirt for memory's sake.
As the campaign unfolded, I got to watch first-hand almost from start to finish (I was able to attend my candidate's official announcement of his candidacy) the inside of a moderate size campaign and a thorough experience of helping an accomplished person run for office. But it's funny how (and this is quite true), that like any job, staying all the way till the end matters. And, it's also quite true that a lot of these just takes time.
The legislative council election comprises of two bodies: the general body (where candidates run for geographical functional constituencies), and the professional functional constituencies. In itself, the legislative council is a somewhat outdated government body in the sense that there is very uneven distribution, much less skewed representation of the civic person. Everyone is eligible to vote for the geographical representative, eligibility determined by Hong Kong residency and having registered as a voter. However, those who belong to a professional class and are therefore eligible to vote for that functional constituency representative therefore have an additional vote to cast for the Legislative Council election. Insofar as number of votes per person is concerned, the present voting system clearly favors person of educated background, or to put it in another word, have acquired sufficient qualifications to practice and pursue their profession.
But back to my experience. I especially appreciate being able to watch and take part in various campaign activities as well. For example, on the very first day when my family friend took me to the CP headquarters to meet up with Christine and Albert for the first time, I was surprised to see how nice everyone was at the center. Later on, I had the pleasure and privilege to be introduced to Professor Kwan, a respectable and distinguished scholar in Hong Kong, retired professor of CUHK, and chairman of CP. Just meeting these people made me realize the sheer amount of teamwork and leadership involved in running a successful campaign. I also appreciate meeting various people from diverse backgrounds but who obviously share enough passion for politics, if not, the civic duties and responsibilities as a citizen. In this respect I had an amazing amount of exposure to people from 'all walks of life'. Let me give a brief introduction of these people:
Christine: campaign manager, close friend of A.L., and member of CP. Christine is a very thoughtful, not to mention intelligent person. She is a branding consultant and part-time lecuturer at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Christine also keeps a very well-informed and well-read blog, mostly commentaries on the plight of things. It's not hard to tell that she is very involved and a very caring person.
A.L: LegCo hopeful and chartered engineer. A.L. is very involved in NGOs, having served as Chairman and Committee member for several non-profit organisations. His focus and dedication is his efforts to promote sustainable development, especially and in particular applications and practices that promote environmental conservation and sustainable development. From what I have been reading up on A.L it's not hard to see that he has many genuinely good ideas to bring to this year's election. Must be nice for a change and a breath of fresh air. Having worked for him these two months, it's not hard at all for me to wish him all the best of luck, as I do support him and hope he wins this election. (In fact, I will positively say that this decision was made after I had attended a debate held for all Engineering FC candidates hosted by RTHK).
I'm also including people who work at PC (that's the think tank that periodically publishes reports and recommendations on sustainable development projects).
CPL: noted journalist specialising in documentary films. CPL recently received a grant from CUHK to produce her upcoming feature documentary that follows that lives of 10 people who have exceptional stories to tell following the Tiananmen massacre. CPL will select a handful of subjects who has the most compelling stories who will make the strongest impact on the audience. She will also be interviewing, amongst various people, Wong Dan, noted student activist expelled from China and who fled to the U.S. to study at Harvard University. This feature film is to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre.
Jeffrey: Friendly, and outgoing colleague from PC.
Angel Tam: also an exceptionally outgoing person. She is a communications specialist and has done various translation works at the PC.
Zoiee: Although Zoiee joined about a month later, having her around makes my volunteer work so much fun. And, I'm happy to have made another friend here. Plus, she "knows how to eat" so I also really enjoyed going to some eating places I would not have known myself. Plus, Zoiee is a good in explaining to me about living in Hong Kong.
Kelvin: another team member who's also doing academic research. It's nice to know that there are people involved in these kinds of projects.
At the end of the day, what I strongly believe that makes each of us a responsible civic person is to care enough about politics for our own good, but not too much that it starts to politicize our whole lives. Just a healthy dose of politics (and I emphasise care rather than interest in politics) is suffice to make us aware of our choices and make us aware in the sense of taking my Sosc class that we are a part of society, and this revelation is as profound only if we choose/allow it to make an impact on us...I'm admire these people who are involved in some ways or another, because it shows a lot about their passion and the fact that they care. And, it also shows that we can also be optimists (sorry if this is starting to get cliché).
True, there are some things that I wish I could have done better, but it's over now and the least I can do is think and learn from what I've been through.
I remember how I was fairly skeptical or, to say the least, didn't expect anything prior to my volunteer, because I wanted to approach it with an open attitude. Prior to this I had not much, if not, minimal knowledge about Hong Kong politics and governance in general.
Working with Civic Party turned out to be a very memorable experience. On the one hand, I got to try out various things from the mundane office jobs, filling out application forms, following up on email correspondences, as well as helping out with canvassing. I now have the purple polo shirt for memory's sake.
As the campaign unfolded, I got to watch first-hand almost from start to finish (I was able to attend my candidate's official announcement of his candidacy) the inside of a moderate size campaign and a thorough experience of helping an accomplished person run for office. But it's funny how (and this is quite true), that like any job, staying all the way till the end matters. And, it's also quite true that a lot of these just takes time.
The legislative council election comprises of two bodies: the general body (where candidates run for geographical functional constituencies), and the professional functional constituencies. In itself, the legislative council is a somewhat outdated government body in the sense that there is very uneven distribution, much less skewed representation of the civic person. Everyone is eligible to vote for the geographical representative, eligibility determined by Hong Kong residency and having registered as a voter. However, those who belong to a professional class and are therefore eligible to vote for that functional constituency representative therefore have an additional vote to cast for the Legislative Council election. Insofar as number of votes per person is concerned, the present voting system clearly favors person of educated background, or to put it in another word, have acquired sufficient qualifications to practice and pursue their profession.
But back to my experience. I especially appreciate being able to watch and take part in various campaign activities as well. For example, on the very first day when my family friend took me to the CP headquarters to meet up with Christine and Albert for the first time, I was surprised to see how nice everyone was at the center. Later on, I had the pleasure and privilege to be introduced to Professor Kwan, a respectable and distinguished scholar in Hong Kong, retired professor of CUHK, and chairman of CP. Just meeting these people made me realize the sheer amount of teamwork and leadership involved in running a successful campaign. I also appreciate meeting various people from diverse backgrounds but who obviously share enough passion for politics, if not, the civic duties and responsibilities as a citizen. In this respect I had an amazing amount of exposure to people from 'all walks of life'. Let me give a brief introduction of these people:
Christine: campaign manager, close friend of A.L., and member of CP. Christine is a very thoughtful, not to mention intelligent person. She is a branding consultant and part-time lecuturer at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Christine also keeps a very well-informed and well-read blog, mostly commentaries on the plight of things. It's not hard to tell that she is very involved and a very caring person.
A.L: LegCo hopeful and chartered engineer. A.L. is very involved in NGOs, having served as Chairman and Committee member for several non-profit organisations. His focus and dedication is his efforts to promote sustainable development, especially and in particular applications and practices that promote environmental conservation and sustainable development. From what I have been reading up on A.L it's not hard to see that he has many genuinely good ideas to bring to this year's election. Must be nice for a change and a breath of fresh air. Having worked for him these two months, it's not hard at all for me to wish him all the best of luck, as I do support him and hope he wins this election. (In fact, I will positively say that this decision was made after I had attended a debate held for all Engineering FC candidates hosted by RTHK).
I'm also including people who work at PC (that's the think tank that periodically publishes reports and recommendations on sustainable development projects).
CPL: noted journalist specialising in documentary films. CPL recently received a grant from CUHK to produce her upcoming feature documentary that follows that lives of 10 people who have exceptional stories to tell following the Tiananmen massacre. CPL will select a handful of subjects who has the most compelling stories who will make the strongest impact on the audience. She will also be interviewing, amongst various people, Wong Dan, noted student activist expelled from China and who fled to the U.S. to study at Harvard University. This feature film is to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre.
Jeffrey: Friendly, and outgoing colleague from PC.
Angel Tam: also an exceptionally outgoing person. She is a communications specialist and has done various translation works at the PC.
Zoiee: Although Zoiee joined about a month later, having her around makes my volunteer work so much fun. And, I'm happy to have made another friend here. Plus, she "knows how to eat" so I also really enjoyed going to some eating places I would not have known myself. Plus, Zoiee is a good in explaining to me about living in Hong Kong.
Kelvin: another team member who's also doing academic research. It's nice to know that there are people involved in these kinds of projects.
At the end of the day, what I strongly believe that makes each of us a responsible civic person is to care enough about politics for our own good, but not too much that it starts to politicize our whole lives. Just a healthy dose of politics (and I emphasise care rather than interest in politics) is suffice to make us aware of our choices and make us aware in the sense of taking my Sosc class that we are a part of society, and this revelation is as profound only if we choose/allow it to make an impact on us...I'm admire these people who are involved in some ways or another, because it shows a lot about their passion and the fact that they care. And, it also shows that we can also be optimists (sorry if this is starting to get cliché).
True, there are some things that I wish I could have done better, but it's over now and the least I can do is think and learn from what I've been through.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Conversation
1) When dealing with my parents where I don't want to stress them out. Matthew suggest saying something like..."I have a problem, but I'm managing it on my own. Not to worry." Also, when Matthew said that I should be precise in my communication, what that really means is that I should always think about setting up an expectation. This tells the other person that I just want to share something. Like they say, talking it out is very good for us. When you set an expectation for your parents, you are also getting the message clearly across to them. That is, whether you need their help or advice, or whether you don't really need them to help or advise but just listen.
2) When you simply want to share, whether it's a feeling or an emotion, let them know (and this is a very important point), that you're telling them because they're my parents. Say, "I'm managing right now".
Because my parents don't know what I'm doing, so if I need your help I'll let you know. The bottom line is, if you want them to take action, that's already a sign of miscommunication.
3) I'm just sharing with you my thoughts - you're my closest friends. Both parties are responsible for the communication, or lack of...
You might want to try the principle, "Ask questions instead of orders".
When they aren't agreeing or aren't expressively agreeing, it means there's not much to say.
People, or should I say, parents, have a tendency to worry...
Fighting procrastination:
1) Matthew also suggest that I do some trial & error.
Ways to fight phases when I am "hesitating to do something"
2) Second chance - ask somebody to review your plan before you do it.
3) Think about the risks; risk assessments.
If you are uneasy about executing it, ask for advice. Always get the 2nd opinion.
Of course, since you didn't ask yourself these questions, please please PLEASE remember, (and this is SO important) ask the right person.
Also...make sure that the advice gives you confidence, not that the other person is confident about using this advice, or that the person who is giving you the advice feels confident.
*If you're avoiding it, it's because you're not prepared.
Time allocation...if you didn't do it, you do the next best alternative, so it's pretty logical that you must be doing something else that what you superficially promised yourself to do.
1) When dealing with my parents where I don't want to stress them out. Matthew suggest saying something like..."I have a problem, but I'm managing it on my own. Not to worry." Also, when Matthew said that I should be precise in my communication, what that really means is that I should always think about setting up an expectation. This tells the other person that I just want to share something. Like they say, talking it out is very good for us. When you set an expectation for your parents, you are also getting the message clearly across to them. That is, whether you need their help or advice, or whether you don't really need them to help or advise but just listen.
2) When you simply want to share, whether it's a feeling or an emotion, let them know (and this is a very important point), that you're telling them because they're my parents. Say, "I'm managing right now".
Because my parents don't know what I'm doing, so if I need your help I'll let you know. The bottom line is, if you want them to take action, that's already a sign of miscommunication.
3) I'm just sharing with you my thoughts - you're my closest friends. Both parties are responsible for the communication, or lack of...
You might want to try the principle, "Ask questions instead of orders".
When they aren't agreeing or aren't expressively agreeing, it means there's not much to say.
People, or should I say, parents, have a tendency to worry...
Fighting procrastination:
1) Matthew also suggest that I do some trial & error.
Ways to fight phases when I am "hesitating to do something"
2) Second chance - ask somebody to review your plan before you do it.
3) Think about the risks; risk assessments.
If you are uneasy about executing it, ask for advice. Always get the 2nd opinion.
Of course, since you didn't ask yourself these questions, please please PLEASE remember, (and this is SO important) ask the right person.
Also...make sure that the advice gives you confidence, not that the other person is confident about using this advice, or that the person who is giving you the advice feels confident.
*If you're avoiding it, it's because you're not prepared.
Time allocation...if you didn't do it, you do the next best alternative, so it's pretty logical that you must be doing something else that what you superficially promised yourself to do.
A very honest post:
Over the past few weeks, I've gradually become aware that I may actually be a very funny, unique, and generally delightful person.
What does this mean? It means that I am now a much more confident person than I was before. It's the new me. You might as well say that it is a special type of liberated expressionism...(whatever *that* means).
Specifically, I will:
*Actively engage myself in animated discussion to improve my communications skills
1. It works great in meetings.
2. It releases nervous energy.
3. It improves the atmosphere of the situation, esp. when dealing with demonstrations.
4. You may also want to try and use body language to energize the audience.
5. Finally, it always, always, ALWAYS helps to speak with conviction.
You may also want to try and:
6. Keep your presentation time appropriate;
7. And always remember that gestures/animations makes it more vivid.
Whilst preparing for your speech, think of the beginning, middle, and end.
To become a more effective leader, I will try appeal to the nobler motives (a rather not-so-easy task, I am sure...), and... I will also *dramatize my ideas (!)
Over the past few weeks, I've gradually become aware that I may actually be a very funny, unique, and generally delightful person.
What does this mean? It means that I am now a much more confident person than I was before. It's the new me. You might as well say that it is a special type of liberated expressionism...(whatever *that* means).
Specifically, I will:
*Actively engage myself in animated discussion to improve my communications skills
1. It works great in meetings.
2. It releases nervous energy.
3. It improves the atmosphere of the situation, esp. when dealing with demonstrations.
4. You may also want to try and use body language to energize the audience.
5. Finally, it always, always, ALWAYS helps to speak with conviction.
You may also want to try and:
6. Keep your presentation time appropriate;
7. And always remember that gestures/animations makes it more vivid.
Whilst preparing for your speech, think of the beginning, middle, and end.
To become a more effective leader, I will try appeal to the nobler motives (a rather not-so-easy task, I am sure...), and... I will also *dramatize my ideas (!)
This summer, I spent a bulk of my time volunteering - I worked with one of the running candidates for this year's LegCo election (he's a member of the Civic Party), as well as doing some freelance RA work with professor Yuen Chi-Wa (a.k.a CW). Looking back, it's amazing to think that exactly 3 months ago I would never have imagined that I would be spending an interesting summer in Hong Kong, learning how to become an effective speaker while learning how to network along the way. I never knew that I would be taking a class on improving human relationships. This was all an unexpected, yet pleasant, surprise. For that, I am forever grateful for the people who have helped made this summer possible, least of all to my parents, with love.
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