Critical Reflection

Over the course of 13 weeks, I have developed a valuable skillset that has helped me become a better critical thinker and presenter. Using "The Thinking Process," I have been able to analyze statements deeply, incorporating personal thoughts and citing unbiased sources to ensure the relevancy and accuracy of my information sources. This skill has allowed me to communicate my critical thoughts effectively and accomplish my goal of writing a professional thesis.

Furthermore, Garr Reynolds' presentation tips have enabled me to improve my presentation skills in three key areas: preparation, slide design, and delivery. Preparation involves identifying the target audience and delivering information in a concise and straightforward manner. For slide design, it is crucial to make the slides visually pleasing to keep the audience engaged. Finally, delivery of the speech should be passionate and confident to leave a lasting impression on the audience. Prior to any presentation, I visualize the environment and rehearse key points to improve my confidence and timing. When I am not the sole presenter, I communicate with my colleagues to ensure a smooth transition.

Despite the improvements I have made, I recognize that there is still room for growth. By applying "The Thinking Process" to everyday tasks, I can create a good habit of thinking deeply and discovering unique standpoints. This approach can help me in decision-making and problem-solving, especially in complex situations. Moreover, I can enhance my research skills by identifying reliable sources and evaluating them objectively.

In a recent report, I had the opportunity to apply my critical thinking skills and put them into practice. The executive summary was a section that challenged me the most as I needed to understand the report's purpose, its target audience, and the reason for mentioning the repercussions of going eco-friendly. These were the questions that frequently occupied my thoughts, and I realized that it was important to delve deeper into the report to fully comprehend the details. The report was intended for Philips, a company with a history of creating quality cleaning solutions and experience in handling prototypes similar to the idea presented in the report. As I read through the report, my curiosity and desire to know more increased, and I found myself considering different perspectives and viewpoints. This experience helped me realize the importance of listening objectively to my project mates' opinions and reasoning before reconsidering my own point of view. Through this experience, I learned that everyone has their own strengths and skills, and it was a great opportunity to exchange advice on technical skills such as writing and presenting.

Moreover, I have come to appreciate the value of teamwork and collaboration. Working with my project mates has allowed me to see different perspectives and learn from each other's strengths. Through our discussions, we were able to identify gaps in our research and fill them by finding more relevant and reliable sources. This experience has taught me that working with others can lead to better outcomes and help us achieve our goals more efficiently.

In conclusion, the development of critical thinking and presentation skills is crucial in both academic and professional settings. By using "The Thinking Process" and Garr Reynolds' tips, I have been able to enhance my skills in these areas. While there is always room for improvement, I recognize the value of applying these skills to everyday tasks and collaborating with others to achieve better outcomes.