My learning experience

I have many good learning experiences but the most memorable one I had was during my business communication class. I completed my secondary education in Saudi Arabia and at my school emphasis was more on memorizing things rather than learning them practically. Unfortunately the teachers also used to focus more on academic knowledge and very less on student’s personal development. Even though I was a good student but when it came to real life, I was really shy and introvert because of limited exposure and inflexible learning experience. After completing high school, I moved to Pakistan and started my bachelors at IQRA University. I still remember my first day in university when I attended my business communication class. I was so nervous and didn’t have any idea about how I will survive in this course as I never presented anything in front of a crowd before.

My teacher Ms. Fareeda Ibad was very friendly and supportive she always used to make sure that everyone is involved during class. She interacts with students to know their caliber and then try to support them accordingly. She never embarrassed any student in class whereas she always encouraged us to do better. During the first week she asked us to present any topic of our choice in 10 minutes. I prepared my topic well but when I started my presentation I got confused and was unable to convey my idea properly and was repeating same words as I was very nervous and had no confidence. I finished my presentation within few minutes because I was afraid of committing any mistake in front of the teacher and fellow students. I still remember that instead of pointing out negative things, she encouraged me by showing the positive side and helped me learning different ways of communication throughout the semester. She explained to me the importance of effective communication skills and advised me different strategies like practicing in front of the mirror many times or in an empty class room. She taught us that we should be confident and believe in ourselves while presenting and it will automatically start flowing in the right way.

That was the turning point in my life when I decided to learn and face the audience without any fear which ultimately leads to boost the confidence. I kept on trying hard and always used to think positively that if others can do it then I can also do it the better way.

I’m really thankful to her because she changed my personality and helped me acquire new knowledge about how to deal with people using different communication methods that include, Presentations, reports, e-mails and web based communication. After completing this course successfully, I realized that learning a few simple principles that can be applied immediately with great confidence will make you an effective communicator and give you a huge advantage in today’s ultra-competitive business world. And since then I can confidently deliver presentations in the seminars also and communicate with different nationalities on a daily basis. Also I follow the same technique with my students (like my teacher did with me) and always try to motivate them and show them the positive aspect of the subject and encourage them to learn more.