STUDY SKILLS BOOK - Assumption University

ing. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need.Turn nervousness into positive energy, harness your nervous energyand transform it into vitality and enthusiasmSome final thoughts about nervesIf you are well prepared you have less reason to be nervous! But itis normal to feel nervous, and, in fact, the extra adrenaline releasedinto your system is a positive help. Remember that nervousnessdoesn’t show (no one sees those butterflies in your stomach).Think positively and remember that your audience is sympathetic,breathe deeply and try to relax. Most of the symptoms of nerveswill diminish once you start speak.GROUP WORKAt some time during your course, you are likely to be expected towork in a group. This may be to produce a seminar presentation,or a group project.Group work is all about teamwork, where group members bringtogether their own individual talents and views to achieve a sharedobjective.Some of the individual skills that are needed for effective teamworking are:Listening –to each otherQuestioning – each otherPersuading – exchanging, defending and rethinking ideasRespecting – each others’ opinions and giving support and encouragementSharing – ideas and resources and reporting back on your experiencesHelping – each otherParticipating – taking part and not letting others to do all the workSupporting – avoiding criticism, listening to problems, makingSTUDY SKILLS BOOK A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS 24