Better than a Bot: We are Humans

We have all encountered mindless bots when trying to connect with some customer service centres, but one of us encountered a human who responded mechanically. This was the impetus for this year’s series of workshops. Humans must be better than bots to be ahead and dare we say it, irreplaceable.

In a series of four stand alone yet complementary workshops, the Oral Communication Committee interrogated how to ditch the script to speak confidently and fluently – a skill useful for would be politicians so as not to be reading off notes at a rally, for a topical example. We also provided strategies to listen with our entire selves to what people were saying, to understand the whole message, and not just the words. A corollary to listening to individuals is listening to intergenerational communication styles, for instance what communication preferences does a Gen Z have compared with a Baby Boomer and how to negotiate these differences in a multigenerational workplace to reduce misunderstandings. Finally, how to make ourselves heard by projecting our voices without straining our vocal cords. It is useful to sound firm without shouting, to be gentle without appearing weak.

We had good sign ups with workshops reaching the maximum of 50 pax within a short time of registration opening. We are happy to consider customised or special runs of any workshop for your own department or student society for 20 pax minimum. Just contact us and if the timing is mutually convenient, we would be happy to do a special run.

This AY our workshops were held at CELC and we are grateful for the continued support from those who registered and attended. Although less well-known as a venue than the Central Library, participants found us. Thanks to our administrative executive Zhen Wei for arranging signages and a directional video.