Because I only had one case for my observation this week, the last few days were a bit more relaxed, with reading and dinner with my friend.
Presentation skills course
This week, I also finished the presentation skills course I have been taking since January. The evening class was taught by an American teacher whose reputation is quite well-known in Tokyo.
I learnt some effective styles of verbal and non-verbal communication for presentations and group discussions, looking not just at how to speak but also at how to listen and respond. My classmates included professors, doctors, and employees from global companies. I often felt like the least intelligent person in the room, but what I gained was enormous. The most meaningful aspect of the course was discovering my greatest weakness in communication. I raised some healthcare topics closely relevant to my research, and my classmates’ feedback was very useful.
Long-distance relationship
Luca is arriving in Tokyo tomorrow, and we will finally see each other. Being in a long-distance relationship, even for a relatively short period, has been deeply challenging. The nine-hour time difference has made it difficult to call, chat, or have any meaningful discussions. I have found it frustrating to exchange light, superficial, and overly polite messages every day for months. Still, I understand that this situation is shaped by many factors. When he arrives, I hope we can make up for the lost communication by spending time together and talking at length.
My achievements in Week 67
- made my observation and collected one recording
- finished a three-month presentation skills course
Goals for Week 68
- continue my observations and recordings, and the second focus group discussion
