On Observation!
One of the first lessons I learned at the International Institute of Journalism was to be highly observant of everything I come across. I was taught to use all five senses—seeing, feeling, hearing, tasting, and smelling to grasp the essence of a concept. I learned to pay attention to even the smallest details. Many people are observant, but journalists are expected to be super observant.The recent challenge I posted was a physical one—something anyone could observe visually, as long as they paid close attention. Some responses truly impressed me, as a few people went further to describe my underlying emotions, despite my smile in both pictures.
I’m happy to share these observation tips with you all because every follower of mine deserves to know this. Whenever we want to observe anything, we should be intentional. And if it’s for an assignment or a quiz like this one, it’s important to understand the question fully.
To make our observations clearer, let’s categorize our findings into the following:
1. Time
2. Location
3. Attire
4. Disposition
5. Motive
6. People Involved
7. …and other relevant factors.
Here’s a comparison of the two images:
1. Time: The first graduation photo was uploaded in October, while the second one was posted in November.
2. Location: The first image was taken at the International Institute of Journalism, whereas the second one was shot at our office, Neptune Prime.
3. Attire: Many people picked up on this! In the first photo, I wore a blue Neptune Prime T-shirt, a black skirt, a wrinkled and torn gown, a black veil, Dior photochromic glasses that turned black in the sunlight, and black sneakers, with no bag in hand.
In the second photo, I wore a black Neptune Prime T-shirt with black trousers, a neatly pressed gown, a yellow veil, Tom Ford photochromic glasses that stayed clear indoors, yellow shoes, and I held a yellow bag.
I don’t know why many people focused on this point alone! 
4. Disposition: In the first image, my smile was forced due to the gown’s poor condition and the intense sun. In the latest picture, my smile was genuine—the gown was flawless, the event was indoors, and everything felt pleasant.
5. Motive: The first photo marked the end of our training at IIJ, while the second was to celebrate our boss’s return from a health trip, to seek his blessings, and to show our appreciation for his sponsorship of the course.
Many of you captured some of these categories, but not all. However, I’m truly impressed, most of you did very well!
Dear friend, you don’t have to be a journalist to be this observant. Simply make full use of your senses and mind in your day-to-day activities, and you’ll be amazed at the insights you gain. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
