The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) Human Resource Management Unit (HRMU) conducted a Seminar-Workshop on Effective Communication for selected non-teaching employees at the UNP Tadena Hall on May 29, 2024.

The interactive event aimed to help non-teaching employees improve communication and mitigate conflicts more efficiently.

Effective communication is essential for building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving goals in both personal and professional contexts. By investing in communication skills development, organizations can empower their employees to communicate more effectively and achieve greater success.

Dr. Honorato R. Patubo, coordinator for Research and Development and Strategic Communication Division at the Environmental Management Office (EMO), served as the resource speaker of the said event. He focused on public speaking and writing skills enhancement.

The seminar-workshop covered various aspects of effective communication, including verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills.

Dr. Patubo highlighted the importance of choosing appropriate language for the audience and situation, avoiding jargon, slang, and filler words, and projecting confidence and enthusiasm through tone and volume.

He also emphasized the value of maintaining eye contact and open body language, using hand gestures and facial expressions to emphasize points, dressing appropriately for the context, and avoiding distracting mannerisms and fidgeting.

Additionally, the workshop covered the importance of organizing ideas logically with an introduction, body, and conclusion, observing grammar, spelling, and punctuation, choosing an appropriate tone and style for the audience, and proofreading and editing for clarity and conciseness.

Lastly, the training workshop featured a mix of instruction, examples, and interactive exercises to engage participants and provided opportunities to practice communication skills. Role playing scenarios, group discussions, and feedback sessions helped participants apply what they learned.

Article by Rocelle Villanueva. Photo by Joel Tipon.