Strategic communication is the intentional use of communication to achieve specific goals or influence behavior. It involves clear messaging tailored to a target audience, delivered through the right channels and at the right time. Aligning message, audience, and purpose ensures effective and goal-driven communication.
The learnings I acquired on strategic communication significantly contributed to enhancing my public speaking skills, particularly in reinforcing the importance of clarity of purpose when delivering a presentation or speech. As someone who is frequently expected to speak in public settings, I recognize that mastering communication is an ongoing process that requires deliberate self-assessment. The session encouraged me to critically evaluate how I craft and deliver my messages, reminding me that even with experience, there is always room for growth. The principles shared during the session served as a timely reminder of the foundational elements of effective communication.
I deeply appreciated the approach and facilitation of Dr. Lisa Antonio, whose well-structured and cohesive delivery made the content both accessible and practical. Her insights provided the groundwork for our individual activity, the mock Capstone Project (CP) Plan Presentation. Despite the limited preparation time, the activity challenged us to apply what we had learned immediately, pushing us beyond our comfort zones. The exercise was not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally engaging, making it a memorable milestone in our professional development.
In preparing for my presentation, I intentionally structured my content using Simon Sinek’s “Golden Circle,” communicating from the inside out, starting with the "why" before the "how" and "what." This helped me focus on the public value of my capstone project and allowed the message to resonate with the audience on a deeper level. I was also conscious about incorporating a balance of logos, ethos, and pathos to ensure that the delivery was credible, logical, and emotionally engaging. Visual aesthetics also played a crucial role in my design choices; I avoided text-heavy slides and opted for clean visuals, animated GIFs, and simple cartoons to emphasize key messages. This not only aligned with my personal style but also made the content more digestible for the audience.
The feedback from my learning team (LT) mates provided additional insights that helped me refine my presentation techniques. One valuable takeaway was the importance of establishing audience engagement early on, particularly through a strong and compelling introduction. This approach helps set the tone and captures attention from the beginning, making it easier to sustain interest throughout the presentation. It also underscored how delivery is not just about the content but also about the speaker’s connection with the audience. The peer evaluation reminded me that even subtle adjustments can lead to significant improvements in impact.
Ultimately, the experience taught me that effective public speaking is as much about confidence as it is about competence. Believing in your message and in your ability to deliver it is key to commanding the room. I’ve come to understand that openness to feedback, flexibility in style, and continuous practice are essential traits of an effective communicator. As I move forward in my professional journey, I will carry these lessons with me, not just for formal presentations but in everyday interactions that require clarity, purpose, and connection. This module reinforced that strategic communication is not just a skill, but a powerful tool for leadership and advocacy.