The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo Town, Prof. Muyiwa Popoola, has said that effective university administrative system would be difficult to achieve without application of appropriate communication skills by employees.
Popoola said this in a lecture he delivered at a workshop organised for by ACU registry department which was held at the University campus on Tuesday.
Present at the event were the University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Timothy Adebayo; Acting Registrar, Ven. Olusegun Ojo; Mathew Taiwo, who represented the Bursar, Dr Ayodele Olusanwo; and the Librarian, Dr Mrs Bosede Ajiboye.
In the lecture titled; Communication skills: Required tools for effective administration, Popoola stated that candidness, clarity, completeness, conciseness, concreteness, correctness and courtesy are vital speaking skills, which employees must employ as guide when dealing with issues in office business.
He said, “Because communication can be a philosophy, worldview, attitude, don’s and don’ts of a source, which can be human being, to another entity, which can be a person, group or organisation, known as the receiver through a medium for mutual understanding , It is therefore expedient of us to be acquainted with these 7C’s of effective communication.
“Whenever you speak in public, you should be honest and sincere. Your message should be truthful, and your lessons should be fair to yourself and others involved in the situation. Honesty boosts self-confidence, and in oral communication confidence is a key element to making an impact.
”Imagine a speaker who is talking about something that is very vague and ambiguous. Would such a speaker grab your attention? Clarity is therefore a must in public speaking.”
The professor of communication, who is also a university administrator, called on participants at the workshop to ensure that their thoughts and messages are organised and structured, stressing that this can only be achieved with a detailed knowledge of the topic on which they are addressing.
While agreeing that there is no perfect system, he spoke on the value of writing and non-verbal skills in university administration.
According to him, “Non-verbal cues also help to show emotional status of the message sender. Body language includes nodding or shaking of the head, body orientation, body positioning, and spatial communication.
“These communicative skills are among the most pertinent ones that can guarantee successful University administration. By mastering and practicing them, administrative staff can build trust and credibility in the institution.”
Popoola also highlighted the importance of holding regular workshop for university staff, saying that it is through regular training and workshop that emerging communication issues, trends and concept in university administration can be discussed and analysed for development.
