Effective Communication for Young Leaders

I was invited by the officers of the Student Council and other college organizations of the University of Eastern Philippines – College of Arts and Communication to join them in their Mandatory Leadership Training. I readily accepted the invitation, as it came from my alma mater, where I completed my undergraduate degree in Political Science in the year 2000. I saw it as a small way of giving back and a rare opportunity to return to what I consider my second home for more than four years.

The topic assigned to me was “Writing for the Student Council,” in light of my experiences as a secretary. Specifically, I was asked to discuss the formats and techniques in writing resolutions, minutes of meetings, orders of business, memos, letter-invitations, transmittals, and similar documents. During my presentation, I emphasized the critical role that effective communication plays in managing an organization. I told them that all leaders must harness their communication skills—because one essential quality of a good leader is being a good communicator. And the best time to start developing that skill is now, while they are still young.

A leader must be a lover of the written word. He or she must be a voracious reader—of anything that sparks their interest—whether fiction or non-fiction, books, magazines, newspapers, or online materials. I cannot imagine building a career that involves a great deal of writing without having developed a deep habit of reading since I first learned the alphabet. I attribute much of what I have achieved to my consistent practice of reading and writing.

As a leader, one must have a working grasp of various topics. Leaders are constantly exposed to people with diverse interests and perspectives and are often asked for their opinions. Hence, staying informed and updated is not optional—it’s essential.

Effective communication is vital in the exercise of power and influence. How can you inform, persuade, or inspire others if you cannot express yourself clearly? Words have the power to change minds, influence decisions, and stir people into action. But for words to be impactful, they must be expressed with clarity, intention, and artistry. A leader who can articulate their thoughts eloquently can mobilize a community and inspire social change.

Let us also remember that communication involves more than just oral and written expression. It includes tone of voice, diction, pronunciation, and enunciation. On a physical level, a leader must also maintain good posture when speaking, be well-groomed, and uphold proper hygiene. Communication is a total personality package. For your words to be believable, you yourself must appear credible—otherwise, your message may lose its value.

As I ended my one-hour talk before these bright and energetic young student leaders, I challenged them to strive to become master communicators. Doing so will take them far in their leadership journey. Most importantly, I reminded them to use their communication skills not just for personal advancement but in service of others—today, for their fellow students and college, and tomorrow, for the greater public and their country.