Public relations officers have been advised to employ more effective communication skills so that they can perform efficiently in the business of public relations to induce the people to have understanding and goodwill towards a person, firm or institution to move the society forward.
This was stated by Prof. Angela Nwammuo, of Mass Communication Department, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, while giving a lecture with the topic “Practising Personal Public Relations: The Basics”, during a meeting of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Imo State chapter, held at De Legend Hotel and Suits, Owerri, on Wednesday.
Prof. Nwammuo harped that a public relations officer should imbue himself or herself with needed effective skills to perform optimally such as Communication Skills, IT Skills, Public Presentation Skills, Being Creative and Initiative, The Ability To Plan Effectively and Knowledge of Media Platforms.
She pointed out that “PR still remains the business of inducing the public to have understanding and goodwill towards a person, firm or institution; also the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved. It is about creating a positive image, facilitating public attention and favorable public opinion, building and earning trust. The practice of PR over the years had been on institutions and corporate organizations”.
Nwammuo, who is a Fellow of Public Relations Institute and Chairman of NIPR, Anambra State, observed that “the use of PR by individuals has been neglected, but the emergence of NICTs and practice of Online Journalism by citizens caused a paradigm shift which has resulted in the concept of Personal Public Relations. PPR refers to the use of public relations strategies in managing and maintaining a cordial relationship between an individual and the general public”.
However, some of the host at the gathering were Ever Bezze Nwosu, Public Relations Officer, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Nnaemeka Ijioma, Destiny Akunesi and Lady Chika Iheanacho, who expressed pleasure over the well attended monthly meeting, restated their commitment to keep the institute solid and afloat to achieve better result at all times.
