The lecture, entitled “Strategic Communication and Political Messaging,” drew attention to the critical role of language and framing in effective communication.
Prof. Sikanku, an Associate Professor and Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID) at UniMAC, spoke on the necessity of strategic messaging in winning support and persuading audiences during electoral campaigns and policy implementation.
He remarked that, “Effective messaging is critical to garnering support and persuading audiences in electoral contests as well as policy implementation,” Prof. Sikanku further explained that framing is key to crafting messages, noting that, “Framing plays a pivotal role in crafting messages because it involves how narratives are constructed for maximum effect through various framing devices and rhetorical strategies.”
Dr. Ike Tandoh, a Senior Lecturer at UniMAC’s Institute of Journalism, highlighted the potential of strategic communication in driving Africa’s development. He emphasised that, “Effective strategic communication has a huge potential for Africa’s development. Key sectors of the economy will see positive growth if African corporate leaders embrace elements of strategic communications, such as stakeholder engagement, symmetrical communications, crisis communication, and effective campaign planning, among others.”
The lecture offered students, academics, and professionals a chance to examine the practical applications of political messaging in today’s world whilst contributing to the communication discourse in Africa.
UniMAC is committed to academic excellence, interrogating trends in communication and nurturing the next generation of communication, arts and media professional for the 21st century. The opportunity to share knowledge and set the tone for further discourse in the media and communication space, such as the Guest Lecture Series, provides the platform to contribute to academic excellence and new research-led knowledge.
By Adjei Dickens Ofori Asare, UniMAC-IJ