Just finished covering this event where the Chief Justice was the chief guest, and as expected, she was accompanied by a whole team – comms, security and officers of the court.
As the event progressed on, my attention was drawn this one guy in a well put together three piece ash-grey suit, and adorning what seemed to be a very expensive watch. He was busy on his MacBook Air typing something in a hurry, and taking a pose from time to time, as if trying to put his thoughts together in his mind. All this while everyone else was busy paying attention to the activities at the podium.
When Chief Justice Martha Koome took to the podium to deliver her speech, the ‘comms guy’ adjusted his seating position, and readjusted his laptop screen. As the CJ remarkably gave her speech, our ‘comms guy’ was heavily glued on the screen and throwing glances from time to time a the CJ. He would at one point give scared look whenever the Chief Justice would go off-script and put in a joke or two, but she would do it skillfully.
It wasn’t until the end of the event that I discovered the true importance of this ‘comms guy.’ As the event ended and the Chief Justice was escorted out of the venue, I noticed the ‘comms guy’ hurriedly packing his things and rushing to the exit. I caught up with him and asked what he does, and his answer surprised me.
“I’m a communication officer,” he said, “my job is to ensure that all communication that goes out from the Chief Justice’s office is accurate, timely and appropriate for the audience.”
I was intrigued, and I asked him to elaborate on what exactly his role entails. He explained that his job is not just to ensure that the Chief Justice’s speeches are well-written and delivered, but also that all communication that comes out of her office is clear, concise and consistent with the messaging of the judiciary.
He went on to say that his job involves liaising with journalists, drafting press releases, and managing the Chief Justice’s social media accounts. He also emphasized that the accuracy of the information released is critical, and that he works closely with the Chief Justice’s legal team to ensure that all statements made are legally sound.
As I walked away, I couldn’t help but think that communication officers are truly unsung heroes. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that their organization’s message is effectively conveyed to its intended audience. Yet, their work often goes unnoticed and unappreciated.
Communication is Key…
In today’s world, where communication is key, the role of communication officers has become more important than ever before. Organizations, both big and small, need effective communication strategies to stay ahead of the competition, to engage with their customers and stakeholders, and to build and maintain their reputation.
Effective communication is essential for any organization, and the role of communication officers is crucial in achieving this. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization’s message is clear, concise and consistent across all channels. They must also ensure that the message is appropriate for the audience and that it aligns with the organization’s overall goals and objectives.
Communication officers must possess a range of skills, including excellent writing and editing skills, the ability to think creatively and strategically, and strong interpersonal skills. They must also be able to work under pressure, as communication often involves tight deadlines and last-minute changes.
In addition to their core responsibilities, communication officers must also keep up-to-date with the latest communication trends and technologies. They must be proficient in using social media and other digital channels, as these have become increasingly important in today’s communication landscape.
In conclusion, communication officers play a vital role in any organization. They are the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to ensure that their organization’s message is effectively communicated to its intended audience. Their work is often challenging and requires a range of skills, but it is essential for the success of any organization. So, the next time you attend an event or read a press release, spare a thought for the communication officer who made it all possible.
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