Bimbo Oloyede, CEO of Strictly Speaking Academy, engaged female journalists on the power of communication and presentation in leadership At the Sixth Report Women! Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP) Fellowship training. Oloyede identified clarity and character as key to communicating effectively and being remembered. She described communication as the transfer of information, ideas or feelings in a way that ensures understanding and feedback and discussed the various channels through which this can occur, including verbal, non-verbal and technical means.
She examined the roles journalists play as communicators, from conducting interviews and moderating panels to holding public conversations, and how these responsibilities require intentional messaging and audience awareness.
A notable part of the session focused on speech and pronunciation. Oloyede introduced participants to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and discussed how proper diction can help overcome native language interference, improve clarity and strengthen professionalism.
Using examples from public figures and real-life scenarios, Oloyede encouraged participants to be bold, authentic and consistent in their communication. Her session served as a reminder that effective communication is not just a soft skill, but a strategic tool for journalists seeking to lead, influence, and drive change.
