Bob Graham Center hosts workshops to improve communications skills

September 15, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Two events for University of Florida students will provide tools needed to speak effectively on controversial topics and develop communications and leadership skills.

Naniette Coleman, World Bank consultant, will give an interactive talk on the importance of speaking up even when faced with a controversial topic at 5 p.m. Friday at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service.

“Tackling Controversial Topics: Finding the Courage to Speak Up” will conclude with an opportunity for students to test their skills and practice what they have learned. The event will take place in Pugh Hall Room 210, and dinner will be served following the program.

The Bob Graham Center and the Public Service Council are sponsoring an interactive workshop on Saturday. Students will participate in three hands-on workshops meant to develop communications and leadership skills. Registration for the workshop begins at 9:30 a.m. in Pugh Hall’s Ocora.

Bruce Barcelo, principal consultant at Barcelo&Company will present “Framing the Message.” Naniette Coleman will give a talk on “Civility in Political Discourse: How Anyone Can Find Common Ground in an Uncivil Environment.” Pegeen Hanrahan, former Gainesville mayor, will discuss “Meet the Press: Fundamentals of Media Relations for Public Leadership.”

Saturday’s event includes a lunch panel with the speakers, who will lead participants in a discussion on the future of communications in modern politics. The program will conclude at 2 p.m.

RSVPs are strongly encouraged for both the Friday and Saturday events. Email grahamcenterrsvp@gmail.com or contact Kim Martin at kdmartin@ufl.edu for more information.

The Bob Graham Center provides students with opportunities to train for future leadership positions, meet policymakers and take courses in critical thinking, language learning and studies of world cultures. Its mission is to foster public leadership and solve issues related to the Americas and homeland security. It also serves as a magnet to attract distinguished scholars and speakers to Florida.