Communication Dynamics: Professional Development Workshop 2020

On February 10, students from the UBC Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) and UBC Master in Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP) programs had the opportunity to attend the “Communication Dynamics: Selling Ideas and Yourself” workshop that focused on the building of students’ presentation skills and introducing the basics of power presenting.

Led by Ivan Wanis-Ruiz from Speaking and Communication, the workshop was designed to prepare students with a “utility belt” of communication tactics and strategies to prepare them for a variety of personal and professional situation, including presentations, networking events and personal conversations.

Ivan introduced MEL and MHLP students to a variety of methods and strategies designed to enable them to better communicate their ideas. These included the utilization of strategic sentence structures and the use of physical movement and stance to convey confidence.

“Confidence is a physical action you can practice and it has nothing to do with how you feel.” – Ivan Waniz-Ruiz

Further, Ivan explored the creation and delivery of value statements while networking and presenting. This was based on a 4-step process intended to create sincere personal value statements.

Later on in the workshop, students were encouraged to apply their new skills in group discussions and informal presentations.

“The techniques were easy to implement but impactful” (Student Feedback)

“It was very refreshing and informative. I really enjoyed the workshop.” (Student Feedback)

Understanding the importance of professional skill development and fundamental business practices is a key component of the UBC MEL and MHLP degrees. Learn more about the UBC MEL and MHLP by exploring what our programs have to offer.