University Essay: 6 Communication Strategies in Politics Analysis

This essay delves into the crucial role of communication strategies in the realm of politics, examining six key approaches for effective political discourse. The essay begins by defining politics and political communication, emphasizing the significance of communication in both public and private organizations. It then outlines and analyzes six vital strategies: active listening, the importance of good nonverbal communication, the role of confidence, the necessity of open-mindedness, the value of feedback, and the significance of having the right content and timing. Each strategy is elaborated with examples and practical insights, aiming to equip readers with a comprehensive understanding of how politicians can improve their communication. The essay concludes by restating the importance of healthy communication and the need for politicians to adopt these strategies to foster better interactions. References are provided to support the analysis and provide further reading on the topic.

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COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES IN POLITICS
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Politics and communication issues
Politics can be defined as actions that closely relate to having the power and authority to
rule others in a certain country or area (Koto, 2012). Politics is not only found in government but
in schools, organization, and institutions. In organizations, politics is defined as how people try
to direct others. Some of the strategies that politicians use include: alliances, coalitions, deal
making, and bargains which try to incorporate others in decision making process.
Basically, politics started long time in the memorial and governments have been in
existence from then. Through this period, politics has continued to evolve from self-governance,
democratic, monarchy, and totalitarian governments that exits today. In the past, governments or
kingdoms acquired others through fights which they believed to be the political strengths. This
has changed in today’s government. To clearly understand politics and government, we will
discuss some of the communication strategies to use in politics so as to solve issues arising from
poor communication.
Communication strategies in politics
Political communication can thus, be defined as how information is passed from one
person to another by the people who are in power (Padghan and Jaiswal, 2018). Communication
is an important aspect in all the organizations whether private or public and should be exercised
with great caution and attention. For communication to be successful, some of the strategies to
be involved in are discussed below in detail.
Be a good listener
This is the basic way of being a good communicator. For people to give you a chance to
talk to them it’s always good to also do the same (Imhof, 2002). In politics, being a good listener

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always plays a vital role as one is able to address the issues as that are raised. Although, in most
cases politicians tend to overlook this strategy it’s good to listen before you speak.
Listening calls for one to also comprehend the issues being addressed to you, and having
some time to think on how to solve them. Questions should be allowed when one does not fully
understand what he/she is told to make sure that there is effective communication. Personally, I
feel that politicians should always listen attentively and involve their people before giving their
views. This ensures that real issues are addressed unlike politicizing things, as politicians as
always do.
Good nonverbal communication.
These are facial expressions, body language, gestures, and eye contact among others.
When talking in a public gathering, a person is required to be composed while maintaining eye
contact with the audience. Additionally, the right tone should be used to ensure that it does not
scare away the listeners.
Maintaining eye contact keeps the speaker focused on the topic and the audience. The
listeners tend to gain some trust to people who address them while, looking on them directly.
Politicians in the African continents mostly speak while, throwing hands at each other which
ends up in unhealthy fights that can be avoided. It’s therefore, good for one to control himself
during public speaking as it shows composure.
Confidence
Confidence is the ability to convince others that one believes in what he/she is saying.
Mostly, the confident people take up leadership positions in our society although, it should not
be confused with violence (Essentiallifeskills.net, 2019). It thus, calls for one to address his/her

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issues without attacking others in a way likely to cause violence. On the other hand, politicians
are supposed to be confidence so as to fight for the rights of the people they represent. More
importantly while speaking, people should avoid at all cost arrogant language.
Open minded
This is where the speaker gives others a chance, and is open for changes that are
proposed. Mostly politicians in Africa, are known to be dictators which calls for everyone to
follow what they say and want whether good or bad (Bezhovets, 2018). Good communicators are
people who listen to everyone whether negative or positive contributions, so as to make the best
decisions. Sometimes politicians or many people hate being open minded as they see it as
lacking the leadership skills but in real sense it’s the right way to go.
Feedback
This is a skill mostly used by intuitions offering services. It’s usually, a two way skills
where the organization gives information regarding their products and services while, they
expect their customers to give their feedback to help them make good decisions (Hadden and
Frisby, 2018). In politics, politicians should encourage for feedback from the people they
respect.
Having the right content
Sometimes, people talk for the sake of talking. It’s not a must for one to talk in public, so
people should ensure that they have an issue and content, and issues to address. Having the right
content calls for one to have a planned speech which is directed to the right audience at the right
time. An example, is where a politicians unveils his political ambitions in a church. Although,

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revealing the ambitions is a good thing, the timing and place is not healthy. Politicians should
thus, ensure that they plan their programs well.
In conclusion, communication being a form of addressing different concerns should be used in a
healthy way to avoid violence. Politics being a non-controlled form of communication calls for
the people involved to control and plan their speech well. Some of the good attributes that
politicians should have include: being good listeners, being open minded, having nonverbal
communication, confidence, and feedback.

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Reference list
Koto, A. (2012). Persatuan Tarbiyah Islamiyah. Jakarta: Rajawali Pers.
Bezhovets, V. (2018). «CHILD-PARENT» COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES IN
MANAGEMENT. Business Strategies, (2), pp.12-15.
Essentiallifeskills.net. (2019). Have an Open Mind. [online] Available at:
https://www.essentiallifeskills.net/openmind.html [Accessed 28 Sep. 2019].
Padghan, P. and Jaiswal, P. (2018). Study on Laser Communication: Features, Application,
Advantages. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development, Volume-
2(Issue-3), pp.36-40.
Hadden, A. and Frisby, B. (2018). Face Threat Mitigation in Feedback: An Examination of
Student Feedback Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Emotional Support. Communication
Quarterly, 67(1), pp.60-75.
Imhof, M. (2002). In the Eye of the Beholder: Children's Perception of Good and Poor Listening
Behavior. International Journal of Listening, 16(1), pp.40-56.