On Saturday, 17 June, Radford College P&F Committee participated in a Persuasive Communication training course run by the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). This course was thanks to funds granted by the ACT Education Directorate, on behalf of the ACT Government, under the Parent Engagement Grants Program.

The following six members of the P&F Committee and one parent attended:

• Lisa McPherson, President
• Eleanor Bleesor, Vice-President
• Nat Talbot, Treasurer
• Agnes Kopras-Ianson, Secretary
• Ke Ma (Mark), Assistant Treasurer
• Stephanie Hinton, Ordinary Member
• Nicholas Smith, Parent

The Persuasive Communication training course consisted of the following modules: Being Present; Active Watching and Listening; Status and Endowment; Setting Objectives; and Putting it into Practice.

During the Being Present module, P&F participants learnt how effective communication requires all parties to remain focused and remain in the present moment. NIDA instructor Lincoln talked about applying physical, vocal, and imaginative techniques to stay focused during high-stakes communications, such as interacting with parents and College staff.

The Active Watching and Listening module focused on how non-verbal communication can assist with ‘reading the room’ and empowering us to respond with confidence when conducting meaningful communication with the College community.

In the Status and Endowment session, participants analysed the notion of status and how it can be used to empower others and raise the stakes when needed. Participants discussed how to apply the concept of an endowment to help give our thoughts and ideas an appropriate level of weight and meaning, especially when communicating with the diverse range of stakeholders that the P&F Committee does.

Whilst these concepts may sound familiar to anyone who has worked in the corporate world or large government departments, NIDA has put their stamp on the concepts. NIDA’s approach centred on the theory behind the concepts and then focused on the practical aspects of working with one’s own body and voice, using it purposefully and meaningfully, as well as being able to read the non-verbal communication of others. Lincoln’s interest in neuroscience added an interesting layer to the content provided.

The final part of the course allowed participants to put into practice the concepts learnt throughout the day and to act in scenarios based on real-life situations that the P&F Committee faces, such as:

• Enticing parents to volunteer at P&F events;
• Working with Radford staff regarding grants funding from the P&F; and
• Dealing with difficult stakeholders.

P&F participants were joined in the scenarios by professional actor Matt Holmes, known from Sea Patrol and Blue Heelers, and feedback was given by Lincoln and the rest of the Committee. Participants were then asked to re-perform the scenarios incorporating the feedback.

Whilst our performances were probably not Oscar-worthy, they were emotional, eye-opening, and kept everyone engaged until the end of the day.