With over 30 years of experience in communications, corporate social responsibility, event management, media relations, and corporate secretaryship, CIMB Niaga Bank’s Head of Corporate Communications, Hery Kurniawan, brings a practical perspective on how communication works in the professional world. He believes it’s important to understand the recipient of the message before determining how to deliver it.
“Keep it simple, but not cheap.” Communication needs to be structured in a focused manner, paying attention to the opening, body, and closing, so that the audience clearly receives the message, said Hery during a guest lecture on Business Communication at the School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB) on Tuesday (August 11).
Business communication has a broad scope. A professional communicator needs to align communication strategies with organisational needs, build audience engagement, and ensure the message translates into a meaningful experience.
Hery then emphasized the importance of storytelling in professional communication. Effective communication needs to be delivered clearly, concisely, and systematically, ensuring that the message has clear logic, is free from assumptions, and avoids unnecessary jargon.
In addition to verbal communication, students are also encouraged to recognize the power of nonverbal communication. Some skills essential to professional communication include preparation, sensitivity to nonverbal communication, vocal intonation, active listening, and emotional intelligence. Therefore, communication skills are not just about “what” is said, but also about how a person presents themselves, listens, reads the situation, and builds relationships with others.
One section that captured the students’ attention was the discussion on professional presence and grooming for success. Hery encouraged students to view appearance as more than just an aesthetic issue, but also as an integral part of professional communication.
Appearance is part of the first impression that can influence how a person is perceived even before they begin speaking. In a professional context, first impressions are shaped by factors such as self-confidence, friendliness, politeness, punctuality, self-introduction, body language, listening skills, and empathy. The right appearance can help build confidence, make the audience feel comfortable, and demonstrate a professional representation of a person as part of their institution.
Hery also discussed event management as a crucial skill for a professional communicator. Event management is not only viewed as a technical aspect of an activity but also as a space to learn how to convey messages accurately, in an orderly, aesthetically pleasing way, and with life. Through event management, students can simultaneously develop skills in leadership, decision-making, collaboration, and adapting to changing times.
In this session, students not only receive conceptual learning but also have the opportunity to practice it directly through the Appearance Clinic. Students receive guidance on aspects of professional appearance, from face, hair, hands and nails, body, and overall attire. Students are also encouraged to evaluate simple details that support a professional appearance, such as well-groomed hair and facial features, clean, ironed clothing, and neat accessories.
This activity provides students with an opportunity to understand that learning business communication doesn’t stop in the classroom. The way a person speaks, listens, behaves, dresses, and carries themselves is all interconnected in building a professional presence.
