MEXY'S PLACE

In communication, emotional intelligence (#EI) plays a pivotal role in shaping how messages are conveyed, received, and understood. It goes beyond verbal and non-verbal skills, tapping into the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—both our own and those of others. High emotional intelligence allows communicators to navigate complex interactions, build stronger relationships, and mitigate conflicts. A key component of EI in communication is self-awareness. When we are attuned to our emotions, we can better control how we express ourselves, avoiding reactive or defensive behaviors that can distort the intended message. This, in turn, helps to foster an environment of open dialogue and mutual respect. Equally important is empathy—the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathetic communicators listen not just to words but to emotions, enabling them to respond in ways that acknowledge and validate the other party's perspective. This enhances...

In the world of #communication, especially in the #media, #PR, and #event planning sectors, we often prepare meticulously, striving to anticipate every scenario. We craft talking points, draft speeches, and rehearse our lines, all in the hopes that everything will unfold seamlessly. Yet, even with the most careful planning, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. That’s when the magic of unscripted moments happens—the moments that require adaptability, spontaneity, and quick thinking. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in my years as a communications #professional is that not everything will go according to plan—and that’s okay. In fact, some of the most impactful moments I’ve witnessed or been part of were entirely unplanned, happening in those instances when the script went out the window, and we were forced to adapt on the fly. Take, for example, an event I was covering recently. It was a high-profile #ceremony with numerous #speakers, all following a carefully outlin...

This weekend has been one for the books, with the rain starting its gentle descent yesterday evening and refusing to let up since. After days of scorching heat and relentless humidity, the cool, calming showers are more than welcome. It’s as though nature has heard our collective sighs of frustration and decided to offer a moment of respite, turning our weekend into a cozy, stay-indoors affair. Waking up to the rhythmic sound of raindrops dancing on rooftops is one of life’s underrated pleasures. There’s a special kind of serenity that comes with it, as if the world outside is wrapped in a soft, damp blanket. The glaring rays of the sun are gone today, replaced with a gentle, consistent drizzle that has kept us inside for hours on end, not that I am complaining though..lol. For many of us, the rain is an opportunity to unwind. It's the perfect excuse to huddle under blankets, catch up on long-overdue reading, or binge-watch that TV series we’ve been meaning to. The usual weekend...

Building a successful career is often about persistence, learning, and adapting, especially in those early days when everything feels unfamiliar. I remember when I resumed work years ago, still somewhat "grey" despite my prior experiences at various places: a brief stint at NTA, the Public Relations Unit of a State University, a telecommunications company as a Marketing Officer, and even as Advert Manager of a small newspaper publishing firm. Those roles had prepared me, but the terrain still felt new. I never allowed myself to be idle. Even while pursuing further academic qualifications to better fit into my vision of becoming a high-flying PR professional, I was always striving to learn more, pushing myself beyond my limits. I wanted to be ready for the challenges that came with the path I had chosen. One aspect that truly tested me was writing. There are many types and styles of writing, and I quickly learned that in a professional setting, your editor holds the final say...

Friday was one of those rare, calm days in my world of Corporate Communications. It’s not often that I get a day with fewer meetings, but when it happens, I know it’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on all the news stories waiting to be polished and published. With the university’s biggest event just around the corner, this quiet felt like the calm before the storm. The first half of the day was spent at my desk, immersed in edits. It’s funny how even on a less busy day, the work piles up in different forms. A colleague sent over a draft press release that needed sharpening, while another forwarded an article that just didn’t have the right tone yet. The joy, though, is in refining those pieces—finding the right words that will capture the essence of the university's achievements. As the minutes rolled by, I ticked off one task after another, sipping soda and enjoying the steady hum of a day. In the back of my mind, I knew this won’t last long—the preparations for the upcomi...

There’s something about the thrill of storytelling from behind the scenes. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of words, how they can shape perspectives, mold opinions, and inspire change. And yet, in a world that craves visibility and spotlights, my journey as a communications professional has led me down a different path—the quiet, powerful one of being unseen. I remember my early years. A young graduate, fresh-faced and eager to make a name in broadcast journalism. My dream? To be the face people saw on the nightly news, delivering stories that mattered. I had no idea that my true calling wasn’t in front of the camera, but behind it, crafting narratives, writing press releases, and shaping the reputation of organizations. September 26th, 2024—another day where my profession demands the art of being heard without being seen. A high-stakes media activity looms. It’s my role to craft the message and ensure the right tone is set. All eyes will be on the Institution, but it’...

Yesterday started like any other typical day in the world of a corporate communications professional—busy, filled with deadlines, and buzzing with the constant hum of ideas waiting to be transformed into impactful content. But unlike most days, I felt the twinge of fever creeping up as I started my work. Still, there was no room to pause; the show had to go on. I had content to create and post—social media waits for no one, and neither do the audiences we constantly strive to engage. Juggling a fever while crafting engaging posts and captions felt like running a marathon uphill, but the work needed to be done. Each piece of content carried its own weight, demanding attention to detail and creativity. I pushed through, determined not to let my body dictate the pace of my mind. As if that wasn’t enough, there was administrative paperwork waiting for me—documents that needed signing, memos to draft, and reports to finalize. My desk was a battlefield of papers and files, all with urgen...

Yesterday started like any other day: with the quiet hum of anticipation in the air and a to-do list that could make the most seasoned multitasker shudder. I inhaled deeply, knowing I was about to dive into the deep end of a jam-packed day, juggling hats like a magician in the middle of a Vegas show. But hey, when you're The Journalist Next Door, that’s just another Tuesday. It all kicked off with the Editorial Meeting. Ah, yes, the meeting where every voice is louder than the last, and opinions fly faster than you can catch them. We sat around the proverbial round table, each of us armed with ideas, insights, and a burning desire to have the best story pitch of the week. The pressure? Palpable. The excitement? Even more so. Picture this: a cacophony of ideas clashing like cymbals in an overzealous orchestra, everyone trying to outshine the next. What story should we spotlight? Who’s got the best angle? What fresh spin can we put on the same old, same old? My brain was doing me...

The life of a journalist is literarily a life of service....So, yesterday started off like most workdays, calm and quiet. After a light breakfast,i got off to preparing mentally for the day ahead. The stillness of the morning was a welcome buffer before the assignments would inevitably start flooding in. By 8:30 AM, had long reprted at work after dropping off the kids at school and I was right in front of my computer, several pages open, scanning through a sea of to-do items. Media inquiries, event invitations, follow-ups from PR pitches—each demanding attention. I tackled the most pressing ones first, carefully responding to reporters needing more information about a press release I had earlier sent. With each response sent, I felt the weight of the inbox lighten, if only slightly. Once the emails were under control, it was time to shift gears. The previous day’s event at the University needed to be transformed into a news story. I began weaving the narrative, ensuring it would cap...

In a world dominated by digital streaming services, where entire music libraries are just a click away, it’s surprising to witness the resurgence of vinyl records. Yes, those large, round discs that once collected dust in basements and attics are making a comeback, and not just as vintage relics but as coveted items for music lovers, collectors, and audiophiles alike. What’s fueling this vinyl renaissance? For starters, there’s something undeniably nostalgic about holding a physical record, slipping it out of its sleeve, and placing it on a turntable. Unlike the instant gratification of a streaming playlist, vinyl demands patience. You have to flip it over halfway through, and there’s no "skip" button to leap from track to track. This tangible experience is a refreshing contrast to the ephemeral nature of digital music. Then there’s the sound. Vinyl records are prized for their "warmth"—that slightly imperfect, analog quality that audiophiles claim digital music ...

The Power of Strategic Communication in Nigeria: A Subtle Shift... Imagine this: You wake up one morning to find that your phone is buzzing with alerts from Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp. A story is spreading like wildfire—something about a new policy, an upcoming election, or perhaps, a health scare. The details are unclear, the sources uncertain. But before you even have time to check the facts, your friends and family are discussing it, sharing it, reacting to it. This is the reality we face today in Nigeria. Our digital world moves faster than ever, and information—both true and false—travels at lightning speed. In a country with over 100 million internet users, communication has become more than just sending a message; it’s now a powerful tool capable of shaping public opinion and, in some cases, influencing decisions at the highest levels. Take the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. When the virus first hit, there was a flood of information—some of it helpful, some of i...

THE JOURNALIST NEXT DOOR IS BACK! Seven years. Seven years of growth, discovery, and invaluable experience. Now, the wait is over. It’s time to announce my return to blogging, with a renewed passion and perspective. This journey has been anything but ordinary—stepping back has allowed me to dive deeper into the intricate world of communications and protocol, honing skills that I’m eager to share with you all once again. From corporate communications to crisis management, the landscape has evolved—and so have I. Welcome back to “Journalist Next Door,” a space where stories come alive through the lens of my 15-year career in media relations, public relations, and content creation. This blog will once again serve as a window into the world of strategic communications, where the balance of words and actions can make or break reputations, relationships, and industries. Join me as I explore the fine art of professional storytelling, dissect the nuances of effective communication in ...