Putting the Best Face Forward

“An Image is not simply a Trademark, a Design, a Slogan or an easily remembered Picture. It is a studiously crafted Personality Profile of an Individual, Institution, Corporation, Product or Service”, says Daniel Boorstin, an American Historian and one of the appointed Librarians of the Library of Congress. And, with the increasing public scrutiny, conducting…


“An Image is not simply a Trademark, a Design, a Slogan or an easily remembered Picture. It is a studiously crafted Personality Profile of an Individual, Institution, Corporation, Product or Service”, says Daniel Boorstin, an American Historian and one of the appointed Librarians of the Library of Congress.

And, with the increasing public scrutiny, conducting effective school public relations is no longer a luxury—it’s a must!

But first, what does PR entail? A simple definition might be this: it’s the management or practice of creating and maintaining goodwill between an organization and the public, steered in a way that benefits both parties. The ability to work and communicate clearly with anyone can make a lasting impression on people who come and go.

Schools primarily should offer services “with a SMILE”. Greetings, smiles and eye contact may be standard customer-service training in the retail industry, but now it is moving into schools as well. Trainings, such as Gender and Development (GAD), are administered to all staff members to be able to improve their public relations. Schools at present are becoming cognizant of their reputation in the community and their roles and know the fact that they cannot be isolated in the community.

Along the same line, here are three of the most essential attributes for school personnel to put the “WELCOME MAT”:

  • Communication Skills– learn to communicate more effectively with “ALL” sorts of people. We cannot select whom to talk to or transact with, so be amiable as much as possible.
  • Work Ethic– public relations isn’t an 8-to-5 job. It does not have to take over your life, but the nature of the work is that sometimes you’ll have last-minute deadlines and sometimes you’ll have to chip-in to help others. Put in that little bit of extra effort. It won’t be every day, but people will notice.
  • Proactiveness– if you don’t know an answer to a question, first try to research the answer. If you can’t find the answer, ask. Whatever you do, don’t just sit there until you approach the deadline for your work.

Perhaps, one may find it laborious to follow these guides to improve oneself in serving others. But remember, they are all inclusive to the oath of office that we vouched to abide by. Incorporate these and at the end of each day, you’ll say, “I’ve been a good public servant today. I shall continue tomorrow”. And you will be amazed how simple it is.

By: Esmeralda V. Bantay | Admin Aide IV | Bataan National High School | Balanga, Bataan