SMART leaders train to better advocate for our union in Effective Communication class

Whether explaining HVAC systems to aspiring sheet metal technicians, talking to policymakers about project labor agreements or explaining the benefits of union membership to workers on a jobsite, communication is a key skill for SMART union leaders. That’s why the SMART Education Department held its most recent edition of the Effective Communications class in Houston, Texas, during the week of March 2, 2026: helping union leaders become strong communicators and, in turn, more impactful advocates for SMART members.

Education Department staff redesigned the class for 2026, combining elements of the previous Effective Communications I and II classes into a single five-day course.

“Throughout the week, participants worked to deliver four different types of speeches: introductory, informational, persuasive and reframed persuasive,” explained SMART Director of Education Eli Baccus. “They then used the skills gained in public speaking as an individual and applied them to a group settings, participating in Spontaneous Argument Debates (also known as SPAR Debates).” 

A points system was in place for the class, encouraging attendees to put what they learned into practice. Participants were able to gain points for the timing of their speeches, how much they improved over the course of their speeches, for winning a debate as a team, and for their participation in the team debates. 

“Participants engaged well and worked hard, many spending time outside class hours to improve their speeches,” Baccus added. “The participants with the highest scores for the week were Fernando Robles, Local 28 (first place) and Chaz Tedesco, Local 9 (second place). Great job everyone!”