Communication Skills: Writing, Speaking & Presenting with Confidence

Course experience:

The first day of this class focuses on strong business writing, with an emphasis on concise, easy to understand writing, with clear actions for the reader. Topics covered include: importance of good writing; writing for mobile channels; effective email subject lines; direct writing style; editing skills; and reader-focused writing processes to inspire action.

The second day involves the participant in delivering short talks and receiving peer feedback and instructor coaching on style and delivery. Listeners form impressions of us in each speaking exchange during our day. The participant will use video recordings for development and self-coaching. This class provides an opportunity to see how listeners perceive you, and through active participation, learn how to manage the impression you give your listeners - to enhance your content with compelling and engaging delivery.

Who should take this course?

Technical professionals wishing to earn Washington University's Advanced Technical Leadership Certificate, or those who need to communicate clearly and effectively with others. This course is designed to teach participants ways to increase their effectiveness with teams, in meetings and in individual discussion with peers, managers, vendors and customers.

Course outline:

The cost of poor business writing
How business writing creates your professional persona
Digital communication writing strategies
Distinguish "good" from "bad" business writing in examples
Apply the 5 steps in the writing process
Reader-focused writing
Identify the various audiences for your writing
Discuss which document to write for which purpose and audience
Discuss principles of organization, content, and layout in business documents
Identify the purpose of your business communication
Practice what you have learned in group and individual exercises; business writing scenarios; peer review of your own writing
Business writing communication development plan
Identifying effective business communicators
Reviewing your recording and set communication goals
Assessing your speaking style, structure and language
Developing your communication presence as a speaker and a listener
How to manage speaking anxiety to enhance communication ability
Effective communication feedback
Effective communication content based on listeners
Storytelling as a communication strategy
Visual communications
Engaging your listeners
Presentation delivery and practice including video recording
Creating your personalized communication development plan

Learning outcomes:

Recognize reader-focused business writing skills and what makes it effective
Identify the primary and secondary audiences for any specific document
Use key business writing strategies to get your written message across clearly to make sure your message is read and acted upon.
Choose the right document type for your purpose and for the audience who will read and use it.
Consistently use 5 business writing strategies: Complete, Clear, Consistent, Concise, and Correct.
Use a proven writing process for business writing: prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading, editing, evaluating and publishing.
Apply principles of effective organization, content, and layout to any business document including electronic communication.
Accurately assess and improve communication abilities through video recordings
Influence and inspire listeners with a confident communication presence
Use strategies to help you think on your feet
Demonstrate clear communication and confidence in your delivery, content and visuals
Modify communication content and style based on who is listening
Engage your listeners through your speaking and your listening
Identify what makes communicators effective and learn how to use these techniques
Give and receive useful feedback on presentation content and delivery
Create and use a personalized communication plan

Type:

On-Campus Classroom

Day & Time:

M, T: April 22-23, 2024

8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Enrollment Deadline:

Apr 15, 2024

Location:

Washington University
Lopata Hall, Room 511

Course Fee(s):

$995

CEUs:

1.2

Enrollment Deadline is April 15, 2024 at 5 PM CST. Beyond this date, please call 314-935-4444 to register.

CANCELLATION POLICY

A full refund will be given when a registrant cancels more than five (5) business days prior to the start of the class. Cancellations received within 5 business days of the start of the class and no-shows will be billed in full. Another person may be substituted at any time at no additional charge.

A request to transfer a class to a future date can only occur if the request is more than 5 business days prior to the start of class. Otherwise, the request will be considered a cancellation and the policy will apply.