*Audience:* Professionals, students, or anyone seeking to improve communication skills 

 

*Course Description* 

This course equips participants with foundational and advanced communication strategies for personal and professional success. Topics include verbal/non-verbal communication, active listening, conflict resolution, public speaking, digital communication, and cultural sensitivity. Interactive activities, role-plays, and real-world scenarios reinforce learning.

 

*Course Objectives* 

By the end of the course, participants will: 

1. Master verbal and non-verbal communication techniques. 

2. Apply active listening and feedback strategies. 

3. Navigate interpersonal and cross-cultural communication. 

4. Develop confidence in public speaking and presentations. 

5. Resolve conflicts constructively. 

6. Communicate effectively in digital environments (emails, virtual meetings). 

 

*Weekly Schedule* 

 

*Week 1: Introduction to Communication* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Importance of communication in personal/professional life 

  - Communication models (e.g., Shannon-Weaver, Transactional) 

  - Barriers to effective communication 

- *Activity:* Self-assessment of communication style. 

 

Week 2: Verbal Communication* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Clarity, tone, and language choice 

  - Structuring messages (assertive vs. passive/aggressive) 

- *Activity:* Role-play scenarios (e.g., giving instructions, feedback). 

 

*Week 3: Non-Verbal Communication* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Body language, eye contact, gestures 

  - Aligning verbal and non-verbal cues 

- *Activity:* Video analysis of non-verbal cues in speeches. 

 

*Week 4: Active Listening* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Listening vs. hearing 

  - Techniques for empathetic listening (paraphrasing, summarizing) 

- *Activity:* Paired listening exercises with feedback. 

 

*Week 5: Interpersonal Communication* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Building rapport and trust 

  - Emotional intelligence in communication 

- *Activity:* Case studies on workplace/personal relationships. 

 

*Week 6: Conflict Resolution* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Identifying conflict triggers 

  - Negotiation and de-escalation strategies (I-statements, win-win outcomes) 

- *Activity:* Role-play conflict scenarios. 

 

*Week 7: Public Speaking Basics* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Overcoming stage fright 

  - Structuring speeches (opening, body, conclusion) 

- *Activity:* 2-minute impromptu speeches. 

 

*Week 8: Advanced Public Speaking* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Persuasive techniques (ethos, pathos, logos) 

  - Using visual aids effectively 

- *Activity:* 5-minute persuasive presentations with peer feedback. 

 

*Week 9: Digital Communication* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Professional email etiquette 

  - Virtual meeting best practices (Zoom/Teams) 

  - Social media communication 

- *Activity:* Drafting professional emails and mock virtual meetings. 

 

*Week 10: Cross-Cultural Communication* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Cultural dimensions (Hofstede’s model) 

  - Avoiding stereotypes and biases 

- *Activity:* Case studies on multicultural teamwork. 

 

*Week 11: Persuasion and Negotiation* 

- *Topics:* 

  - Influence tactics (Cialdini’s principles) 

  - Negotiation strategies (BATNA, compromise) 

- *Activity:* Mock sales pitches or salary negotiations. 

 

*Week 12: Final Project & Review* 

- *Activity:* 

  - Participants deliver a 10-minute presentation integrating course concepts. 

  - Peer and instructor feedback session. 

 

*Assessment Methods* 

- *Participation & Engagement:* 20% 

- *Quizzes/Reflection Journals:* 20% 

- *Individual Presentations:* 30% 

- *Final Project:* 30%