Course Outline for business communication skills

Course Outcomes

This introductory communication course will:

• Introduce fundamental techniques for building positive relationships.
• Explain the concept and importance of self-awareness.
• Identify communication barriers.
• Provide suggestions for improving questioning and listening skills.
• Review body language and how to read subtle cues.
• Discuss how personal appearance and surroundings affect how people are perceived.

Available Format

• Half-Day Course
• Two-Part Webinar

Program Overview

Mixed messages, misunderstandings, and misconceptions cost organizations millions each year.

This basic communication skills program covers the fundamentals of interpersonal communication.

By its conclusion participants should have a clear understanding of what good communication skills look like and what they can do to improve their abilities.

Program Objectives

At this program's conclusion, participants should be able to:

• Identify common communication problems that may be holding them back.
• Demonstrate skill in asking questions.
• Identify what their non-verbal messages are telling others.
• Listen actively and empathetically.
• Calmly and methodically handle difficult situations.
• Communicate with assertiveness.

The following outline highlights some of the course's key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).

Workshop Outline

The Basics: The Ten Commandments of Positive Relationships

During this introductory part of the program participants will explore ten ways to build positive relationships with those they work with.

Self-Awareness: Being in the Know

Participants will complete a self-confidence assessment and then the group will discuss fears and solutions. They will also identify their strengths and weaknesses through a personal exercise and a role-play.

Road Blocks: Recognizing Communication Barriers

In this part of the program, participants will examine various communication barriers and what they can do about them.

The Dance: Asking Questions and Listening for Answers

This unit examines questioning skills (including open questions, closed questions, and probing) through a lecture and a pairs exercise. Participants will also work on their listening skills by participating in two quizzes and a role play.

Body Language: Communicating Without Saying a Word

In this part of the program participants will explore the impact their body language has on messages. They will learn how to adopt positive body language to improve how their communication is received.

Self-Image: Understanding What Your Clothes Say About You

During this unit, we will look at the things people determine from appearance. Participants will explore this idea further using a variety of visual aids. The segment will conclude with a self-evaluation exercise.

Assertiveness: Positioning for Acceptance

How we see ourselves has an impact on how we interact with others. Through lecture, case studies, and discussion, this segment will investigate ways that participants can improve their self-image and thereby deal with difficult situations assertively and positively.