Effective Presentations and Persuasive Writing

Overview

Class Central Tips

The course "Effective Presentations and Persuasive Writing" equips learners with the tools to craft and deliver impactful technical presentations and develop persuasive communication skills. Through this course, students will master the art of designing clear, engaging slides and structuring persuasive arguments tailored to diverse audiences. Learners will also gain insights into the intricacies of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and related documents, sharpening their ability to analyze competitive strategies and write winning proposals. What sets this course apart is its focus on real-world applications, from understanding team communication dynamics and cultural diversity to developing elevator pitches and mastering human-centered design principles. Students will also explore the latest trends in communication, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-evolving professional landscape. By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently present complex ideas, influence audiences through well-constructed arguments, and continuously enhance their communication skills throughout their careers. This course is ideal for professionals looking to boost their presentation and writing abilities in technical and persuasive contexts.

Syllabus

Course Introduction

The course "Effective Presentations and Persuasive Writing" provides students with the tools to design and deliver impactful technical presentations and develop persuasive communication skills. The course covers audience analysis, proposal writing, and the use of rhetorical devices to craft compelling arguments. Students will also explore strategies for adapting communication styles in diverse settings and staying current with communication trends in professional environments.

Effective Technical Presentations

In this module, we will cover three components of presentations, planning, designing, and delivering. We will discuss frameworks and research-based strategies to help guide you as you prepare to provide a technical presentation.

Persuasive Communications

In this module, we will explore persuasion as a tool for changing or reinforcing the behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs of others. We will examine the framework of persuasive communications and consider the importance of audience analysis in the persuasive process. We will introduce the concept of elevator speech as an abbreviated, yet focused tool for persuasion.

Future Technical Communications

In this module, you’ll explore improvisation and design thinking as novel approaches for enhancing communications and facilitating innovation within a technical organization. Although these concepts have been in use for some time, they are new to many professionals and demonstrate how the field of technical communications continues to evolve. As we investigate these trends and process developments, you will consider how you might keep current with future communication trends to continue maturing your communication skills and effectiveness.