Foundations of Strategic Communications

Overview

Class Central Tips

The "Foundations of Strategic Communications" course equips learners with the skills to master professional, technical, and leadership communication strategies. By completing this course, participants will be able to analyze audiences, craft effective messages, and adapt their communication style to fit organizational cultures. Key learning outcomes include enhancing emotional intelligence, improving listening and nonverbal communication, and overcoming common communication barriers. Learners will also develop leadership communication skills, enabling them to influence and foster collaboration in both team settings and external engagements. What makes this course unique is its practical focus on applying communication models in real-world scenarios. Learners will gain the confidence to manage diverse audiences and complex workplace dynamics. The course emphasizes tailoring communication strategies based on audience analysis, ensuring learners are prepared for a variety of professional environments. By the end of the course, participants will have the tools to communicate persuasively, lead with influence, and foster stronger workplace relationships. This course provides a competitive advantage in both career growth and personal development by empowering learners with the ability to strategically communicate in any setting.

Syllabus

Course Introduction

The "Foundations of Strategic Communications" course provides students with essential skills for effective professional and technical communication across leadership, interpersonal, and group settings. It focuses on teaching students to analyze audiences, adapt to different organizational cultures, and apply emotional intelligence to improve communication outcomes. Through hands-on exercises, students will strengthen their listening, nonverbal, and writing abilities, while developing strategies to overcome communication barriers in various professional environments.

Introduction to Technical Communications

In this module, we will discuss communications within the context of a technical organization. We will explore the components of communication and assess how ineffective communications affect technical teams and business operations.

Audience Analysis

In this module, we will discuss how effective communications require an understanding of the audience. We will explore ways to analyze your audience and consider how to use this information to influence your communication strategy, regardless of the medium or method of communication (i.e., written or verbal).

Leadership Communications

In this module, we will explore the components of organizational culture and their relevance to communications, with specific emphasis on the mission of the organization. We will examine approaches for communicating as a leader within an organizational culture, including asking powerful questions as a means of increasing engagement.

Communication Styles

In this module, we will explore communication styles within the context of a technical organization. You will evaluate your own communication style and work collaboratively to find common barriers in communication.