Overview

This comprehensive course on Persuasive Communication is designed to guide students from fundamental concepts to advanced techniques necessary for enhancing their communication skills in a professional setting. Across five lectures, students will explore key strategies to influence and motivate their audiences, applying these techniques in real-world situations through case studies and practical exercises. From developing credibility and logical speech structure to emotional connection and the art of storytelling, this course provides thorough training to become an effective and persuasive communicator.

Syllabus

Introduction to the Communicating with Presence Specialization

To be a better leader you need skills such as finance, operations and marketing, but to advance in your career, you will also need soft skills. One of these essential skills is communication. If you want to manage people, whether it's a small team or a large company, you have to know how to communicate. There is no effective leader who is NOT an effective communicator.

Lecture I: Communication Skills

In this lecture, students will learn the importance of communication skills in leadership and how these skills are essential for advancing their career. They will familiarize themselves with the basic principles of persuasive communication and discover how to effectively combine speech elements to capture and maintain audience's attention. This lecture establishes a solid foundation for becoming an effective and persuasive communicator, regardless of team's size or the magnitude of the company.

Lecture II: Logos

In this lecture, students will learn to structure a rational speech, comparing it to human anatomy: the bones represent the structure that gives strength and proportion to the speech's body. Through this approach, they will understand how to organize their ideas clearly and logically to effectively convey knowledge. This lecture will help them strength their skills in planning and presenting well-structured speeches that are convincing and clear.

Lecture III: Ethos

In this lecture, students will discover how the speaker's credibility is fundamental to persuasion in leadership. They will explore when a rational approach may not be effective and how, in such situations, the leader's speech can be more impactful. Through practical examples and detailed analyses, students will learn to develop speeches that enhance their credibility and leadership.

Lecture IV: Storytelling

In this lecture, learners will discover how the art of storytelling has been a powerful tool for conveying ideas, traditions, and values throughout history. They will learn to create and use memorable stories to enrich their speeches and improve their communication skills. Through practical examples and proven techniques, they will experience the impact of storytelling on the effectiveness of oral presentations.

Lecture V: Pathos

In this lecture, students will explore how emotions play a crucial role in persuasive communication. They will learn to integrate reason, credibility, and emotional connection in their speeches to effectively influence their audience. While logic and credibility are important, this lecture will focus on how emotions can be the primary driver that moves people and creates a lasting impact.