Corporate & Professional Development

Improved Communications for Leaders and Professionals

Video Introduction Closed Captioned

This is an interactive course on the communication skills managers and leaders need to be effective in the workplace. This course is "blended," consisting of both online and on-campus sessions, and offers a combination of videotaping, lecture and skill building activities to track progress throughout the semester. Participants are videotaped three times; at the start, during the middle and towards the end of the semester.

Additionally, students will be required to complete pre-class assignments aimed at practicing the skills explored in class and they will be required to document their experiences in their E-Journals.

Note: This course is for fluent English speakers and is not designed for those currently learning English or those wishing to practice beginner language skills.

Topics

  • Non-verbal communication such as active listening and mirroring.
  • Micro-messages and other subliminal cues which take place during discussions.
  • Effective use of language and speech patterns.
  • Influencing strategies within communication.

Learning outcomes

  • How to become a better listener and in turn a better communicator.
  • How to read people more effectively in order to better respond to needs and concerns.
  • How to use language and words to positive effect.
  • Improve your presentation skills and how you articulate yourself.

Instructors

Susan Jeghelian
Susan Jeghelian is a mediator, trainer, public administrator and lawyer, with a background in collaborative governance and public sector dispute resolution. For twenty years, she has designed and delivered numerous presentations and trainings to state and local public officials, judges, lawyers, mediators, civic leaders and others. The focus of her work has been to provide public leaders with skills and processes to better manage conflict, foster clear communication, and effectively deploy collaborative approaches when working with both internal and external stakeholders. Susan Jeghelian holds a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and a J.D. from Boston College Law School.
Loraine M. Della Porta
Loraine M. Della Porta’s public sector career reflects extensive experience in organizational development, training, team development and change planning. She has developed and delivered numerous training programs, from basic to advanced, in subject areas such as effective communication skills, negotiation, diversity, process management, and conflict resolution. Alongside her training experience, Loraine is an attorney with twenty years experience as a mediator, facilitator and dispute system designer. She holds a B.S. from Providence College and a J.D. from Roger Williams University Law School.