Communication and Interpersonal Skills Course

Overview

Our “Communication and Interpersonal Skills” course is designed for undergraduate, postgraduate, and master’s students in Australia who are ready to elevate their communication abilities and develop essential interpersonal skills. This 10-week online course is uniquely crafted to fit within a busy academic or professional schedule, with two interactive sessions per week, each lasting one hour. Through engaging activities, case studies, and practical exercises, students will gain hands-on experience to become more effective communicators in academic, professional, and social settings.

Whether you’re preparing for leadership roles, aiming to improve teamwork, or simply looking to communicate more clearly and confidently, this course provides the foundation you need to thrive in any environment.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Master Core Communication Skills: Develop effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to express ideas clearly and confidently.
2. Enhance Interpersonal Competencies: Improve listening skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity to better navigate diverse environments.
3. Manage Conflicts and Negotiate Solutions: Learn strategies to handle conflicts constructively and apply negotiation skills for successful outcomes.
4. Communicate Effectively in Teams and as Leaders: Apply communication strategies to foster positive team dynamics and inspire others.
5. Adapt Communication Styles for Different Scenarios: Hone adaptability to effectively engage with various audiences, from academic and professional settings to social interactions.

Course Structure

This course consists of 20 sessions held over 10 weeks, with two sessions each week. Every session is carefully structured to provide a balance of theoretical concepts and practical exercises, encouraging students to apply their learning in real-time scenarios. Below is a breakdown of the course topics:

• Week 1: Introduction to Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Week 2: Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Fundamentals
• Week 3: Listening Skills and Empathy
• Week 4: Intercultural Communication
• Week 5: Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• Week 6: Professional Communication and Networking
• Week 7: Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
• Week 8: Team Dynamics and Collaboration
• Week 9: Leadership Communication
• Week 10: Final Review and Capstone Project Presentations

Detailed Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction to Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Gain a foundational understanding of different communication types and the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in building strong interpersonal skills.

Week 2: Fundamentals of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Explore key aspects of both verbal and non-verbal communication, including tone, articulation, body language, and interpreting non-verbal cues in various contexts.

Week 3: Listening Skills and Empathy

Develop techniques for active listening and empathy, understanding how these skills contribute to clearer and more meaningful interactions.

Week 4: Intercultural Communication

Learn how to effectively communicate across cultures, identifying and adapting to cultural differences to enhance understanding and inclusivity.

Week 5: Conflict Resolution and Negotiation

Identify types of conflicts and discover methods for constructive conflict resolution and negotiation through role-play exercises and case studies.

Week 6: Professional Communication and Networking

Master the art of professional communication, including email etiquette, digital communication, and building a strong professional network.

Week 7: Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Acquire skills to confidently present ideas, from structuring presentations effectively to managing stage anxiety and using body language to enhance impact.

Week 8: Team Dynamics and Collaboration

Understand the dynamics of working in a team, identifying roles, building collaboration, and learning techniques to manage team-based conflicts.

Week 9: Leadership Communication

Explore various leadership styles and their communication approaches, and practice adapting your leadership communication style to different scenarios.

Week 10: Final Review and Capstone Project Presentations

Reflect on your journey through the course, present a capstone project tackling a real-world communication challenge, and receive constructive feedback.

Assessment and Evaluation

This course emphasizes active participation, continuous assessment, and a capstone project to solidify learning.

• Participation and Attendance (20%): Regular attendance and participation are essential as they ensure that students engage fully in discussions and exercises.
• Weekly Assignments (40%): Weekly exercises, case studies, and reflective assignments to reinforce practical application of each week’s topics.
• Capstone Project (40%): A final project presenting a real-world communication challenge that students tackle using the skills acquired throughout the course.

Resources and Materials

Throughout the course, students will receive access to valuable resources, including:

• Recorded Sessions and Slides: Students can revisit session recordings and review presentation slides at their convenience.
• Case Studies and Real-Life Examples: Explore case studies and examples from diverse scenarios to enrich understanding of key concepts.
• Suggested Readings and Research Papers: Access curated readings and academic articles on communication theories and best practices.
• Discussion Forums: Engage with peers in discussion forums to exchange insights, share feedback, and network.

Technical Requirements

To participate in the online course, students will need:

• A reliable internet connection
• Video conferencing software (Zoom or Microsoft Teams)
• Access to presentation software (PowerPoint or Google Slides)

Why Choose This Course?

This course offers a comprehensive, practice-oriented approach to mastering communication and interpersonal skills, essential for academic success and career advancement. Tailored to the needs of modern students in Australia, the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, helping participants build confidence in real-world communication scenarios.

Enroll today to begin your journey toward effective, adaptive, and impactful communication skills!