Business Communication

Virtually everything that we do in business involves working with people in person one on one, in groups, in writing, by phone or through a myriad of other electronic means. In today's highly competitive business world, it is more important than ever to recognize and study the significant role communication plays in our lives. As employees at all levels, how well we communicate in a large part determines how successful we will be on the job, and our level of personal job satisfaction. This course is for individuals at all levels in all types of businesses/organizations who desire to polish and/or develop additional communication skills in formal and informal settings. Through interactive discussions, role plays and activities the following areas are covered: verbal and nonverbal communication; defensive/supportive communication; assertiveness, submissiveness and aggressiveness; active listening; receiving and providing criticism; team building; delegation of responsibilities; empowerment; management and sales strategies; leadership; customer service; interviewing/recruiting; conflict resolution.

It has been stated that everyone is someone's difficult person. Almost daily, we come in contact with people we would characterize as difficult. They are the people we work with, sell to, depend on, and live with. There are intimidators, manipulators, analyzers, know-it-alls, overly friendlies, accommodators, chronic complainers and whiners. Their actions consume time, energy and emotion at the expense of productivity and morale. We can learn to coexist with life's difficult people. This informative, fast-moving one-day workshop provides fresh insights and immediately usable skills needed to quickly and confidently identify and deal with various types of people, difficult or not, in a variety of contexts. Role-plays and interactive exercises supplement stimulating, practical-based discussions of topics such as giving/receiving of criticism, expressing/responding to anger, defensive/supportive communication, listening and nonverbal communication.

Effective writing is a powerful tool in the business environment. Learn how to articulate your thoughts clearly, concisely and with a style that gets your writing read. Improve your skill at using this powerful instrument by learning to select and use appropriate formats, use the correct medium and adjust your writing style accordingly, as well as identify your objective and communicate it clearly. You'll also learn to spot, avoid and correct the most common writing pitfalls and gain valuable experience analyzing, writing and revising a complete spectrum of business documents. From a simple interoffice memo to a twenty-page business proposal, learn how to put good writing to work for you.

An elective course in the Certificate Program in Administrative Management. This course provides a conceptual framework for approaching decision-making situations with clarity and confidence. Participants build competence in two specific areas: making effective decisions based on the accurate assessment of the problem and preparing to effectively develop and analyze creative alternatives. In addition, students learn how to work on the right problem, develop and structure objectives, understand the consequences, and make appropriate tradeoffs. Using case studies and on-the-job situations encountered by the class, students explore successful models and proven techniques that are readily transferable to their own situations.

A required course in the Certificate Program in Conflict Management and the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution. An elective course in the Certificate Program in Administrative Management. Traditionally, the primary negotiation strategy utilized has been a competitive approach commonly referred to as "distributive bargaining." Recently a more cooperative approach has emerged fostering the term "win-win" negotiation. This approach centers on interests rather than issues and attempts to create value for each side. In an interest based negotiation, attention moves toward solution. Explore the theory and practice of negotiating and the methods of obtaining cooperative conflict resolution. Business managers and professionals will benefit by examining positional bargaining, cooperative approaches to impasses and collaborative styles of negotiation techniques.

An elective course in the Certificate Program in Conflict Management and the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution. This course is designed for ADR and other professionals who are involved in managing groups, meetings, boardrooms, and multi-party mediation. A successful mediator remains neutral, is an advocate for the process, keeps negotiations on track, and demonstrates empathy, while encouraging the parties to reach an agreement. All of these traits require excellent communication skills. The new interaction method of facilitation is similar yet different. Come learn the tips, techniques and skills required to achieve effective "proactive" group management. This class will be very interactive and participation is encouraged. Topics will include convening, setting agendas, active listening, building consensus, overcoming resistance and turning reactionary attitudes into proactive results.

An elective course in the Certificate Program in Conflict Management and the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution. From small businesses to large corporations, employees are afraid to be open with internal investigators for fear of losing their jobs. Learn the value of "neutral" fact finding and neutral investigations. This class will teach tips and techniques that conform to the latest court decisions including the Cotran ruling. Be prepared for interactive exercises and role plays in active listening, neutrality, and how to prepare neutral documentation.

This course will examine the various forms of interviews focusing primarily on the employment or recruitment interview and the performance review. Elements of the interview process will be studied and will include: all forms of correspondence (cover letters, resumes, thank you letters), all phases of the interview process (what occurs prior, during and post interview), and verbal and nonverbal communication strategies for all forms of communication interactions within the interview context.

Does your public image do you justice? Dynamic presentation skills are a "must" for those in marketing, advertising and design management, public relations, fund-raising, sales and other careers that require the ability to communicate persuasively and with confidence. Beginning with the premise that we are always presenting ourselves, this hands-on course helps participants become comfortable, confident, and masterful presenters. The principles presented apply to business settings as well as to other activities in daily life. Course content is customized to focus on the interests and concerns of all attending. Participants practice exercises designed specifically for them, have the opportunity to make several presentations, and receive positive feedback and personal coaching from the instructor.