Learn how language, self-concept, and perception shape effective communication in this free online course.

This communication skills course examines the key elements of effective verbal communication and business communication. You will begin with language and message content, learning about language barriers such as slang, jargon, euphemism, and doublespeak. The course also investigates examples of cliché, sexist, and racist language to demonstrate how word choice can hamper communication. You will then explore emphasis strategies that add impact to your communication and keep audiences engaged, including signposts, tables, and internal summaries, before unpacking the steps required to improve your verbal communication skills. This course teaches you how to use precise language, control your tone, and keep your audience in focus.

Next, the course explores the psychology behind the connection between speaker and audience, showing you how to better understand your audience and why this matters for effective communication. You will study self-understanding, self-esteem, self-image, and the Pygmalion effect, as well as how attitudes, beliefs, and values shape identity and communication style. The course also covers fairness in communication and the role of active listening and active reading. Finally, you will take a deep dive into perception, covering the selection, organisation, and interpretation stages of the communication process, and why respecting individual differences in perception matters.

Ignorance often creates a disconnect between a message's sender and receiver. This communication skills course examines how the characteristics of language can either improve or diminish effective business communication, and how culture, education, gender, and race shape perception. By the end of this course, you will know how to avoid miscommunication and apply constructive strategies for delivering your message clearly, a skill that can improve your effectiveness at work and in everyday life.