This program offers Learners the basic competencies involved in effective communication and team work between those at the very top of a company through to middle management, first-line supervision and line workers. Clear and concise communication is a must for today's fast-paced business world. Business professionals require the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively on a range of complex subjects. Communication between staff and management, with clients and prospective clients, requires the utmost clarity to ensure expectations are met and decisions can be made on the basis of accurate information. Without effective communication skills, both menial tasks and strategic business decisions can result in costly mistakes for any organization. Moreover, effective business communication can mean the difference between closing a deal with a prospective client or losing their business altogether.

Whether in writing or speaking, effective communication is a must for business managers at all levels as well as those seeking promotion into higher ranks. Learners will be introduced to the fundamental strategies behind effective business communication alongside potential barriers that may inhibit these efforts. Learners will be introduced to technology that will facilitate their communication efforts, gain insight into effective oral presentations as well as visual aids that can help in these efforts. This program will also ensure you learn to write faster without sacrificing clarity making sure they can avoid common errors, resolve issues effectively and increase credibility overall by communicating exactly what they mean to their audience without all the extraneous, unnecessary material. Participants will also learn effective strategies to revise and fine-tune every kind of business document to convey the exact meaning they intend in the most effective way possible. For those looking at a career in sales or any client-facing position, the business communication course is a must, but it's also a great tool for anyone getting started in an office environment to have a mastery of these skills.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Evaluate elements of effective business communication
• Explain barriers that can create ineffective communication
• Analyze ethical issues related to communication
• Examine how technology has impacted business communications
• Explain the importance of intercultural communication in the business setting
• Use the English language appropriately in business communications
• Write an effective business message
• Develop effective visual aids for a business proposal
• Prepare an oral presentation
• Create a resume, application letter, and follow-up messages
• Define communication
• Describe effective listening skills
• Deliver a clear message to listeners
• Use appropriate questions in communicating with others
• Explain why communication is important in helping people learn
• Identify best practices for delivering successful presentations
• Use effective business writing skills
• Identify the correct audience and purpose for business communication
• Organize topics for business communication
• Identify the types of business writing
• Describe correct sentence structure
• Use appropriate language in business communication
• Explain the elements of direct and forceful writing
• Describe revising and editing techniques
• Use Microsoft Office®

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Business Communication (B-COMM)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As students progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.