Communications for New Managers Course Syllabus

Overview: This practical, skill-focused course is designed for new managers looking to build confidence and mastery in essential communication areas. Structured into eight concise modules, the course covers foundational principles through real-world applications, with a total time commitment of approximately 5.5 hours. You'll engage with actionable frameworks, examples, and exercises to immediately apply in one-on-one conversations, team meetings, and challenging discussions. Each module builds toward creating a personalized communication action plan for continuous growth.

Module 1: Foundations of Managerial Communication

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Key principles of effective communication: clarity, consistency, and credibility
• Understanding your personal communication style
• Assessing audience needs across team members, peers, and leaders
• Aligning communication with managerial responsibilities

Module 2: Active Listening & Questioning

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Practicing empathetic listening to build trust
• Identifying and overcoming common listening barriers
• Using open-ended and probing questions to uncover insights
• Linking questioning techniques to team problem-solving

Module 3: Giving and Receiving Feedback

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Applying the Situation–Behavior–Impact (SBI) feedback model
• Delivering constructive feedback that motivates performance
• Receiving feedback with openness and professionalism
• Turning feedback conversations into development opportunities

Module 4: Leading Effective Meetings

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Designing clear agendas and setting meeting objectives
• Managing time and maintaining focus during discussions
• Encouraging participation and managing dominant voices

Module 5: Presentation Skills for Managers

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Structuring presentations: opening, key points, and calls to action
• Incorporating storytelling to increase engagement
• Using visuals effectively and handling Q&A with confidence

Module 6: Difficult Conversations & Conflict Resolution

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Applying frameworks for performance-related conversations
• Navigating disagreements with emotional intelligence
• Seeking win–win outcomes in conflict situations
• Managing your own emotions and reactions

Module 7: Nonverbal & Virtual Communication

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Interpreting body language and projecting confidence in person
• Optimizing camera setup, lighting, and audio for video calls
• Facilitating virtual meetings with presence and clarity

Module 8: Building a Communication Action Plan

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Setting SMART goals for communication improvement
• Creating routines for ongoing skill development
• Incorporating peer feedback into personal growth

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic workplace communication
• No prior management experience required
• Openness to self-reflection and skill development

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Communicate with clarity and confidence in one-on-one and group settings
• Tailor messaging to diverse stakeholders including team members, peers, and senior leaders
• Apply active listening and powerful questioning techniques to uncover real issues
• Deliver feedback and coaching conversations that motivate and develop team members
• Lead productive meetings and presentations that drive alignment and engagement