Storytelling and influencing: Communicate with impact Course Syllabus

Overview: This course is designed to equip professionals with essential storytelling and influencing skills to communicate with impact in various business contexts. Over approximately 18 hours of learning, participants will explore key theories and practical techniques for persuasive communication, build rapport, and adapt their approach across diverse settings. The course combines foundational concepts with hands-on application, culminating in a final assessment that reinforces real-world relevance.

Module 1: The Necessary Art of Persuasion: Understanding What Matters to Your Audience

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Critically evaluate theories of persuasive communication
• Explore models of information processing
• Understand motivational appeals and message acceptance
• Analyze decision-making processes in communication

Module 2: Crafting Compelling Messages

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Develop techniques for resonant messaging
• Apply storytelling to enhance message impact
• Utilize emotional appeals in communication
• Structure messages for diverse audiences

Module 3: Building Rapport and Overcoming Resistance

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Learn strategies to establish trust with stakeholders
• Build rapport across professional relationships
• Identify and address sources of resistance
• Apply techniques to gain acceptance and overcome objections

Module 4: Influencing in Different Contexts

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Apply communication strategies across cultural contexts
• Navigate organizational dynamics in influencing
• Adapt messaging to situational needs
• Engage stakeholders in varied professional settings

Module 5: Enhancing Communication Through Non-Verbal Cues

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Study the role of body language in communication
• Analyze tone and vocal elements
• Align verbal and non-verbal messages
• Practice non-verbal techniques for greater impact

Module 6: Final Assessment and Application

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Consolidate learning from all modules
• Apply skills to real-world communication scenarios
• Demonstrate proficiency in persuasive communication

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of professional communication
• Familiarity with common business contexts
• Interest in leadership and influence

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Interpret audience motivations and influence decisions
• Build rapport and trust with stakeholders
• Deliver compelling presentations and narratives
• Use verbal and non-verbal communication effectively
• Lead change and facilitate meetings with confidence