Speak & Connect: Mastering Communication and Collaboration for Success

Duration: 6–8 Weeks (or Self-Paced)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Format: Video Lectures, Worksheets, Role-Plays, Discussion Boards, Case Studies, Final Group Project
Tools Used: Communication style quiz, feedback templates, team alignment charts, conflict resolution frameworks

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Course Objective

To develop effective communication and collaboration skills essential for thriving in modern teams, leading with clarity, building trust, resolving conflicts, and creating synergy in diverse environments.

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Module 1: Foundations of Effective Communication

Topics Covered:

• The Communication Process: Sender, Receiver, Message, Feedback

• Verbal vs Nonverbal Communication

• The 7 Cs of Clear Communication

• Active Listening and Asking the Right Questions

• Barriers to Effective Communication

Learning Outcome:
Gain a foundational understanding of what makes communication effective and identify your own communication strengths and gaps.

Activities:

• Take a Communication Style Self-Assessment

• Practice active listening and feedback in a peer exercise

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Module 2: Communicating with Clarity and Confidence

Topics Covered:

• Structuring Your Message for Clarity and Impact

• Public Speaking and Presentation Fundamentals

• Using Stories, Analogies, and Visuals

• Tone, Pace, and Body Language in Delivery

• Communicating with Confidence and Authenticity

Learning Outcome:
Develop the ability to express ideas confidently, clearly, and persuasively across settings.

Activities:

• Record and critique a 2-minute presentation on a topic of choice

• Rewrite a technical or complex message into a simpler format

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Module 3: Collaboration and Team Communication

Topics Covered:

• What Makes Teams Effective?

• Principles of Productive Collaboration

• Communicating Roles, Expectations, and Responsibilities

• Tools for Remote Collaboration (Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace, Trello)

• Giving and Receiving Feedback in Teams

Learning Outcome:
Understand the dynamics of team communication and develop habits for smooth, respectful collaboration.

Activities:

• Analyze a team case study and identify communication pitfalls

• Create a “Team Communication Charter” with shared values and guidelines

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Module 4: Interpersonal Skills and Relationship Building

Topics Covered:

• Emotional Intelligence in Communication

• Building Trust and Rapport

• Persuasion and Influence Techniques

• Cross-Cultural and Inclusive Communication

• Empathy and Respect in Conversations

Learning Outcome:
Build stronger personal and professional relationships through emotional and social awareness.

Activities:

• Role-play a difficult conversation using empathy strategies

• Map out your social connection style and areas to improve

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Module 5: Conflict Resolution and Difficult Conversations

Topics Covered:

• Understanding the Nature and Sources of Conflict

• Conflict Styles: Avoiding, Accommodating, Competing, Compromising, Collaborating

• Preparing for and Managing Tough Conversations

• De-escalation Techniques and Listening in Tension

• Rebuilding Relationships Post-Conflict

Learning Outcome:
Develop the ability to manage disagreements constructively and preserve working relationships.

Activities:

• Use a Conflict Resolution Worksheet to work through a personal or fictional scenario

• Practice the “I-Message” technique for giving assertive feedback

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Module 6: Collaborative Problem Solving and Decision-Making

Topics Covered:

• Group Decision-Making Techniques

• Brainstorming and Ideation in Teams

• Consensus Building and Facilitation

• Decision Matrices and Prioritization Tools

• Documenting and Communicating Decisions

Learning Outcome:
Enhance your ability to solve problems and make decisions collaboratively, even in high-pressure environments.

Activities:

• Simulate a team decision-making process using a decision matrix

• Reflect on your experience in a past team project and assess what could be improved

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Module 7: Communication in the Digital Workplace

Topics Covered:

• Netiquette and Writing Professional Emails

• Communicating Effectively in Video Calls and Chats

• Asynchronous vs Synchronous Communication

• Managing Miscommunication in Remote Teams

• Choosing the Right Tool for the Message

Learning Outcome:
Adapt your communication style for virtual environments and ensure messages are effective regardless of medium.

Activities:

• Analyze and revise poorly written emails

• Create a team communication protocol for a remote project

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Module 8: Final Project – Team Collaboration Simulation

Capstone Project:

• Participate in a collaborative group challenge, such as:

  • Planning an event

  • Launching a fictional product

  • Solving a business case

• Showcase communication artifacts: agendas, messages, decisions, feedback

• Record reflections on collaboration, communication style, and growth

Final Deliverables:

• Team Report or Presentation

• Individual Reflection Journal

• Peer Feedback Evaluation Summary

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Bonus Resources

• Templates for Team Check-Ins and Feedback

• Communication Style Inventory (DISC, MBTI)

• Nonverbal Cue Cheat Sheet

• Sample Scripts for Difficult Conversations

• 10 Team-Building Exercises for Online or In-Person Groups

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Teaching Methodology

• Bite-sized lessons with theory and real-life examples

• Interactive activities and reflection journals

• Peer learning and group-based simulations

• Discussion forums and case analysis

• Final collaborative project to integrate skills

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Target Audience

• Students preparing for academic and workplace collaboration

• Professionals seeking to improve team dynamics

• Managers and team leaders building cross-functional teams

• Entrepreneurs and freelancers in client-facing roles

• Anyone looking to communicate more clearly and connect more deeply