University of Pennsylvania

Improving Communication Skills

Maurice Schweitzer

Instructor: Maurice Schweitzer

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(1,984 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 9 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(1,984 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 9 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

In this module, you'll learn when to compete and when to cooperate to achieve success. You’ll explore the three key principles of cooperation and competition: scarcity, sociability and dynamic instability, and learn how to determine which approach to use based on your situation. You'll also discover how to use comparisons to provide motivation, and how to avoid "invidious" comparisons which can lead to discouragement or unethical behavior. By the end of this module, you'll be able to attain a better balance between competitive motivation and cooperative satisfaction to make your interactions more productive and successful.

What's included

8 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this module, you'll explore how to gain and built trust to develop cooperation, and understand why this critical step can be so challenging. You'll examine the factors that develop a trusting relationship: demonstrating vulnerability, building rapport, and expressing warmth, and learn how to increase trust by uncovering common goals, common enemies, and interdependence. You'll also learn how to communicate with team members, friends, and opponents in a way that encourages trust. By the end of this module, you’ll understand how to build trusting relationships to achieve cooperation and mutual satisfaction.

What's included

7 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this module, you’ll learn what deception is, how to detect it, and what to do once you know it's taken place. You'll examine the most common cues that indicate deception and explore practical steps to take when you discover deception. You'll also be able to evaluate deceptions and transgressions to determine whether they are core or non-core violations. Finally, you'll analyze the components of successful apologies, so you can create your own, if necessary. By the conclusion of this module, you'll be able to better detect deception, and devise an appropriate reaction that will help you achieve your objectives.

What's included

9 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt

This module was designed to teach you both the key principles of effective communication, and how to harness the power of setting goals to improve your performance. You’ll learn how to create memorable and persuasive messages, ask thoughtful questions, engage in active listening, and choose the right medium (face-to-face conversation, video conference, phone call, or email) for your messages. You'll also learn the how to use goal setting for maximum benefit while avoiding the common pitfalls of overly ambitious targets. By the end of this module, you'll be able to communicate effectively using the right medium, and use goal-setting to increase your productivity and boost your performance.

What's included

13 videos2 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (386 ratings)
Maurice Schweitzer
University of Pennsylvania
2 Courses160,139 learners

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4.7

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