The Lumen One Business Communication course is designed to prepare students for a modern business world that is constantly evolving. Students will learn how to build foundational skills and how to be successful communicators in a global market.
Students will engage with strategies to :
- Responsibly use A.I., including how it can assist them in job searches
- Leverage social media to communicate on behalf of an organization and strengthen their professional development
- Communicate in a post-pandemic world and understand communication practices in hybrid and remote work environments and networking events
- Navigate the nuances of multicultural communication
- Gain opportunities to communicate with images and design, not just writing
The course utilizes interactive content and practice with immediate feedback to maximize student understanding and retention. The instructor resources package is robust and includes easy-to-use, engaging presentation slides and in-class activity suggestions that can be adapted to fit all modalities.
Backed by Learning Science
Combining the best features across Lumen, Lumen One is designed with learning tools and processes that better support learning and give every student the chance to succeed. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Lumen One was developed to promote equitable outcomes in gateway courses. Lumen One’s unique features are specifically designed to boost participation, engagement, and overall learning to ensure success for all students.
Highlight features of Lumen One:
- Tools to create and foster connection between faculty and students.
- A Faculty Engagement center that provides faculty with easy-to-access actionable data to enable timely interventions when students need it the most.
- Varied, relevant content designed to engage students.
- Personalized study plans with immediate feedback to reinforce strong study skills.
- Easy-to-use automated messaging tools to better support students.
- Supported peer community to provide students with meaningful help from subject matter experts and peers.
- Embedded resources to support faculty to use effective teaching practices and easily do their best work.
Content
Communicating in Business
- Characteristics of effective communication
- Primary vs. secondary audiences
- The social communication model
- Verbal vs. nonverbal communication
- Ethical business communication, including use of artificial intelligence tools
Business Writing
- Methods used to create audience-focused writing
- Differentiate between positive, negative, and persuasive messages
- Methods used to improve clarity and conciseness
- Methods used to incorporate inclusivity and eliminate bias in writing
- Planning and revision in the writing process
Channels of Written Communication
- Distinguish between traditional and digital communication methods
- Types and characteristics of internal written communication
- Types and characteristics of external written communication
- Selecting the appropriate communication channel
Using Research and Information Tools
- The research process
- Internal vs. external sources of information
- Primary vs. secondary research
- Tools used to find business information
- Evaluating sources and identifying biases
- CRAAP analysis
- Professional integrity in business writing
Visual Media
- Basic visual design principles
- Effective use and selection of images in business communication
- Legally sourcing images
- Effective use of data visualization
- The process of video production
Business Reports
- Types of informal reports
- Types of formal reports
- Informational vs. analytical reports
- Writing informal and formal reports
Public Speaking
- Developing an effective speech
- Effective use of body language and gestures
- Using vocal variety to keep your audience engaged
- Audience participation
- Responding to questions
- Overcoming fears and anxiety about public speaking
Presentations
- Characteristics of a good presentation
- The importance of the purpose, audience, and message of your presentation
- Common mistakes
- Create a presentation for a business meeting
Social Media
- Using social media as a marketing tool
- Using social media to interact with customers
- Using social media to share valuable information
- Using social media to recruit talent and showcase organizational culture
Written Messages in the Workplace
- Informative messages
- Messages that promote teamwork and collaboration
- Writing messages containing feedback
- Responding to feedback
- Maintaining professionalism when feeling frustrated
Collaboration In and Across Teams
- The value of teams
- Advantages and disadvantages of team dynamics
- Conflict in interpersonal communication
- Digital tools for communication and collaboration
- Workplace etiquette
Communication Challenges in Virtual Environments
- Benefits and challenges of communication in hybrid and remote workplaces
- Digital tools for virtual workplaces
- Cybersecurity and privacy in remote communication
- Strategies for building rapport and trust in a virtual setting
- Best practices for remote teams
Communication Challenges in Global Markets
- Advantages and challenges of diversity within organizations
- How cultural differences may influence communication in the workplace
- How sociodemographic differences may influence communication in the workplace
- The difference between stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination
- How bias may influence communication in the workplace
Career Development Essentials
- Identify career skills
- Recognize transferable skills
- Stages of career development
- Networking strategies
- Customizing a résumé and cover letter
- Interview preparation
Recruiting and Selecting New Workers
- Methods for finding qualified candidates
- Employment laws that guard against bias and discrimination in hiring
- Screening and interviewing candidates
- Selecting the best candidate
- Create a job offer