Overview
This course is designed for people who want to tap into the power of strategic communication to better achieve individual and organizational goals. It focuses on both the style and substance of strategic communication. The focus on style explores how one’s ways of communicating influence effectiveness, while the focus on substance builds one’s ability to communicate in ways that facilitate desired outcomes.
While many courses in strategic communication take a technical approach—emphasizing the mechanics of writing business documents or delivering oral presentations—this course does not. It teaches professionals the analytical steps to take before they communicate. An analytical process to communication helps organizations to achieve their objectives, whatever they may be.
Outline
This course is divided into 4 Lessons
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Strategic Communication
- Lesson 2: Situation and Audience Analysis
- Lesson 3: Message and Media Analysis
- Lesson 4: Applying the SAMM Model of Strategic Communication
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- discuss the complexities of strategic communication as a core management function.
- describe the characteristics of their own communication style, including strengths and trouble spots, and explain how their communication style influences their effectiveness on the job.
- apply the four analytic processes included in the SAMM model of strategic communication: situation analysis, audience analysis, message analysis, and media analysis.
- make strategic decisions that comprise effective business communication.
Evaluation
Your grade will be based on the successful completion of and on your participation in moderated group discussions.
| Activity | Weight |
| Participation in Discussions | 30% |
| Assignment 1: What's My Communication Style? | non credit but required |
| Assignment 2: Reflecting on Your Communication Style | 15% |
| Assignment 3: Analyze a Formal Communication | 20% |
| Assignment 4: Communication Strategy Report | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
To receive a passing grade in this course, you must meet these minimum standards:
- receive a minimum of 60 % on the participation component; and
- receive an average grade of 60 % over all course components.