Business Communication from edX

Business communication is vital to professional success.

This course, part of the Leadership Essentials Professional Certificate program, will help you unlock the secrets to business success by understanding workplace culture. You’ll learn how to use language and nonverbal communication to convey shared meanings in face-to-face and remote professional relationships.

You will learn techniques to effectively and succinctly articulate your business ideas to a diverse range of audiences to ensure they understand even the most complex concepts.

In this course, there will be a strong focus on business writing, active listening, and communicating your ideas effectively to a particular target audience. We will discuss the impact of assumptions or bias that people may bring to workplace interactions. Learners will apply their knowledge by critiquing real-world business scenarios from the workplace.

Topics will also include:

Best practices for written communication
Conducting effective meetings
Documentation and follow-up techniques
Best practices for face-to-face, digital, and mediated communication

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to critically evaluate your role in workplace interactions
How to employ strategies for active listening
How to ask questions that move conversations forward

How to communicate ideas clearly and succinctly
How to assess needs of clients and colleagues
Best practices for face-to-face and remote communication

How to critically evaluate your role in workplace interactions
How to employ strategies for active listening
How to ask questions that move conversations forward
How to communicate ideas clearly and succinctly
How to assess needs of clients and colleagues
Best practices for face-to-face and remote communication

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches universal strategies for workplace communication that can enhance engagement and effectiveness in a variety of professional contexts

Provides valuable guidance on effective business writing, which is a crucial skill for communicating clearly and professionally

Has a strong emphasis on active listening and understanding nonverbal communication, which are key elements of effective communication

Offers techniques for tailoring communication to different audiences, which is essential in today's diverse workplace

Prepares learners to navigate challenging workplace situations and effectively address assumptions or biases that may arise

Requires students to critique real-world business scenarios, providing practical application and reinforcement of concepts

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Business Communication with these activities:

Compile notes and materials

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Compiling your own personal collection of course notes, key concepts, and resources will help boost your understanding of the material and improve your performance in the course.

Browse courses on Business Writing

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Review class notes and recordings.
Read assigned textbooks and articles.
Organize your materials into a system that makes sense to you.

Read: Writing that Works by Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson

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This book provides practical guidance and techniques for crafting clear, concise, and effective written communication in business settings.

View Writing that Works, 4th Edition on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Apply the principles and techniques discussed in the book to your own writing.

Practice writing business emails and documents

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Engage in regular practice writing business emails and documents to enhance your proficiency in conveying clear and effective messages.

Browse courses on Business Writing

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Identify different types of business emails and documents.
Review templates and samples to understand the structure and style.
Write practice emails and documents on various business scenarios.
Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your writing skills.

Three other activities

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Join a study group

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Collaborating with peers in a study group will enhance your comprehension of the course material and provide a supportive environment for learning.

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Connect with other students in your class.
Set up regular meeting times to discuss course topics.
Engage in active learning by teaching concepts to each other.
Work together on assignments and projects.

Explore online tutorials and resources

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Engage with online tutorials and resources to deepen your understanding of specific business writing techniques and concepts.

Browse courses on Business Writing

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Identify areas where you need additional support.
Search for tutorials and articles that cover those topics.
Follow the instructions and practice the techniques provided.

Write a business communication case study

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Develop a case study that analyzes a real-world business communication scenario, applying the principles and techniques learned in the course.

Browse courses on Business Writing

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Identify a specific business communication challenge or success story.
Research and gather information on the case.
Analyze the case using the concepts covered in the course.
Write a comprehensive report that presents your findings and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Business Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public relations manager

Effective communication is essential for any Public Relations Manager, and the skills you'll learn in the Business Communication course can help you succeed in this role. You'll learn techniques for tailoring your message to specific audiences, as well as how to build strong relationships with the media and other key stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Marketing Manager

Business Communication skills are in high demand for Marketing Managers, who need to be able to effectively communicate with customers, clients, and other stakeholders. This course can help you develop the skills you need to create persuasive marketing campaigns, manage social media accounts, and build strong relationships with customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Human Resources Manager

The Business Communication course can also be helpful for Human Resources Managers, who need to be able to effectively communicate with employees, managers, and other stakeholders. You'll learn how to create clear and concise policies and procedures, as well as how to conduct effective performance evaluations and employee trainings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Sales Manager

For those interested in a career in sales, the Business Communication course can be a valuable asset. You'll learn how to effectively communicate with customers, build strong relationships, and close deals. The course also covers techniques for handling objections and negotiating contracts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Customer Service Manager

Business Communication skills are essential for any Customer Service Manager, who needs to be able to effectively communicate with customers and resolve their issues. This course can help you develop the skills you need to provide excellent customer service, build strong relationships with customers, and handle difficult situations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Manager

Event Planner

For those interested in a career in event planning, the Business Communication course may be helpful. You'll learn how to effectively communicate with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders, as well as how to write clear and concise proposals and contracts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Public Relations Specialist

The Business Communication course can also be helpful for Public Relations Specialists, who need to be able to effectively communicate with the media and other stakeholders. You'll learn how to write press releases, conduct media interviews, and manage social media accounts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Technical Writer

The Business Communication course may also be helpful for Technical Writers, who need to be able to clearly and concisely explain complex technical information. You'll learn how to write user manuals, technical reports, and other documents that are easy to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Grant Writer

For those interested in a career in grant writing, the Business Communication course may be useful. You'll learn how to write persuasive grant proposals that will help you secure funding for your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Instructional Designer

The Business Communication course may be helpful for Instructional Designers, who need to be able to effectively communicate with learners and create engaging learning materials. You'll learn how to write clear and concise learning objectives, develop effective assessments, and use a variety of teaching methods.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Recruiter

For those interested in a career in recruiting, the Business Communication course may be beneficial. You'll learn how to effectively communicate with candidates and clients, as well as how to write clear and concise job descriptions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter

Training and Development Manager

The Business Communication course may also be helpful for Training and Development Managers, who need to be able to effectively communicate with employees and managers. You'll learn how to develop and deliver effective training programs.

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Customer Success Manager

For those interested in a career in customer success, the Business Communication course may be useful. You'll learn how to effectively communicate with customers, build strong relationships, and resolve their issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager

Internal Communications Manager

The Business Communication course may also be helpful for Internal Communications Managers, who need to be able to effectively communicate with employees and other stakeholders. You'll learn how to write clear and concise internal communications, as well as how to use a variety of communication channels.

See salaries and explore the career path for Internal Communications Manager

Content Writer

For those interested in a career in content writing, the Business Communication course may be beneficial. You'll learn how to write clear and concise content that is engaging and informative.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer