Oral Communication for Engineering Leaders from Coursera

Taught by Rice University communication faculty from the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership (RCEL). This course covers core topics in oral communication: Communication strategy, content, data visualization, and delivery. You’ll learn key principles in

• Creating a communication strategy

• Developing a clear message and organizing persuasive content

• Creating strong visual support

• Presenting data effectively

• Presenting professionally and confidently

• Handling formal presentations, giving pitches, speaking extemporaneously, managing online presentations, and lowering

public speaking anxiety

What's inside

Syllabus

Specialization Introduction - Communication for Engineers

Course Introduction - Oral Communication for Engineering Leaders

Week 1: Introduction and Communication Strategy: It Is All About Audience and Purpose

In this module, you’ll learn how to lay the foundation for a variety of communication modes with a discussion on developing a communication strategy and the importance of knowing your audience, your purpose, and your key message before you start communicating.

Week 2: Presentations: What to Say so that Your Audience Listens

In today’s workplace, formal and informal presentations are a major communication tool, and leaders give them frequently for different purposes. In this module, you’ll learn how to create different types of oral presentations. You will also practice building strong, cohesive, visually interesting, and convincing persuasive presentations that will get your audience on board with your ideas.

Week 3: Creating Visual Support: A Picture Is Worth a Lot of Words

Develop good visual support for your content. Learn how to create attractive slides and other types of visuals. Especially important for engineers, you’ll find out how to show and explain complex data so your audience understands it.

Week 4: How to Speak so that Your Audience Listens

Once you have your content developed and your visual support finished, you need to deliver the presentation. That means you have to stand in front of an audience, small or large, and keep them interested in what you have to say. Many things contribute to an engaging presentation, from professional body language to how fast you talk. In this module, you’ll learn and practice the many aspects of delivering a professional presentation with confidence.

Week 5: Elevator Pitch, Impromptu, Online Presentations, and Managing Public Speaking Anxiety

Have you ever had someone ask you about your job when you aren’t expecting it? How good are you at thinking on your feet? In this module, you’ll learn about other types of presentations that require different preparation and approaches. These different types are valuable additions to your communication toolkit and learning them can help set you apart as a leader.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on developing core oral communication skills relevant to engineering leaders

Taught by Rice University communication faculty recognized for their work in engineering leadership

Offers hands-on practice and development of real-world presentation skills

Covers a range of presentation formats, including formal presentations, elevator pitches, and impromptu speeches

Provides guidance on managing public speaking anxiety, a common concern among engineers

May not be suitable for learners with extensive prior experience in public speaking or communication

Reviews summary

Oral communication for engineers

Learners say that Oral Communication for Engineering Leaders is a very practical course that provides a great opportunity to practice and improve oral communication skills. The course involves a lot of peer graded assignments.

Involves many peer graded assignments.

"Very practical course, involves a lot of peer graded assignments."

"A great opportunity to practice and improve your oral communication skills."

Course is very practical.

"Very practical course, involves a lot of peer graded assignments."

"A great opportunity to practice and improve your oral communication skills."

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 Oral Communication for Engineering Leaders with these activities:

Organize your notes, assignments, and resources

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Stay organized throughout the course by creating a system for managing your notes, assignments, and other resources.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Create a filing system for your notes and assignments.
Keep a digital or physical notebook for your notes.
Store your assignments in a separate folder.
Bookmark important websites and articles.

Read How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

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Get started on improving your communication skills by reading Dale Carnegie's classic guide on interpersonal relationships and public speaking.

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Set aside time each day to read.
Take notes and highlight important passages.
Reflect on what you've read and how you can apply it to your own life.

Join a study group or participate in online forums

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Connect with fellow learners and engage in discussions about communication topics. This will expose you to diverse perspectives and help you reinforce your understanding.

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Find a study group or online forum.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Share your own insights and experiences.
Collaborate on projects or assignments.

Three other activities

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Complete the Coursera course on Public Speaking

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Delve deeper into the art of public speaking with this comprehensive online course that covers everything from crafting a compelling message to delivering it with confidence.

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Enroll in the Coursera course on Public Speaking.
Complete the video lectures and readings.
Practice the exercises and assignments.
Get feedback from peers and instructors.

Practice delivering presentations in front of a mirror or with a friend

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Regular practice is key to becoming a proficient public speaker. Dedicate time to rehearsing your presentations in front of a mirror or with a supportive friend.

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Choose a topic and prepare your presentation.
Practice delivering your presentation in front of a mirror or with a friend.
Record yourself and review your performance.
Ask for feedback and make adjustments.

Create a video tutorial on a communication topic

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Solidify your understanding of communication concepts by creating a video tutorial that teaches others about a specific topic. This will force you to organize your thoughts and present them in a clear and engaging way.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Choose a communication topic that you're familiar with.
Write a script for your video tutorial.
Record and edit your video.
Upload your video to YouTube or another video sharing platform.

Career center

Learners who complete Oral Communication for Engineering Leaders will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of a product strategy. They work with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to ensure that the product meets the needs of the customer. This course can help Product Managers develop the communication skills necessary to effectively lead and inspire their teams. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills are essential for Product Managers who need to be able to communicate their vision for the product and persuade others to support their ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Management Consultant

A Management Consultant provides advice to organizations on how to improve their performance. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. This course can help Management Consultants develop the communication skills necessary to effectively engage with clients and stakeholders. The course covers topics such as developing a strong communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills are essential for Management Consultants who need to be able to communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively.

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Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer provides technical expertise to customers during the sales process. They work with customers to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help Sales Engineers develop the communication skills necessary to effectively engage with customers and build relationships. The course covers topics such as developing a strong communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills are essential for Sales Engineers who need to be able to communicate their technical expertise clearly and persuasively.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with team members to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course can help Project Managers develop the communication skills necessary to effectively lead and inspire their teams. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills are essential for Project Managers who need to be able to communicate their vision for the project and persuade others to support their ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation, such as manuals, white papers, and training materials. They work with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to gather information and develop clear and concise documentation. This course can help Technical Writers develop the communication skills necessary to effectively communicate technical information to a variety of audiences. The course covers topics such as developing a strong communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills are essential for Technical Writers who need to be able to communicate complex technical information in a clear and understandable way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. They work with other engineers, designers, and stakeholders to create software that meets the needs of the customer. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to develop their communication skills. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills can be helpful for Software Engineers who need to be able to communicate their technical ideas to a variety of audiences.

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Hardware Engineer

A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests hardware components, such as circuit boards and microprocessors. They work with other engineers, designers, and stakeholders to create hardware that meets the needs of the customer. This course may be useful for Hardware Engineers who want to develop their communication skills. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills can be helpful for Hardware Engineers who need to be able to communicate their technical ideas to a variety of audiences.

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Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer designs, develops, and maintains complex systems, such as computer networks and telecommunications systems. They work with other engineers, designers, and stakeholders to create systems that meet the needs of the customer. This course may be useful for Systems Engineers who want to develop their communication skills. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills can be helpful for Systems Engineers who need to be able to communicate their technical ideas to a variety of audiences.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes data to extract insights and develop solutions to business problems. They work with other data scientists, engineers, and stakeholders to develop and implement data-driven solutions. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to develop their communication skills. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills can be helpful for Data Scientists who need to be able to communicate their findings and insights to a variety of audiences.

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Operations Manager

An Operations Manager plans, organizes, and directs the operations of an organization. They work with other managers, employees, and stakeholders to ensure that the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. This course may be useful for Operations Managers who want to develop their communication skills. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills can be helpful for Operations Managers who need to be able to communicate their vision for the organization and persuade others to support their ideas.

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Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst provides financial advice to individuals and organizations. They analyze financial data to make recommendations on investments, loans, and other financial matters. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts who want to develop their communication skills. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills can be helpful for Financial Analysts who need to be able to communicate their findings and insights to a variety of audiences.

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Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager plans, organizes, and directs the human resources function of an organization. They work with other managers, employees, and stakeholders to ensure that the organization has the right people in the right place at the right time. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers who want to develop their communication skills. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills can be helpful for Human Resources Managers who need to be able to communicate their vision for the organization and persuade others to support their ideas.

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Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager plans, organizes, and directs the marketing activities of an organization. They work with other managers, employees, and stakeholders to develop and implement marketing campaigns that reach the target audience and achieve the desired results. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to develop their communication skills. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills can be helpful for Marketing Managers who need to be able to communicate their vision for the organization and persuade others to support their ideas.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and identifies opportunities for improvement. They work with other stakeholders to develop and implement solutions that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to develop their communication skills. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills can be helpful for Business Analysts who need to be able to communicate their findings and insights to a variety of audiences.

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Teacher

A Teacher instructs students in a variety of academic subjects. They work with students to develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities. This course may be useful for Teachers who want to develop their communication skills. The course covers topics such as developing a clear communication strategy, creating persuasive presentations, and managing public speaking anxiety. These skills can be helpful for Teachers who need to be able to communicate effectively with students and parents.

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