Why ENCE 424

Ninety percent of a project manager’s work is communication. The purpose of this highly interactive course is to teach the strategic use of communication in managing projects and influencing people. Through directed readings, small group workshops, impromptu speaking, role-play exercises, and individual speech coaching, students will acquire a toolbox of communication techniques and methods. These techniques and methods will be used to address common workplace situations including one-on-one coaching of underperforming team members; justifying additional resources; addressing conflict; leading small group discussions and effective meetings; and making formal presentations.

Shana Webster-Trotman, PhD, PMP, ITIL Credits 3 Offered^* Fall On-Campus, Spring On-Campus Prequisite Permission

Topics

Communication Strategy

Planning project management communication and effectively analyzing the audience to achieve the project’s strategic goals.

Crucial Conversations

How to effectively handle high-stakes, sensitive conversations to bring about positive outcomes, coach team members, and negotiate successfully.

Persuasion

Using tested communication methods to plan and execute negotiations and other persuasive communications.

Communicator Training

Developing as a communicator through in-class impromptu speeches, individual speech coaching, and leading small group discussions. Students will leave the course with a written plan to continue developing their communication skills.

Student Feedback

“I really liked the readings and the class structure. The readings are great for getting a grasp of fundamental concepts and are interesting reads. I would recommend these to other people who are not taking this class. The use of frequent projects and presentations in class are very useful and helped to practice and build the skills we discussed and read on.” Spring 2022
“This course provided tangible ways to improve my communication and tools to take forward!” Spring 2022
“I really enjoyed the readings for this course. Even though I indicated that I did not go beyond the readings that were required I certainly hope to in the future. I am glad I purchased the books rather than rented them so I can reference them in the future.” Spring 2022
“My favorite part of the course was getting to know myself better as a communicator. Through Pearl Diving Assignments and group activities, I felt that I became very familiar with my strengths, weaknesses, and preferences as a communicator, which is valuable insight to have heading into the real world workplace environment.” Spring 2022
“The best classes for me were the debate and the marshmallow tower challenge. We actually put our communication skills to practice during those sessions. I liked that the class swithced between online and in-person. It was a good balance of both.” Spring 2022
“This course was helpful in teaching me professional etiquette. In doing so, it helped me prepare for the careers fair which ultimately resulted in me getting hired.” Spring 2022

Books^*

A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking 5 th ed. by Dan O’Hair, Hannah Rubenstein, and Rob Stewart (2016) By Hannah Rubenstein and Rob Stewart

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High Second Edition by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler (2011) By Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler

Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great June 5, 2018 By Carmine Gallo

Networking for College Students and Graduates: Nonstop Business Networking that Will Change Your Life by Michael L. Faulkner and Andrea Nierenberg (2017) By Dr. Michael L. Faulkner and Andrea Nierenberg

The Essentials of Business Etiquette: How to Greet, Eat, and Tweet Your Way to Success by Barbara Pachter (2013) By Barbara Pachter

Schedule

Offered: Fall On-Campus, Spring On-Campus^*

Week 1Course Expectations and Communication ProcessWeek 2Project Management BasicsWeek 3Nonverbal CommunicationWeek 4Modes of Communication and Audience AnalysisWeek 5Know Yourself and Understand Others (Personality Assessments)Week 6Persuasion and Influence PrinciplesWeek 7Managing High Performance TeamsWeek 8Marketing Yourself and Your ProjectsWeek 9Business Writing and Effective MeetingsWeek 10Cognitive BiasesWeek 11Developing as a CommunicatorWeek 12Developing as a communicatorWeek 13Group Project

^*All course content, including schedule, topics, and books are subject to change semester-to-semester. Course costs are dependent on students' individual situations, including but not limited to, online vs on-campus enrollment, in-state vs out-of-state enrollment, and scholarships. Not all books on this page may be required readings and additional readings may be assigned. Please check the UMD Schedule of Classes for most up to date semester offerings. Instructors give students specific semester details once they are enrolled.

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Why ENCE 424

Topics

Student Feedback

Books*

Schedule

Books^*