fbpx Communications for Project Managers (Graduate) | University of Maryland Project Management

Why ENCE 614

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.

ProfessorShana Webster-Trotman, PhD, PMP, ITILShana Webster-Trotman, PhD, PMP, ITILStats Credits 3 Offered* Fall On-Campus, Spring On-Campus

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

Books*

Schedule

Offered: Fall On-Campus, Spring On-Campus*
Week 1Introduction
  • How to succeed in this course
Week 2Planning the message
  • Communicator as strategist
Week 3Audience analysis
  • How to read your audience
Week 4Nonverbal Communication
  • Communication integrity
  • Understanding the role of nonverbal communication
  • Gaining trust in the audience
Week 5Practicing communications skills
  • Impromptu speeches
Week 6Perceptions Exercise
  • Understanding how people perceive communications
Week 7Communications Strategy
  • Effective response to communication crises
Week 8Stage presence
  • Developing an effective stage presence for persuasive communication
Week 9Frame wars
  • How to use metaphors & stories
Week 10Talking to Amygdala
  • Neuroscience techniques
Week 11Developing as a communicator
  • Developing a written plan for lifelong skill development
Week 12Communicating bad news
  • Develop strategies to communicate to stakeholders
Week 13Handling dysfunctional teams
  • Coaching techniques
Week 14Selling your project & yourself
  • Review & synthesis
Week 15Course final - PM negotiation simulation
  • Students describe their communications strategy


*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.