Communication   

Find out how you can stop others from intimidating you or treating you poorly.

Are you tired of being intimidated and treated badly by others? Learn specific techniques to become more assertive in all parts of your life. Discover how people manipulate you and how you submit to being a victim. Understand the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive behaviors, and see how inner dialogues keep people acting in passive ways. Explore ways to change your inner dialogue, such as using affirmations and visualization, creating new labels for yourself and others, and keeping a journal.

Do you think you speak non-assertively? If so, master the skills that will empower you to talk in an assertive manner, including specific verbal techniques and phrases for a variety of situations. Anger and criticism from others are difficult to deal with, so you will get many tips on how to handle these. Because your body can reflect an inner uncertainty, you will learn how to use facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and your voice to reinforce the assertive statements you're making.

You teach people how to treat you through your behaviors as well as your words, and this course will help you understand which behaviors to use with others so they perceive you as being assertive. When you begin to exhibit your new confidence in relationships, people will counter in various ways. You will learn how to stand firm in the face of this resistance.

Get the assertiveness training you need in order to be more confident and powerful with family members, friends, bosses, co-workers, professionals, service people, and even total strangers. It's your turn to speak up!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

The Importance of Being Assertive

This first lesson will mark a turning point in your life. You will begin by measuring your assertiveness quotient, you will learn about the many surprising consequences of not being assertive, and you will learn to recognize the different behaviors of passive, aggressive, and assertive people.

Inner Changes to Become Assertive

Before you can begin to act assertively, you need to be able to identify your self-canceling thoughts and change your inner script. In this lesson, you will learn why you have negative thoughts about yourself and what those could be. You will learn several techniques for replacing them with a positive inner script, including visualization, affirmations, storytelling, writing a journal, and creating a collage.

How You Lose Power Verbally

One of the ways non-assertive people lose power is through the use of certain types of language to either gain approval or avoid opposition, criticism or disagreement. In this lesson, you will learn how to recognize when you're doing this, and you will discover some simple and painless adjustments to the way you say things that can help you avoid this problem.

How to be Verbally Assertive

Now that you have learned what takes your verbal power away, it's time to learn how to be verbally assertive. In this lesson, you will learn how to make the four types of "I" statements to tell others about yourself, respond to others' requests, ask for cooperation and support, and confront another person. You will also learn about techniques you can use to deal assertively with people who are angry with you or criticizing you.

Creating an Assertive Body Image

Just as an actor perfects the nonverbal aspects of a role, you need to pay attention to the nonverbal nuances in your new assertiveness role. What you will learn in this lesson is how to use eye contact, facial expressions, voice, body posture, gait and clothes to create an assertive image.

Adapting Your Message to Others' Personalities and Resistance

In order for you to be most effective, you need to be able to adjust your assertive message to the personality of the person with whom you're communicating and to deal with resistance. In this lesson, you will study four behavior types and five sensory types to help you understand which assertive approach works best. You will also find out how to identify resistance in others by observing verbal and nonverbal clues and various methods you can use to handle the resistance you may encounter.

Assertiveness with Your Family

Most people find it extremely challenging to be assertive with close family members. In this lesson, you will learn about a variety of statements family members use to manipulate you, and you will discover the most effective ways to respond to each of them. You will learn how to act assertively with your parents, siblings, and children to build more positive relationships.

Assertiveness with Your Mate

In this lesson, you will discover the four different emotional types of people and how they come together as mates. You will explore the relationships these types have with each other, what problems tend to arise, and how the partners can treat each other differently in order to resolve any problems they may have. You will also learn guidelines for working out issues with your partner in an assertive but loving manner.

Assertiveness with Friends and in Social Situations

Do you find it difficult to say no to a friend who asks a favor that you don't really want to do? Do you have difficulty having conversations in social situations? If so, you will really learn a lot from this lesson, including how to use the assertiveness techniques to deal with your friends. Next, you will learn techniques you can use to open up to other people and carry on interesting conversations.

Assertiveness in the Workplace

You may approach the thought of being assertive at work with trepidation. However, when supervisors and employees treat each other with respect and act assertively with each other, both happiness on the job and productivity increase. In this lesson, you will learn how to be assertive during job interviews as well as with your boss and subordinates, what to look for to see if your workplace encourages or discourages assertiveness, and how to advance assertiveness where you work.

Being an Assertive Consumer and Dealing with Everyday Situations

Often, you encounter situations in which you deal with people as a consumer. In this lesson, you will learn how to be assertive with waiters, salespeople, government clerks, doctors, hospital employees, lawyers, and IRS agents. This lesson also discusses how to be assertive in everyday situations, such as when a restaurant or movie theater is unbearably cold.

Final Steps in Becoming Assertive

So far in this course, you have gained a wealth of knowledge about how to be assertive. These skills and techniques can be used with family and friends, as a consumer, in the workplace, and in everyday situations. In this closing lesson, you will learn some situations in which it's better to not be assertive, how to give and receive compliments, and how to be assertive in all parts of your life.

Become aware of the conscious and unconscious codes of meaning people send when communicating with others.

Communicating successfully depends on effective use of communication strategies and behaviors. Words, facial and body movements, tone of voice, even clothing and situation, all form an intricate symbol system that must be quickly translated by those who want to communicate.

It has been said that there is no communication unless a mutual sharing of meaning takes place. It has also been said that one cannot NOT communicate. These two ideas seem to oppose one another, but they are two sides of the same coin. A smile can have many meanings, but so can silence.

This course will show you how to manage the conscious and unconscious codes of meaning we send to each other and to respond with appropriate codes in turn. You will explore concepts of verbal and nonverbal expression including personal style, listening, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, conflict management, and cultural and gender communication differences.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Communication Basics

Your first lesson introduces two detailed models that explain the complex nature of communication. You will learn how words, the situation, what's going on in the heads of those communicating, and even environment are all connected—and that they all change from one communication event to the next.

Communication Misunderstandings

Have you ever been in a situation where you don't know whether to say less, say more, or say nothing? In this lesson, you will learn seven premises of communication that will help you through those times. This lesson introduces two strategies for improving communication competence.

The Personal Side of Communication

In this lesson, you will learn how individual emotions, beliefs, attitudes, and values as well as self-esteem and group belonging influence how we communicate. You will also explore how we all seek gratification of specific human needs through the unique and complicated communication process.

Language and Logic

This lesson focuses on the ways in which language affects reasoning abilities. You will learn about constructing useful word maps that benefit your decision making as well as strategies you can use to avoid mental traps that can clog your thinking process.

Nonverbal Messages

Can you say something without uttering a word? In addition to voice, facial expression, and body movement, this lesson covers other ways people send messages without making a sound. You will also learn about nonverbal communication behaviors—sending messages of either inclusion or exclusion.

Intercultural Communication Differences

This lesson explores cultural identity and how it molds habits of communication no matter what the language of the culture is. You will learn how cultures of the world are divided into two main categories. You will examine how groups generalize others and the psychological reasons for doing that.

Effective Listening

This lesson introduces different types of listening. You will learn about the barriers to effective listening, and strategies you can use to improve your listening habits. You will also compare poor listening to empathic listening and evaluate the effects each has on communication success.

Gender Communication Differences

In this lesson, you're invited to examine gender identities from the inside out. You will learn how brain structure as well as physical structure helps determine how men and women communicate. You will learn the differences in masculine and feminine behavior and how these identities manifest themselves.

Relationship Dynamics

In this lesson, you will learn the three main characteristics that make up any relationship as well as the stages that all relationships go through. You will explore how self-disclosure and psychological balance affects relationships and discover the role lying plays in relationships.

Communication Rules

This lesson examines several communication theories that will be useful in analyzing and understanding communication behaviors of yourself and others. You will learn three rules for effective communication behavior that will help you know when and how to adjust your communication behavior.

Conversation Climate

In this lesson, you will learn how people can change the direction of a conversation to advance a personal agenda. This lesson explores the strategies of persuasion, characteristics of credibility, and how to achieve a sense of control in a communication situation.

Interpersonal Conflict Resolution

Your last lesson identifies various types of interpersonal conflicts. You will also explore the ways that different cultural groups and identities approach and resolve conflict. You will learn how to dissect a conflict and apply four steps to successful conflict resolution.

Lost for words? Don't be! Learn to build rapport, trust, warmth, and respect through conversation.

If you often find yourself at a loss for words or lack confidence in your communication abilities, you will appreciate this course. Each lesson works through the step by step process needed to become a great conversationalist. You will learn to use communication to build rapport and create environments of trust, warmth, and respect. Become more confident, create a great first impression, get along well with others, and create more and better personal and professional relationships.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Introduction to the Keys to Effective Communication

In your first lesson, you will learn the qualities that make someone a great communicator, the five components of achievable goals, and how to create win-win situations. You will benefit from setting your own communication goals in clear steps that are easy to reach.

Rapport

Building rapport is the first great key to effective communication. In this lesson, you will learn how to build rapport with almost anyone. And after this lesson, you will become a better listener and know how to keep respect alive in your conversations. You will also learn the art of reflective listening from examples of how others turned frustrating communications into successful ones.

Pacing, Linking and Leading

In this lesson, you will learn how to pace and lead your conversations toward win-win outcomes. You will learn how to contain a conversation, keeping it on track and moving toward your goals. Interrupting gracefully and breaking rapport are skills you will learn to use in uncomfortable situations.

Mastering Learning Styles

In this lesson, you will master the three learning and communication styles. You will uncover your own learning style and learn to spot the communication style of others. These skills will help you share your views with anyone, even those you previously found difficult to communicate with.

Regaining Lost Rapport

This lesson explores some great ways to regain lost rapport and keep conversations positive. When we lose rapport, disagreements flourish, but a skilled communicator can regain lost rapport. You will also learn how to acquire communication flexibility and stay in great rapport with all types of people.

Mastering Motivation

This lesson covers useful motivation strategies. People motivate toward pleasure and away from pain. When you understand how to motivate yourself and others, you get more done. As you master your motivation skills, other things fall into place.

Group Presentations

This lesson focuses on presentation skills. An effective presenter knows how to communicate fluently and has a sense of the atmosphere in a room. An effective presenter creates win-wins so that everyone is happy with the outcome.

Communication in Leadership and Teamwork

Imagine that you're a part of a team in which the leadership is genuine. This lesson explores leadership and teamwork. You will learn how to build a great work or family team where each team member gives one another equal value and respect. You will see how a great leader can elicit and set the goals for their team and develop the vision for the group.

Communication with Children

In this lesson, you will learn how to communicate effectively with children. Guiding children is a huge responsibility. Children are very open, and our words go in deeply. You will learn why the early years of a child's life are so important. Information about brain development and early literacy dovetails beautifully with the other wonderful things you will learn in this course.

Subconscious Communication

Your subconscious mind is your deeper mind—it's the part of your mind that's beneath your conscious awareness. When you understand how to talk to your subconscious, you understand how to work with yourself and others to create greater success. In this lesson, you will find out how to use affirmations effectively.

Managing Stressful Communication and Anger

Anger is one of the biggest stumbling blocks to healthy relationships. Learning to manage and control your anger makes you a more powerful communicator and keeps goodwill strong. In this lesson, you will learn how to manage transition times so that change is graceful. You will learn how to hold efficient, productive, and fun family meetings.

Review of the Keys to Effective Communication

In this final lesson, you will reassess your communication goals to see how far you have come and set new goals, so you can apply your skills in other areas. You will gain further insight, enabling you to move past your stuck spots and into being a very effective communicator. You will use these strategies for the rest of your life.

Learn the secrets of effective public speaking and small group communication.

You can become an effective public speaker! In this course, you will discover how to talk confidently and persuasively to both large audiences and small groups. You will also learn how to plan and deliver your presentations skillfully and how to manage one of the most common public speaking barriers—fear.

You'll learn the secrets to presenting a speech, how to handle questions and manage conflict in meetings, and even how to shine in a job interview. You will get tips for training your voice and learn how to use both verbal and nonverbal communication effectively. By the time you finish this course, you'll have an entire set of skills you can use on the job, in social settings, and in any other situation where you need to communicate with ease and authority!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

1. You Can Do It!
2. Understanding How Communication Works
3. Taking the Fear out of Fear
4. Developing a Confident Voice
5. Harnessing the Power of Nonverbal Communication
6. Speaking Well in Social Settings
7. Acing Interviews
8. Impromptu Speaking
9. Preparing and Delivering Short Talks
10. Managing Questions, Conversations, and Conflict
11. Mastering the Long Speech
12. Managing Equipment and Media

Learn communication skills in order to improve your communication effectiveness.

Persuasive communication is essential not only for selling the products or services of the business but for obtaining financing and running daily operations. This course will provide you with the opportunity to gain confidence and improve their communication skills. Even the most skilled communicator can always learn additional techniques for success.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

1. Fundamentals of Communication
2. The Importance of Knowing the Audience in Persuasive Communication
3. The Power of Listening
4. Credibility of the Speaker is Key in Persuasion
5. Evidence in Persuasion
6. Emotion in Persuasion
7. Organizing the Argument
8. Monroe's Motivated Sequence

What you will learn

• The fundamentals of communication
• Non-verbal communication
• Power of listening
• Methods of persuasion
• Tips on effective public speaking

How you will benefit

• Any business professional will benefit from improved persuasive communication skills

Winning RFP Responses was written for businesses of all sizes that have either yet to delve into contract bidding or have bid but were unsuccessful. Individuals new to bid proposal writing and those with some experience will benefit from this training course, which teaches learners how to strategically win business contracts.

Winning RFP Responses was written by an entrepreneur that has owned and operated 15 small businesses over the decades. Bringing additional revenue into your business can increase its sustainability. Have you ever thought about all the other businesses, organizations, and government agencies that likely need your goods or services? Did you know that even the smallest business can submit an award-winning bid and benefit from steady revenues?

RFPs can be daunting when you are faced with page-after-page of legal language, questions, and forms to fill in. This course will guide you through each step of researching, reading, understanding, evaluating, writing, and submitting award-winning bid responses. By the end of the course, you might even find a new career track as an RFP bid specialist. The possibilities for your business and your career are endless.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Chromebook, or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Microsoft Word or equivalent, such as MS Word online.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

1. Introduction to Request for Proposals (RFPs)
2. Reading and Marking Up RFPs
3. Federal RFPs
4. Evaluating RFP Responses Internally
5. Creating RFP Boilerplate Language About Your Business
6. Writing the RFP Statement of Work
7. Preparing the RFP Cost Proposal
8. Preparing RFP Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments
9. Packaging, Submitting RFP Bids, and Preparing for Future Bids
10. RFP Evaluating Factors for Contract Awards
11. RFP Bidding Mistakes to Avoid
12. Career Tracks for RFP Writers

What you will learn

• Describe the components of a winning business proposal
• Organize and draft business proposal components to create a winning RFP response
• Evaluate RFP peer responses like procurement agency teams
• Improve RFP responses with award-winning enhancements
• Explain career opportunities for skilled RFP writers

How you will benefit

• Increased ability to research RFPs and determine if they are a go or no-go for bidding
• Improved evaluation skills for evaluating your bid proposal's content before its submission to a procurement agency
• Better understanding of what it takes to submit a successful bid proposal
• Heightened analysis for sizing up your bidding competition and determining if your business should be a sole bidder or a subcontractor for another business with a higher chance of winning a contract award
• Awareness of how to protest a procurement agency's decision to award the contract to another business