Practical application of research-based theory discussed in detail in the other courses of the Specialization in the form of, for example, roleplays, group work, and presentations.

Students will be able to do the following after successfully completing the course:

- prepare an agenda for meetings, negotiations, etc.
- prepare reports
- prepare press releases
- prepare clean, persuasive slides
- organize and chair meetings
- give well-structured, audience-appropriate presentations
- deal with questions and criticism effectively and adequately
 

As this is a class held in a PI format, attendance is required at least 80% of the time, but - in particular given the hands-on character of this class - recommended for the entirety of the course. The same applies should the class have to be held online.

This course will be held in a highly interactive format and will follow the various challenges - both internal and external - faced by a fictitious Austrian company. In the process, students will form teams to tackle these hurdles and present their ideas to the rest of the group as well as a raft of external stakeholders. This will include, among other things, the following tasks:

- preparing, executing, and briefing others on meetings
- drafting an effective message with pertinent visuals to communicate findings
- giving constructive feedback
- reflecting of the efficacy of one's own communication

The class will include roleplays, group work, presentations, and other activities.

Criteria for assessment comprise the following (percentage of overall grade in parentheses):

- presentation

• group work: diligent preparation of slides (20%)
• effective delivery (30%)

- written communication, such as report or press release (30%)

- active participation in roleplays (20%)

Appropriate language use will be the underlying criterion to the extent that it has an impact on the effectiveness of communication. Thus, while this is not a language class as such, correct grammar and spelling will inevitably be taken into account.

Course 1 ("Key Concepts") of the Specialization must have been completed successfully. Courses 2-4 are not technically required, but it is strongly recommended that students have attended at least two of those classes.

Good written & spoken English skills (obviously, as this is part of an English-language specialization). Basic understanding of internal/external business communication.

By email (see above)

“The art of communication is the language of leadership.”
James Humes

“Good communication is just as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.”
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“Communication works for those who work at it.“
John Powell