Full course description
Researching and refining ideas and then representing them using valid evidence and strong communication skills is an indispensable set of skills in academic, professional, and community settings. Designed for adult learners, this 10-week online asynchronous course supports workforce preparation and future credential and credit opportunities through PSC’s Credit for Prior Learning and Prior Learning Assessment pathway.
This course focuses on crafting impactful presentations that employ appropriate organizational, verbal, visual, and facilitation techniques tailored to specific audiences and communication goals. Students will explore strategies such as storytelling, humor, active listening, persuasion, and audience analysis to strengthen communication effectiveness and presentation delivery. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence in public speaking while learning how to organize ideas clearly, support arguments with evidence and data, and communicate professionally in diverse settings.
Students will also examine the role of visual communication in presentations by selecting and designing elements such as images, charts, graphs, and other media to enhance audience engagement and understanding. Throughout the course, students will use presentation and graphic software, including AI-enhanced tools, to create and support professional-quality presentations.
This self-paced course requires approximately 10 hours of work per week and includes formative checks for understanding throughout the term, culminating in a final persuasive presentation that integrates course concepts and communication strategies.
A certificate of completion will be awarded to students who successfully complete the course.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the essential elements of public speaking including facilitation and active listening
- Develop outlines and full presentations that inform, persuade, or fulfill the needs of a specific audience
- Utilize presentation techniques such as storytelling, humor, and pace to enhance presentations and connect with your audience
- Employ evidence and data to support central theme of presentations
- Incorporate visual, organizational, and physical elements such as visual aids, voice, gesture, and body language in presentations