Clear and Compelling Communication Skills

(WSP 136)

In today’s workplace, it is crucial to describe what you do quickly and succinctly to non-specialists, from colleagues in an internal marketing department to journalists at a local newspaper. Participants will learn how to increase their effectiveness in communicating complex ideas by developing, revising, and rehearsing a written statement (the “Elevator Pitch”) and a longer oral presentation (the “Hallway Talk”) that present a clear, concise, and compelling description of their work. These completed projects can be immediately useful in the workplace or in public settings.

While developing the written statement and oral presentation, participants will work with novel techniques that cover a range of issues in the writing and speaking process. Topics covered will include audience assumptions, peer reviewing, and the methodology of preparing and delivering brief talks in a work context.

Carolyn Gale, Visiting Scholar, Center for Teaching and Learning

Carolyn Gale teaches researchers and technical experts how to communicate their work to lay audiences, and consults with universities and government agencies across North America and Europe to develop “Elevator Talk” training programs. With a background in computer science and educational technology, she has also designed and evaluated online learning in academic, nonprofit, and government settings.