SPC 170 - Professional Communication

1. Describe the functions of communication in an organization
   1. Identify the functions of organizational communication
   2. Identify examples of each function of organizational communication
   3. Suggest situations when each function would be used
2. Describe the relationship between organizational culture and organizational communication
   1. Define organizational culture
   2. Identify ways in which organizational culture is revealed
   3. Explain the role of communication in shaping and preserving organizational culture
   4. Use organizational culture theory to describe the culture of an organization with which the student has been associated
3. Explain the impact of hierarchical characteristics on organization communication
   1. Identify and define hierarchical characteristics: e.g., tallness/flatness, chain of command, unity of command, span of control
   2. List advantages and disadvantages of each hierarchical characteristic on organizational communication
   3. Identify factors that help determine optimal organizational structure
4. Explain the roles of upward, downward, and horizontal communication in an organization
   1. Explain the purpose of these forms of communication
   2. Recognize problems associated with these forms of communication
   3. Give suggestions for improving each area of communication
5. Describe perceptual problems and their impact in the workplace
   1. Define the following perceptual problems: perceptual sets, implicit personality theory, leniency effect, and halo effect
   2. Summarize research findings on differences in workplace perception between workers and their supervisors
   3. Make suggestions for avoiding perceptual problems
6. Identify areas of nonverbal communication and apply that knowledge to the workplace
   1. Define nonverbal communication
   2. Identify and give examples of the following nonverbal codes: environmental, temporal, and person-oriented
   3. Recognize effects of nonverbal influences
   4. Describe the student’s own nonverbal messages
   5. Use knowledge of nonverbal to plan a work area in the student’s chosen field
7. Describe cultural differences in communication as they occur in business situations
   1. Identify cultural differences in nonverbal perception and meaning
   2. Identify cultural differences in verbal communication
8. Explain organizational leadership functions and perspectives
   1. Identify the four leadership schools of thought: Scientific, Human Relations, Contingency, Systems
   2. Describe leadership styles: authoritarian, democratic, personalized, depersonalized
   3. Distinguish between visionary and reactionary leadership
   4. List several functions of organizational leadership
   5. Apply leadership principles to cases
9. Develop effective managerial communication skills
   1. Explain several managerial skills: e.g., personalized language, use of power, supportive climate, problem solving
   2. Demonstrate managerial skills in case situations
10. Use interviewing techniques to gain information.
    1. Define several types of questions: e.g., open, direct, closed, yes/no, leading
    2. Plan an informative interview.
    3. Conduct or evaluate an informative interview
11. Describe the roles of the interviewer and interviewee in employment interviews
    1. Give suggestions for preparation, participation, and follow-up of an employment interview
    2. Participate in mock interviews
12. Use leadership behaviors in discussion groups
    1. Describe several group leadership behaviors
    2. Identify negative group behavior
    3. Demonstrate leadership behaviors in a group discussion
    4. Demonstrate teamwork within a discussion group.
13. Apply the Reflective Thinking Process to group problem solving
    1. List and explain the steps of the Reflective Thinking Process.
    2. Use the Reflective Thinking Process in a problem-solving discussion
14. Analyze audiences and situational factors for professional speakin
    1. Identify demographic traits
    2. Identify situational factors
    3. Prepare an audience analysis for a professional speech presentation
15. Use sound research and organizational skills in preparing professional speeches.
    1. Identify several sources of information
    2. Identify informative and persuasive organizational patterns
    3. Arrange research material into an appropriate structure for a professional presentation
16. Demonstrate effective delivery skills for professional speaking
    1. Define several methods of speech delivery: e.g., extemporaneous, manuscript, impromptu
    2. Use an extemporaneous style of delivery in the presentation of speeches
    3. Describe and demonstrate the vocal, visual, and emotional aspects of delivery.
17. Speak effectively in impromptu situations
    1. Describe the thought process for impromptu speaking
    2. Identify time-frames for preparing for impromptu situations.
    3. Delivery impromptu speeches
18. Speak effectively in ceremonial and courtesy speeches: introduction, presentation, acceptance, and welcome
    1. List elements required in each form of speech
    2. Prepare and present an introduction using the climactic order of presentatio
    3. Prepare and present at least one other ceremonial speech
19. Evaluate speech presentations
    1. Describe areas of speech evaluation for both content and delivery
    2. Critique presentations of speakers.