Harvard University Division of Continuing Education: Professional Development

Advanced Executive Communication Skills

August 15–16, 2012

9 am to 5 pm at Harvard University
Early bird tuition: $1,800. Regular tuition: $2,100. See the early bird tuition deadlines.
Class size is limited.

In this program, you develop advanced skills in business communication, as well as public speaking and presentations in the workplace. The program begins with a review of the basic principles of communication and public speaking, and covers advanced techniques like establishing credibility and constructing effective arguments. You give a speech at the end of the session, which will be analyzed, evaluated, and discussed. A video of that speech is given to you for home review.

What you will learn

  • The basic principles of communication
  • How to handle criticism, conflict, and interviews in the workplace
  • How to run a meeting
  • How to give an effective speech or presentation, including handling questions and using body language and PowerPoint

Topics covered

  • Barriers to communication
  • Listening
  • Handling a difficult audience
  • Using language effectively
  • Narratives as an essential part of public speaking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Making a sales presentation
  • Interviewing and writing skills

Who should enroll

If you are interested in improving your ability to communicate effectively in the workplace and have either completed a basic communications or public speaking course or have experience in public speaking, you benefit from this program.

Faculty

Marjorie Lee North

Marjorie Lee North is a lecturer in Extension at Harvard University. In 2004, she received the Petra T. Shattuck Excellence in Teaching Award from Harvard Extension School. Until 2007, she was the clinical director in the department of speech and language pathology and audiology at Northeastern University. She received her undergraduate degree at Hunter College at the City University of New York, and her master's from Adelphi University.

North is a consultant for political candidates, professors, physicians, lawyers, and business executives, and runs a private practice that specializes in accent modification, public speaking, and executive communication skills. She has run workshops for such organizations as Physicians Without Borders, Kopelman and Paige Law Firm, Merrill Lynch, and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Questions?

Contact harvardprofdev@dcemail.harvard.edu.

Register now >
through August 14