In a digital age — when social interaction is often over a screen, image-based, and abbreviated and abrupt — developing effective communication skills for strong relationships and workplace success can be a challenge.
“Digital communication doesn't reduce the need for communication skills; it increases it,” said Jeffrey Child, chair of the department of communication studies at the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs.
Today's professionals routinely lead virtual meetings, collaborate across time zones, and present to hybrid audiences, he noted. "The workplace requires strong speaking, listening, and nonverbal communication skills, even when some nonverbal cues are harder to perceive through technology. At the same time, constant digital distractions make active listening more challenging than ever.”
The National Association of Colleges and Employers states that communication is one of the eight core competencies new college graduates need to be career ready.
Fortunately, those skills are teachable.
And at the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, communication skills development is intentionally incorporated across the curriculum, said Robert Ulmer, dean of the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs.
It starts in the freshman seminar course Urban Pathways, GSC 100, where students build skills in relation to emotional health, resilience, and adaptability, and continues through to the doctorate of public policy program.
In the GSC 300 undergraduate course Urban Adventure, students practice a variety of communication skills to solve a simulated crime scene where role playing allows them to practice their decision making, teamwork, and empathy skills.
For example, journalism students take on the role of a social work counselor while a criminal justice student answers questions from a student acting as a journalist. Practicing a variety of communication functions will help increase understanding of each others’ professions, Ulmer said.
The courses offered in the college are open to undergraduate students across the campus.
“We want to ensure students across our campus learn how to confidently articulate their ideas, resolve conflicts, create solutions, and improve their interpersonal relationships,” Ulmer said.
And for students in STEM fields, “We want our graduates to have the skills needed to explain the impact of science and help develop clear policy and communication around new discoveries and technological opportunities.”
The college has expanded the number of sections for “Public Speaking COM 101,” which meets general education requirements. Next fall, the department will launch a microcredential program specializing in communication open to students and community members who want to upskill their resumes.
Courses such as “Interpersonal Listening," COM 202, launched this fall, “Nonverbal Communication" COM 312, or “Speaking in Professional Settings" COM 329, can help students who are pursuing a wide variety of careers leverage communication skills.
For example, engineering students who pitch complex inventions to potential investors, or public health grad students who want to influence public opinion, can improve their connection to their audience through courses and coaching.
The COM Lab, located on the fourth floor of Greenspun Hall, is an extension of putting communication skills into practice.
The COM Lab is open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. It is part student lounge for study and collaboration, and part learning space. A new technological feature added to the lab is the One-Button studio where participants can rehearse in front of an easy-to-use professional video system in a private space. Faculty can use the studio to record video or audio for courses.
Four undergraduate communication studies students will provide one-to-one coaching to help their peers improve public speaking skills.
“Understanding how verbal and nonverbal messages work together improves teamwork, leadership, workplace relationships, and ultimately professional success,” Child said. “Effective listening helps organizations better understand customer expectations and collaborate more successfully with colleagues. When we spend more time seeking to understand others, we reduce miscommunication and improve collaboration."
Schedule an appointment at the COM Lab
