Uncover what it means to be an effective and influential communicator on the Communication and Influence in the Digital Age online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT). Over six weeks, you’ll explore essential communication principles such as persuasion, influence, and storytelling, as you develop the critical-thinking skills required to improve communication in a fast-paced digital world.
You qualify for a 15% discount on this course. Use the code COACH15 when you register to claim your savings.
Who is this course for?
- Professionals seeking to build their communication abilities in order to meet the needs of an increasingly digital world
- Business leaders who want to improve their interpersonal skills to match their practical expertise, promote trust and clarity with various stakeholders, and cultivate high-performing teams
- Managers wishing to communicate more persuasively with their teams or stakeholders, and improve interpersonal effectiveness
- Entrepreneurs who need to engage with a wide range of personnel
ZAR 11,900 (South African Rands)
Course Includes:
- 6 weeks, excluding 1 week orientation
- 8–10 hours of self-paced learning per week, entirely online
- No prerequisites
- Certificate of completion
- English
- 15% CoachED discount coupon code: COACH15
Curriculum
Module 1
The current communications landscape
Develop key insights into the producers and consumers of information, who are influencing communication in the digital age.
Module 2
Critical thinking in communication
Take a look at the different approaches to communication, including the impact that biases can have on it.
Module 3
Persuade effectively using rhetoric and storytelling
Explore the principles of persuasion and influence, as well as how they can be used to improve communication.
Module 4
Communicating with influence: Strategies and techniques
Develop your own personal brand and communication style, as you learn how to adapt and deliver your message to diverse audiences.
Module 5
Communication as an investment in leadership and ethics
Uncover the role communication plays in interpersonal relationships, cultural awareness, and leadership.
Module 6
Crisis communication and reputation management
Learn to identify different types of crises, as well as the communication strategies that can offer the most effective response.
Your Course Convenors
Dr Signe Rousseau
Lecturer in Critical Literacy and Professional Communication, UCT
Based in UCT’s Faculty of Commerce, Dr Rousseau has a special interest in social media, attention economics, risk society, and food. She is also the author of Food Media: Celebrity Chefs and the Politics of Everyday Interference (2012), and Food and Social Media: You Are What You Tweet (2012).
Gao Nodoba
Lecturer in Corporate Communication, Intercultural Communication, Diversity and Reputation Management, UCT
Forming part of UCT’s Professional Communication Unit, Nodoba is a language, behavior, and business communications expert, with a special interest in intercultural communication. He is a contributor to many noteworthy journals, a public speaker, and an active social and political commentator on current affairs.
Testimonials
“An amazing and insightful course! The knowledge I’ve gained in this course has changed my entire way of communicating . . . I foresee myself still referring to the notes and precious guidebook in years to come. The discussion forums were great and despite only a handful of the class participating in them, it was enjoyable and interesting to hear different points of view on the various topics. The online support team was nothing short of amazing. Prompt, efficient, and very helpful.”
– Rene Peacock | Executive Assistant, Standard Bank
“This course has changed the way I view communication in the digital age. The course is very practical and relevant and includes case studies. I enjoyed the content and different views and experiences from my online classmates. Give it a chance, you won’t regret it!”
– Themba Msimango | Public Relations Manager, First National Bank
“My overall impression of the content was that it was comprehensive, exciting, and insightful. The online learning experience was unlike any other! I received personalized help and it truly felt like the tutor was committed to me as an individual. My understanding of the topic has been enhanced tenfold. The online support could not be better. Responses were quick and friendly.”
