Online Communication Skills Continuing Education Courses

Due to the very nature of communications, most continuing education programs prefer students to learn and practice their communication skills in face-to-face classroom settings. However, there are a number of continuing education programs that allow basic interpersonal and business communication skills to be taught online. Some of these programs offer certificates to students who complete a specified set of business related communication courses.

Overview of Online Communication Skills Courses

Online communication skills courses focus on the listening and feedback skills needed to be an effective communicator, and teach students to express feelings in a non-defensive manner. These online courses explore how facial expressions, body language and even the speaker's clothing can affect the listener's interpretation of what is being said. Most of these courses are available as stand-alone self-improvement classes, but students can also find them in online business communication certificate programs and technical communication degree programs.

Course Requirements

To participate in these online courses, students will need access to the Internet and must be familiar with e-mail and web browsers such as Netscape, Microsoft's Internet Explorer or Mozilla's Firefox. Students should be comfortable taking part in online quizzes, assignments and tutorials, as well as online discussions. To build a relationship with fellow students, students should be willing to share personal thoughts, emotions and opinions.

List of Popular Online Communication Skills Courses

Interpersonal Skills Course

This interpersonal course explores the impact that words, actions and circumstance have on the conveyance of ideas. Students are taught how to manage the conscious and unconscious codes used in day-to-day exchanges with family, friends and business associates to become more effective communicators.

Effective Conversation Skills Course

Students will be taken through the process of becoming an effective conversationalist and communicator. They learn the keys to building rapport and creating a friendly environment of trust and respect.

Business Writing Skills Course

In this course, students learn to identify and correct common business writing mistakes, such as messages with no clear purpose, unorganized thought and construction patterns, and improper use of punctuation. Students also learn to edit and proofread e-mails and business communications for errors and to improve clarity. This course may call for Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Reader as additional online requirements.

Communicating with Difficult People Course

This course examines useful methods for improving personal and professional relationships with difficult bosses, co-workers, friends, neighbors and family members. Students learn to recognize the needs, values and beliefs of others that can often cause personal and professional difficulties to arise and to develop well-reasoned approaches to resolving these communication conflicts. Computers used in this online course may need to have Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Reader installed.