Online Communication Skills Course Information

Communications skills courses cover speech, business writing and group presentations and are often available online as part of degree and certificate programs through standard colleges and universities. Some classes may be offered independently through continuing or adult education divisions. These distance-learning courses are designed for individuals with an interest in becoming better personal and professional communicators.

Overview of Online Communication Skills Courses

Communications courses focus on the listening, speaking and writing skills needed to effectively complete personal tasks and achieve organizational goals. They help students hone public speaking and presentation skills, grasp best practices in communications, develop business writing proficiency and improve interpersonal communications skills.
Online communication skills courses may be offered through certificate or degree programs in several fields of study. This training is suitable for business managers, healthcare administrators and educators, among other professionals.

Online Course Requirements

Participation in an online communications skills course requires ongoing access to personal computer with a reliable connection to the Internet. Standard document management software and solid website navigation skills are a plus. Online students should be comfortable downloading and saving files, managing an e-mail account and contributing to discussion boards.

List of Online Communication Skills Courses

Organizational Communication Course

This course surveys internal and external communication strategies as they relate to private and public organizations. Discussions focus on organizational theory, mission statements, marketing and crisis communications. Classes are designed to help students develop leadership, critical-thinking, presentation and writing skills through participation in online simulation assignments, small group projects and fieldwork. Homework, class discussions and exams can be accessed using the school's online portal.

Professional Business Writing Course

This course focuses on increasing the effectiveness of management-level written communications. Training covers diverse forms of business writing, including formatting reports and letters, preparing presentations, creating proposals and managing projects by using e-mail. Students receive ongoing assessment of their writing skills as they submit samples and participate in group-based critiques of documents.

Business Presentations Course

Business communication basics are the focus of this course. Topics include verbal and non-verbal communication, cultural diversity barriers and effective listening skills. Students practice their skills by completing assignments in letter and e-mail writing, conducting group online meetings, creating visual reports and performing presentations. Online participation may include discussion groups and meetings held through the Web.

Public Speaking Course

This course is designed to help students deliver effective oral presentations through the process of developing credible and informative speeches and business presentations. Emphasis is placed on understanding and overcoming stage fright, proper enunciation and voice control, incorporating visual aids and conducting media interviews. Online participation includes delivery of audio and visual files via camera, e-mailing assignments and conducting research on the Internet.