West Des Moines Community Schools Community Education

Leaders are the keeper of the vision for their group but, “a vision not shared is just a hallucination.” The ability to communicate effectively and dynamically may be the single most important skills for managers at all levels. Lead your organization to its strategic goals by learning how to overcome communications barriers and deliver both positive and negative messages appropriately. Use storytelling techniques to communicate more dynamically, both in person and in writing. Turn your dusty mission statement into an engaging strategic vision. And avoid inflicting “death by PowerPoint” on your audiences with better presentation and public speaking skills.

To progress through this course you will:

• Read the print readings.
• Have the option of accessing the online readings.
• Listen to the audio presentation for the Unit and view the slides.
• Have the option of taking a self-quiz to see how much you have learned.
• Engage in written online discussion with your instructor and other participants.
• The content (readings, audio lectures, slides) and self quizzes are accessible for the entire course, so you can work ahead, or go back and review again, at your convenience.

Discussion:

• The discussion for each unit lasts one week. All comments are made in writing and can be made at any time of the day or night.
• Your instructor will log into the discussion area at least once a day and answer questions, make comments, and respond to comments by you and the other participants.
• We encourage you to make 2-3 comments each day to maximize your learning and enjoyment of the course.