Welcome to Pathstream
Welcome to Pathstream! You’re about to get a preview of the Pathstream learning experience through our free mini-course: Communicate with Impact: Essential Tips for Professional Communication.
But first, let’s watch a quick video to learn a little bit about Pathstream. After you watch, review the key video takeaways.
We’re excited to have you on board!
To view subtitles, click the CC icon: 
Key Takeaways
- This free online course is designed to resemble the Pathstream learning environment.
- You’ll learn through readings, videos, and graphics.
- You’ll be able to test your knowledge throughout the course.
Estimated Completion Time
45 minutes
Prerequisites:
None. This course is open to everyone!
Course Description
Ready to enhance your leadership capabilities through effective communication strategies?
Look no further than our free mini-lesson: Communicate with Impact: Essential Tips for Professional Communication. This comprehensive, one-hour, self-paced course is designed to equip you with practical tips and techniques for effective communication in the workplace.
As part of our esteemed six-week "Leadership & Project Management Fundamentals" course with the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, this lesson focuses on four specific tips to sharpen your professional communication skills:
- Prepare for Conversations: Discover strategies to effectively prepare for various workplace interactions, from conversations with your manager to discussions with coworkers, direct reports, and clients.
- Master Non-Verbal Cues: Understand the importance of non-verbal communication and how it influences your overall message. Learn to use body language, facial expressions, and gestures to enhance your communication impact.
- Focus on Facts vs. Stories: Uncover the power of presenting information objectively and accurately. Develop skills to convey facts clearly, avoiding unnecessary storytelling or subjective narratives.
- Listen to Understand: Enhance your active listening skills to foster better understanding and strengthen relationships in the workplace. Learn techniques to engage with others, grasp their perspectives, and build meaningful connections.
Why Is Communication So Important in the Workplace
Paul J. Meyer, the founder of Leadership Management International, Inc., once said, "Communication—the human connection—is the key to personal and career success."
As mentioned, effective communication is the backbone of a successful workplace. It facilitates understanding, fosters respect, and promotes teamwork. Good communication ensures everyone is on the same page—whether it's understanding project objectives, aligning strategies, or resolving conflicts. It promotes transparency and trust, thereby boosting morale and productivity.
6 Benefits of Effective Professional Communication
- Boosts Self-Confidence: Improved communication skills lead to greater self-assurance in various professional scenarios, from daily interactions to important presentations.
- Makes Your Ideas Clearer: With professional communication skills, you can express your thoughts and ideas more clearly and persuasively.
- Fosters Stronger Workplace Relationships: Good communication can enhance understanding and mutual respect among colleagues, promoting a more harmonious and productive work environment.
- Makes Navigating Difficult Conversations Easier: Learning practical strategies to handle challenging discussions tactfully, whether they involve conflict resolution or sensitive feedback, is critical to your professional growth.
- Promotes Effective Delegation: Clear communication can help ensure that tasks are delegated appropriately, improving efficiency and mitigating potential misunderstandings.
- Improves Individual and Team Productivity: By enhancing your communication skills, you can increase your productivity and contribute significantly to your team's overall success.
PART 1
Prepare for the Conversation
Now that we've established the benefits of effective communication, let's learn about and practice four specific tips for effective professional communication.
| 1 | Be prepared for the conversation |
|---|---|
| 2 | Non-verbal communication matters |
| 3 | Focus on facts vs. stories |
| 4 | Listen to understand |
To view subtitles, click the CC icon: Your Turn!
INSTRUCTIONS
Consider the following scenario:
You know that your manager has some free time on their calendar this afternoon. You ask if they have time to chat, and they agree. There are several things you’d like to discuss:
- You’re working on a project, and you think it’s under-resourced and understaffed.
- Your direct report has asked for a raise, but you’re unsure if the company can make this happen.
- You’d like to take some time off this summer for a vacation.
Use the flip cards below to consider how you would prepare for this conversation.
What kind of conversation are you having with your manager?
Think about your answer, then click to turn the card and compare your thoughts with an example answer.
What can I do to prepare for this conversation?
One way to prepare will be to practice and/or write down how you will ask your manager for a raise for a direct report and more resources for a project. Make sure you have prepared a “why” for each question (why does your direct report deserve a raise?).
You could also prepare by sending these agenda topics to your manager in advance and coming up with some possible solutions for the understaffed project you’re working on.
For example, can you identify 1-2 possible solutions for resolving this issue that you can share with your manager and get feedback on? Showing your proactivity by identifying possible solutions to a problem is an important leadership skill.
Is this conversation set up for success?
You will want to make sure you have enough time to address and discuss all of the questions.
Also, your manager may need time to find the answers to some of these issues, such as if the company can support a raise for your direct report. Consider sending your manager a simple agenda ahead of time so they can also come prepared.
What kind of conversation are you having with your manager?
Think about your answer, then click to turn the card and compare your thoughts with an example answer.What can I do to prepare for this conversation?
You could also prepare by sending these agenda topics to your manager in advance and coming up with some possible solutions for the understaffed project you’re working on.
For example, can you identify 1-2 possible solutions for resolving this issue that you can share with your manager and get feedback on? Showing your proactivity by identifying possible solutions to a problem is an important leadership skill.
Is this conversation set up for success?
You will want to make sure you have enough time to address and discuss all of the questions.
Also, your manager may need time to find the answers to some of these issues, such as if the company can support a raise for your direct report. Consider sending your manager a simple agenda ahead of time so they can also come prepared.
What's Next?
After this lesson, you should have a better understanding of the importance of being prepared for workplace conversations, and you now have a conversation preparation checklist (see below) in your leadership toolkit that you can use when you have an upcoming meeting or conversation scheduled. In the next lesson, you'll learn about non-verbal communication and the importance of body language and tone of voice.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Conversation Prep Checklist - This document contains a checklist that you can use to prepare for professional conversations and exchanges at work.
PART 2
Non-Verbal Communication Matters
Now that you've learned about the importance of being prepared for the conversation, let's move on to the second tip, which is focused on non-verbal communication.
| 1 | Be prepared for the conversation |
|---|---|
| 2 | Non-verbal communication matters |
| 3 | Focus on facts vs. stories |
| 4 | Listen to understand |
Tip 2: Non-Verbal Communication Matters
To view subtitles, click the CC icon: Your Turn!
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Now that you've learned about non-verbal communication and the importance of body language and tone of voice, watch the following video of a team meeting. During this meeting, what is body language and tone telling you?
2. After watching the video, answer the questions in the Knowledge Check below.
OPTIONAL RESOURCES
Would you like to learn more about the importance of body language? Watch Ann Washburn's TEDTalk, "Body Language: The Key to Your Subconscious."
PART 3
Facts vs. Stories
You've learned about the importance of being prepared for a conversation and being aware of non-verbal communication. Now let's move on to the third tip, which is differentiating between facts and stories in professional conversations.
| 1 | Be prepared for the conversation |
|---|---|
| 2 | Non-verbal communication matters |
| 3 | Focus on facts vs. stories |
| 4 | Listen to understand |
In the interactive slide deck below, you'll learn the differences between facts and stories. More importantly, you'll learn how to listen to what someone is telling you and identify which pieces are fact and which pieces are stories. In a conversation, it can be easy to get wrapped up in a story and forget to focus on the facts. When we become too focused on stories, our communication suffers, and we can appear less professional. Click through the interactive slide deck below to learn more.
HOW TO USE THE INTERACTIVE SLIDE DECK
To navigate through interactive slide decks, click through the slides and read the content. It's recommended to enter full screen mode to view the slides in large format. To enter full screen, click the three vertical dots at the bottom of the deck, and select "Enter full screen." To exit full screen, press "esc."
Watch the GIF below for further instructions.
INTERACTIVE SLIDE DECK: FACTS VS. STORIES
As you've just learned through the video above, there is a difference between a fact and a story.
A fact is something we observe or something we experience internally.
VS.
A story is an interpretation of facts and events.
As you've just learned through the video above, there is a difference between a fact and a story.
Your Turn!
INSTRUCTIONS
The Knowledge Check below contains a number of statements. It will be up to you to decide if each statement is a fact or if it is a story.
You've just explored the difference between a fact and a story. Your goal as a manager and leader is to anchor your communication with other people on the facts, and less on the stories. This does not mean that stories are always bad and that facts are always good. We incorporate stories into our communication all the time, and many times, the stories we're telling are true! The point here is:
- Be aware of moments when you are telling yourself a story or telling someone else a story. Remember that this story may be true, but others may be true as well.
- When you're in a particularly difficult exchange with someone, start by focusing on the facts. Stories may cause the other person to put up their defenses.
PART 4
Listen to Understand
It's time to learn about the fourth and final tip for professional communication. In this lesson, you will explore one of the most underrated and underutilized leadership skills: listening.
| 1 | Be prepared for the conversation |
|---|---|
| 2 | Non-verbal communication matters |
| 3 | Focus on facts vs. stories |
| 4 | Listen to understand |
Tip 4: Listen to Understand
To view subtitles, click the CC icon: Your Turn!
INSTRUCTIONS
Using the information covered on listening to understand, answer the Knowledge Check below.
Listening Self-Assessment
We all have areas for improvement when it comes to listening. When you have awareness of your listening strengths and weaknesses, you are better able to grow and develop your skills as a leader. As was mentioned in this lesson, listening is one of the most underrated and underutilized leadership skills!
INSTRUCTIONS
Download this self-assessment template and reflect on your own emotional intelligence.
Unlock Your Potential With Pathstream
Did you enjoy our free “Communicate with Impact: Essential Tips for Professional Communication” course? Enroll in our program and continue learning below!
Exclusive Limited Time Offer for Webinar Participants 60% off of the upfront payment using code WFE60. Code expires 9/12
Let's Explore How You Can Unlock This Content!
Initiate the conversation with your manager
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Step 1
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Step 2
Search for “Pathstream” on the platform
Step 3
Submit an Eligibility Request
100% of tuition will be covered by your employer if you meet all eligibility requirements for tuition reimbursement and once you complete the program. You can pay $199 using the code WFE60 and then $4,751 upon completion. Once you complete and meet all criteria, we’ll help you submit for reimbursement and you will owe $0.