Executive Communication & Influence

Complete syllabus

Every chapter and lesson

1. 01

   Chapter 1 · 3 lessons

   Structure Your Message

   1. 1.1

      Lead with the answer (BLUF)

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can effectively communicate your main point first using the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) technique.

      • Understand the concept of Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) as a communication strategy.
      • Identify situations where BLUF is most effective.
      • Practice structuring messages using the BLUF approach.
   2. 1.2

      The pyramid principle

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can apply the pyramid principle to organize your messages logically.

      • Define the pyramid principle and its purpose in communication.
      • Learn how to structure information hierarchically, starting with the main idea.
      • Practice creating a pyramid structure for a given topic.
   3. 1.3

      Status updates that get read

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can create concise and engaging status updates that capture attention.

      • Understand the key elements of an effective status update.
      • Learn techniques to make status updates more readable and engaging.
      • Identify common pitfalls in status updates and how to avoid them.
2. 02

   Chapter 2 · 3 lessons

   Executive Presence

   1. 2.1

      Speaking with clarity & brevity

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely in a professional setting.

      • Understand the importance of clarity and brevity in communication.
      • Learn techniques to structure your message effectively.
      • Practice eliminating unnecessary jargon and filler words.
   2. 2.2

      Voice, pace & body language

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can utilize your voice, pace, and body language to enhance your communication impact.

      • Define the role of voice modulation in effective communication.
      • Explore how pacing affects audience engagement.
      • Identify key body language cues that convey confidence.
   3. 2.3

      Handling tough questions live

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can effectively manage and respond to challenging questions in real-time.

      • Understand the types of tough questions that may arise.
      • Learn strategies for staying composed under pressure.
      • Practice techniques for formulating thoughtful responses.
3. 03

   Chapter 3 · 3 lessons

   Persuasive Decks & Writing

   1. 3.1

      One message per slide

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can effectively communicate a single message through each slide in a presentation.

      • Understand the importance of clarity in slide design.
      • Identify the key message to convey on each slide.
      • Learn techniques to eliminate clutter and focus on one idea per slide.
   2. 3.2

      Telling a story with data

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can craft a compelling narrative using data to support your message.

      • Define storytelling in the context of data presentation.
      • Explore methods to visualize data effectively.
      • Learn how to connect data points to create a cohesive story.
   3. 3.3

      The one-page proposal

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can create a concise one-page proposal that clearly outlines your ideas.

      • Understand the elements of a successful one-page proposal.
      • Learn how to prioritize information for brevity and impact.
      • Explore formatting techniques to enhance readability.
4. 04

   Chapter 4 · 3 lessons

   High-Stakes Moments

   1. 4.1

      Presenting to leadership

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can effectively present ideas to leadership with clarity and confidence.

      • Understand the key elements of a successful presentation to leadership.
      • Learn how to structure your presentation for maximum impact.
      • Identify the audience's needs and tailor your message accordingly.
      • Practice techniques for engaging your audience and handling questions.
   2. 4.2

      Influencing without authority

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can influence others even when you do not have formal authority.

      • Define the concept of influence and its importance in a professional setting.
      • Explore strategies for building rapport and trust with colleagues.
      • Learn how to leverage persuasion techniques to gain support.
      • Identify ways to align your goals with the interests of others.
   3. 4.3

      Difficult conversations & feedback

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can navigate difficult conversations and provide constructive feedback effectively.

      • Understand the components of a difficult conversation.
      • Learn techniques for delivering feedback in a constructive manner.
      • Identify strategies for managing emotions during tough discussions.
      • Practice role-playing scenarios to enhance your communication skills.