At the Center, we understand that we serve a global community of changemakers with different needs, learning styles and widely dispersed timezones. We have therefore launched the self-paced program to allow busy professionals to take full control of their communication skills enhancement. You’ll be able to progress through course material quickly and as your demanding schedule allows.
Our seasoned instructors have developed these courses with the same degree of aplomb you’ve come to expect from the Center. We will also release more programs throughout the year as they become available.
Here’s what’s coming:
The scientific evidence is piling up: people don’t act on information; they act on what they care most about. We’ve distilled six core principles from behavioral, cognitive and social science that you can apply to help people care more about your work. Implementing these techniques can reduce misinformation and increase understanding and resonance.
The Science of What Makes People Care
(Now enrolling)
The scientific evidence is piling up: people don’t act on information; they act on what they care most about. We’ve distilled six core principles from behavioral, cognitive and social science that you can apply to help people care more about your work. Implementing these techniques can reduce misinformation and increase understanding and resonance.
Designing and Delivering Compelling Presentations
(Now enrolling)
Delivering a compelling presentation starts with a clear message. We’ll share the magic behind designing talks for specific audiences and build new skills that help you break through writer’s block.
The Anatomy of a Meeting
Learn to hold successful meetings with policymakers, influentials, funders and journalists. Apply techniques for building their curiosity, helping them understand the value of your work and setting the foundation for a lasting, positive relationship.
Leveraging your Expertise for Action
Position yourself or your organization as an authority or a go-to resource in your field. Learn techniques to establish your influence and thought leadership.
The Science of Story Building
How can we build stories that illustrate the importance of research? What makes one story more compelling than another? How can we get people to care about the issues? This session dives into the structure of a story and uncovers the principles to help you take a narrative approach to your communications work.
Understanding Your Audience with Persona Building
Psychographics vs Demographics. Habits and Networks. Learn a framework for creating rich personas for your audience research.
The Six Spheres of Influence
Learn the Six Spheres of Influence framework, a strategic tool for driving social change across policy, media, activism, industry, communities, and social norms. Learn how to use systems thinking to identify resources, align goals, and craft powerful public interest campaigns that make a real impact.
Measuring Your Program’s Impact
Discover key strategies to measure the success of your campaigns and make data-driven improvements. This course covers essential tools and techniques to help you track, analyze, and amplify your impact.
A Back of the Envelope Strategy
Creating a strategic communications plan doesn’t require a staff retreat and hours of work. You’ll learn about the six spheres of influence where you can drive change and, from there, develop an effective strategy. By focusing on making the right decisions in the correct sequence, you can gain traction for your work. This session gives you a basic framework for developing the right strategy to effect change.
Change Management
Elevate your influence and achieve your goals through building and managing strategic relationships. Gain support, establish credibility, and advocate for innovation using research-backed insights to drive impactful change.
“This class has helped increase my understanding of communication. It’s very informative, thought-provoking and creates a deeper sense of knowing how to communicate effectively. This class provides you the knowledge needed to make your communication skills STICK! If you are looking to enhance both personal and professional communication skills, this is the course for you.”
Technology Requirements
These synchronous courses make use of Canvas – a popular learning management system. It is our one-stop shop where you’ll find all the instructional materials, practice worksheets, and additional resources that apply to your communication needs.
Additional Help and Questions
If you run into technical issues or have questions about programs, please contact Ellen Nodine, the Center’s director of training and programs.