PART-TIME MBA
Business Communication is a core course requirement in the part-time MBA program. This course focuses on communicating with and about data in multiple professional contexts: written communication, formal individual presentations, team‐based presentations, and informal one‐on‐one and small group interactions.
FULL-TIME MBA
The Executive Communication Program (affectionately known as ‘Exec Comm’) develops full-time MBA students’ oral communication and visual presentation skills through an intensive, one-year curriculum that begins when students arrive at the Smith School and concludes when they have completed their summer internship. The program features curricular and co-curricular facets that support individual students, faculty members and student organizations.
We began working with the full-time MBA program in fall 2016. During this phase, participants completed the first Iliad assessment, received case competition and one-on-one coaching support, and participated in over a dozen workshops. Students also receive presentation feedback in three core courses and coaching support during their summer internships.
The Executive Communication program ensures that Smith graduates are skilled presenters prepared for a successful post-MBA career.
Specialty Master's
Business Communication is a core course requirement in the MS in Business and Management, Business Analytics, Marketing Analytics, and Accounting programs. These courses focus on communicating with and about data in multiple professional contexts: written communication, formal individual presentations, team‐based presentations, and informal one‐on‐one and small group interactions.
Online MBA
Business Communication is a core course requirement in the online MBA program. This course focuses on developing oral and written communication skills critical to effective leadership and on communicating in multiple professional contexts: written, formal individual presentations, team-based presentations and small group interactions.
Executive MBA
Our team works with EMBA students to develop their written and oral presentation skills.
Writing Component
We work with EMBA students to hone their writing skills and develop a clear, direct, business writing style aimed at motivating others and achieving results.
Practical exercises give students the opportunity to analyze, develop and structure content based on communication objectives and intended audiences. Students receive personalized feedback on both structure and style and are required to revise their work for re-submittal. Individual coaching is available for students who desire specialized writing instruction.
Oral Presentation Skills
EMBA program participants participate in mastery sessions on presentation skills and executive presence. They also complete an individual oral presentation assignment and receive personalized feedback on organization of information, delivery, audience engagement and visualization of information.
Throughout the program, students can request individual coaching support. Select EMBA faculty members are supported through grading assistance on oral presentations.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate students are required to complete at least one oral presentation and one written communication course in order to graduate with a Smith degree. These skills are addressed in COMM107 and ENGL394. Students complete presentations, pitches, and written reports throughout the curriculum. Additionally, a dedicated team of teaching assistants evaluate student presentations in all core classes throughout the undergraduate program
PhD
Workshops focused on effective presentation of research and data-rich content are offered several times a year. Special attention is placed on improving oral and visual presentation skills.