Robert H. Smith School of Business

Programming

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.

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This course utilizes the TERPS communication framework which focuses on tone, efficiency, reasoning, purpose and style in oral and written communication. Students learn how to:

  • Use an appropriate, professional tone in diverse business communication contexts (e.g., presentations, group discussions, informal interactions, etc.)  
  • Provide efficient explanations that quickly get to the point without losing important context or content. Clearly understood by receivers.
  • Demonstrate mastery at evidence‐based reasoning by (a) translating data and analyses into a narrative that provides context for your message and (b) creating informative, clutter‐free data visualizations to support your message  
  • Tailor messages to your audience in order to convince receivers to adopt a particular belief or take a course of action. Clear purpose.
  • Deliver oral presentations with well-designed visual aids and a polished style that engages listeners

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.

Read More

This course utilizes the TERPS communication framework which focuses on tone, efficiency, reasoning, purpose and style in oral and written communication. Students learn how to:

  • Use an appropriate, professional tone in diverse business communication contexts (e.g., presentations, group discussions, informal interactions, etc.)  
  • Provide efficient explanations that quickly get to the point without losing important context or content. Clearly understood by receivers.
  • Demonstrate mastery at evidence‐based reasoning by (a) translating data and analyses into a narrative that provides context for your message and (b) creating informative, clutter‐free data visualizations to support your message  
  • Tailor messages to your audience in order to convince receivers to adopt a particular belief or take a course of action. Clear purpose.
  • Deliver oral presentations with well-designed visual aids and a polished style that engages listeners

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.

Read More

This course utilizes the TERPS communication framework which focuses on tone, efficiency, reasoning, purpose and style in oral and written communication. Students learn how to:

  • Use an appropriate, professional tone in diverse business communication contexts (e.g., presentations, group discussions, informal interactions, etc.)  
  • Provide efficient explanations that quickly get to the point without losing important context or content. Clearly understood by receivers.
  • Demonstrate mastery at evidence‐based reasoning by (a) translating data and analyses into a narrative that provides context for your message and (b) creating informative, clutter‐free data visualizations to support your message  
  • Tailor messages to your audience in order to convince receivers to adopt a particular belief or take a course of action. Clear purpose.
  • Deliver oral presentations with well-designed visual aids and a polished style that engages listeners

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.