Department of General Business

BCM 450 - Executive Communication

College of Business, Stephen F. Austin State University

Note: This "standard" course syllabus is only a guide. Actual requirements for a particular course and section of this course are described in the course section syllabus, which should be obtained from the course instructor at the beginning of the respective semester. Requirements listed herein are subject to change without notice.

Course: BCM 450 - Executive Communication

Catalog Description: Study of communication skills useful for today’s business executive. Practical experience provided in the use of modern communication technology. Specific areas covered as they apply to business include: interviewing, listening, meeting planning, presentations, and telecommunication.

Course Objective: The major course objective is to improve the student's leadership ability through his or her use of effective communication.

Course Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

Textbook/Material Needed: The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie

Each student needs to provide a VHS tape which will be used to record his/her presentations during the semester. This tape will be returned to the student at the end of the semester. Students will be responsible for developing visuals (electronically or otherwise) and handouts to support their presentations throughout the semester.

Course Topics:

Basic Presentation Skills

Developing Confidence

Vitalizing the Presentation

Making the Informative Talk

Making Impromptu Talks

Delivering the Presentation

Effective Audience Analysis

Techniques and Styles of Presenting

Listening

Conflict Management

Effective Use of Visuals

Interviewing

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Meeting Planning

Telecommunications

Course accomodations: If you need course adaptations or accommodations please make an appointment with the instructor as soon as possible.

Course Requirements/Policies/Task:

Celebrations of Knowledge

Exams will cover material from lectures, presentations and readings.

You mean I have to make a speech...; or oral presentations.

A series of presentations will be assigned for your enjoyment and our enrichment or visa versa.

Attendance is expected and participation is enthusiastically expected and applauded. One points will be added to your total grade if you attend all classes and turn in all work on time. Each absence after 2 misses will result in one point per absence subtracted from your total grade.

Course Methodologies:

This course is a taught in a highly interactive and participatory style. Everyone will participate in the learning process. Video taping will be done throughout the semester to help the student identify both strengths and weaknesses in his or her presentation style. All students will participate in the critique process, both for their own presentations and for their classmate presentations. There will be both individual and team projects providing the student many opportunities for improvement.

Grades:

Celebrations 50%

There will be a minimum and two and a maximum of three major opportunities for the student to celebrate their knowledge (what some call test), including the final celebration.

Presentations 50%

Each student will be given the opportunity to give several short, 2—3 minute presentations to become accustomed to the camera and to the classroom. These will also be used as an opportunity for the instructor and student to evaluate what major areas need to be improved and what strengths the student has which can be developed further. These presentations are graded on a pass/fail basis. Each student must complete these for successful completion of the course..

A minimum of two and maximum of three major presentations of 5—7 minutes in length will be assigned. These presentations will be critiqued by the instructor, by other students, and by the presenter; and graded by the instructor. One of these presentations will be a team project.

No assignment will be accepted after the assigned class period for completion. If you are on school business, arrangements should be made before the missed class for completion of the task.

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