| LEC # | TOPICS | OBJECTIVES | OTHER MATERIALS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Introduction to course Communication strategy and structure (PDF) |
To introduce the course purpose and requirements. To define the characteristics of managerial communication. To explore the components of a communication strategy and how to create one. |
Strategy checklist |
| 2 |
Strategy and structure (cont.) Persuasion (PDF) |
To explore how structure is related to strategy. To present the idea of direct and indirect structure. To discuss how to create and evaluate a logical and persuasive argument. |
Examples of direct/indirect structure "Management by Objective" memo Examples of persuasive communication |
| 3 |
Oral presentations Minto pyramid (PDF) |
To discuss a range of successful practices for structuring and delivering an oral presentation. |
Guidelines for oral presentations Oral presentation evaluation form "Craigstone Corporation" in-class case |
| 4 |
Oral presentations (cont.) Visual aids Handling Q&A (PDF) |
To discuss creating and using effective visual aids during a presentation. To explore effective techniques for handling questions and answers. |
Tips for effective PowerPoint projection |
| 5 |
Writing process Style and tone Presenting data |
To explore effective writing processes. To discuss ways to bring clarity and coherence to your writing. To examine how the selection and arrangement of words can result in a particular style and tone. |
|
| 6 | Resumes |
To discuss how to market yourself effectively through your resume. To discuss principles of creating a powerful MIT Sloan MBA resume. To examine a "before and after" resume. |
"Creating a Powerful MIT Sloan MBA Resume." Sloan Career Development Office Sample "Before and After" resume List of resume Action Verbs Key skills/competencies by industry and/or function "MIT Sloan MBA Resume Guidelines." MIT Sloan Career Development Office |
| 7 | Intercultural communication |
To learn about the norms and values that govern differences in communication styles. To identify, in particular, cultural variations in business communication. To increase individual effectiveness in intercultural communication. |
Some questions to ask about culture |
| 8 |
Intercultural communication (cont.) Group presentations |
To examine a range of cross-cultural, communication, and ethical issues. To discuss strategies for effective group presentations. |
Guidelines for group presentations |
| 9 |
Active and reflective listening Interactive presentations |
To recognize characteristics of active and reflective listening. | |
| 10 | Cover letters |
To discuss how to market yourself effectively through cover letters. To examine models of cover letters. To discuss principles of impactful cover letters. |
Samble MBA cover letters Basic cover letter format Checklist for creating impactful MIT Sloan MBA cover letters Company/industry research: how to get started Sample job descriptions |
| 11 |
Communication in the job search Interviewing |
To discuss how to market yourself effectively in an MBA-level interview. To explore the MBA interviewing process. |
An introduction to MIT Sloan MBA interviewing Sample interview questions for summer internship interviews General model for a post-interview thank-you letter Thank-you notes make a difference |
| 12 | Communication: media choice | To explore effective communication using electronic media, emphasizing audience needs, choice of media, and message style/length/tone. | |
| 13 | Team project presentations | To practice effective team presentation skills. | |
| 14 | Course wrap-up (PDF) | To summarize and synthesize key concepts from 15.280. |
