Backward Design: A Template For Effective Communication Skills Training

Template Example for Corporate Training

Training Topic: Effective Communication Skills for Workplace Success

Enduring Understanding:
By the end of this training, participants will understand that effective communication is a crucial skill in the workplace and how it impacts team collaboration, productivity, and overall organizational success.

Essential Questions:

1. What are the critical components of effective workplace communication?
2. How can different communication styles be adapted to various workplace situations?
3. What are the barriers to effective communication, and how can they be overcome?

Desired Results / Learning Objectives:

1. Participants can identify and apply active listening techniques to improve their communication skills.
2. Participants will practice delivering clear and concise messages to different audience types.
3. Participants will understand the importance of nonverbal communication and its impact on conveying messages accurately.
4. Participants will recognize common communication barriers and employ strategies to address them effectively.

Assessment Evidence:

1. Role-play Exercise: Participants will engage in role-playing scenarios to demonstrate practical communication skills in various workplace situations.
2. Written Reflection: Participants will write a personal reflection on their communication strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Group Presentation: Participants will work in teams to deliver presentations on specific communication barriers and solutions.

Learning Activities:

Session 1: Introduction to Effective Communication (Two 1-hour sessions)

• Begin with an engaging video on the importance of effective workplace communication.
• Introduce the enduring understanding and essential questions.
• Explore the key components of effective communication, such as active listening and message clarity.
• Conduct a pre-training survey to assess participants’ communication challenges and expectations.

Session 2: Adapting Communication Styles (Two 1-hour sessions)

• Discuss different communication styles and their impact on workplace interactions.
• Provide tips on tailoring communication approaches to diverse audiences and situations.
• Conduct group activities to practice adapting communication styles in role-playing scenarios.

Session 3: Nonverbal Communication (Two 1-hour sessions)

• Focus on the significance of nonverbal cues in communication.
• Provide techniques for using body language and facial expressions to enhance messages.
• Conduct interactive exercises to improve participants’ nonverbal communication skills.

Session 4: Overcoming Communication Barriers (Two 1-hour sessions)

• Identify common communication barriers in the workplace, such as language barriers and emotional filters.
• Discuss strategies to overcome these barriers and foster open communication.
• Engage participants in problem-solving activities to address specific workplace communication challenges.

Session 5: Communication Skill Application (Two 1-hour sessions)

• Participants will be divided into small groups to prepare and deliver short presentations on given topics.
• Each group will receive feedback on their presentation style, content clarity, and overall communication effectiveness.
• Conduct a post-training survey to evaluate participants’ perceived improvement in communication skills.

Reflection and Revision:
After the training, feedback from participants will be collected to assess the effectiveness of the backward design approach.

Use insights gained to make any necessary revisions for future corporate training on practical communication skills.

Additionally, consider implementing follow-up sessions or coaching to support continued skill development.

Catherine Fitzgerald B.A. M.A. PGDip( Founder )

With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.