| 1 |
Introduction to course
Communication strategy and structure (PDF)
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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.
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Strategy checklist |
| 2 |
Strategy and structure (cont.)
Persuasion (PDF)
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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.
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Examples of direct/indirect structure
"Management by Objective" memo
Examples of persuasive communication
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| 3 |
Oral presentations
Minto pyramid (PDF)
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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
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| 4 |
Oral presentations (cont.)
Visual aids
Handling Q&A (PDF)
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To discuss creating and using effective visual aids during a presentation.
To explore effective techniques for handling questions and answers.
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Tips for effective PowerPoint projection |
| 5 |
Writing process
Style and tone
Presenting data
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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.
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| 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.
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"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
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| 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.
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Some questions to ask about culture |
| 8 |
Intercultural communication (cont.)
Group presentations
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To examine a range of cross-cultural, communication, and ethical issues.
To discuss strategies for effective group presentations.
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Guidelines for group presentations |
| 9 |
Active and reflective listening
Interactive presentations
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To recognize characteristics of active and reflective listening. |
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| 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.
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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
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| 11 |
Communication in the job search
Interviewing
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To discuss how to market yourself effectively in an MBA-level interview.
To explore the MBA interviewing process.
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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
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| 12 |
Communication: media choice |
To explore effective communication using electronic media, emphasizing audience needs, choice of media, and message style/length/tone. |
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| 13 |
Team project presentations |
To practice effective team presentation skills. |
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| 14 |
Course wrap-up (PDF) |
To summarize and synthesize key concepts from 15.280. |
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