Improve your ability to think quickly, speak fluidly, and write clearly under short deadlines.Engage in rapid-fire “talking on your feet” and “writing to deadline” exercises connecting thinking skills with verbal and written expression for greater confidence in your communication proficiency. The focus is on brevity, clarity and impact, finding the voice and style that is most unique and effective for you in both spoken and written communications.

To improve speaking skills, work on drawing from personal experiences and expertise in responding quickly and clearly to questions, without preamble or ramble. Develop pacing, organization, voice modulation, volume, body language, audience engagement, and eye contact, useful in small committee meetings through formal public speaking. For writing, focus on clear thinking, succinctness, simplicity, and bringing key messages front and centre, using intensive group feedback, editing, and revisions. Practice writing for newspapers/magazines, internal memos, strategic plans, press releases and/or web sites.

Mark L. Winston directs Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue, teaching leadership and communication skills, engaging public audiences with controversial issues, and facilitating strategic planning workshops and public dialogues that inspire organizational and civic change. sfu.ca/dialogue

TUITION: $295 CDN

SPONSORED BY SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY CENTRE FOR DIALOGUE