Let’s Talk: Conversation Skills for Introverts – Level I underscored the points that life is full of awkward moments and nearly everyone, at some point, has found themselves at a loss for words.  Through real-life observations, the importance of topic, tone, and word choice in conversations were revealed and substantiated. 

Acknowledged together: how those in the real world who seem to be calm, cool, and collected are usually sweating underneath just as much as the next person.  Body language observations helped take communication and conversation to the next level, especially because of awareness -— an awareness of those speaking and a greater awareness of one's own nonverbal cues.     

Now it's time to take it up another level.  

Building on the foundations established in the first course, this second-level four-session course will challenge attendees to grow that much more, specifically practicing next-level strategies introduced in the sessions and challenging their comfort zones.  Requiring a greater level of commitment, students need to be willing to dedicate time to journaling, completing weekly assignments, authentically working on established goals, and delivering a short presentation.  Students are expected to fully engage even with those outside the Zoom classroom in order to complete home activities and successfully complete the course.   

At the end of the four weeks, students can expect to have lists of words/phrases they can use to start/end conversations in situations/scenarios most awkward/uncomfortable to them.  Students will also have evidence of progress through achieving realistic goals customized from their communication skills survey and exercising advanced preparation strategies.  Through real-life experience and a further exploration of who they are, students can expect to feel more confident moving forward and engaging authentically with others.

Whether in person, via screen, through email, or by text, effective communication skills are essential.  The problem is they are not so readily taught in many academic environments anymore.  Recent years of extreme isolation during the pandemic have only complicated matters.  In some ways, it has also leveled the playing field forcing everyone to acclimate themselves once more to the proper steps of engagement necessary for interacting in a healthy, positive, and authentic way.

After nearly thirty years of teaching, training, and coaching, there’s no denying that improving one's ability to communicate is the secret to personal (and professional) transformation.   

Homework Offered
Prior to starting: students must have access to their self-assessment which will be essential for first session. 

Session One Home Activity
  • journal three days of seven using at least one entry to document/share an experience of reaching out to someone
  • brainstorm scenarios/conversation topics; complete list started in class of conversation topics for each specific topic
  • extension assignment to "Who Am I?" from first course

Session Two Home Activity
  • journal three days of seven using at least one entry to document/share an experience of reaching out to someone
  • craft a list of conversation starters and enders
  • complete the "I AM" poem

Session Three Home Activity
  • journal three days of seven using at least one entry to document/share an experience of reaching out to someone
  • "Who Am I?" presentation prep
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Learner progress is assessed through
  • interaction (prompted/unprompted) in session 
  • completion of journal assignments and lists thoughtfully and thoroughly
  • follow through on home activities calling for engaging with others 
  • end course presentation
Grades Offered