Communication is changing, from the way we share information to our ever-shrinking attention spans. Now more than ever some key communication skills are vital for standing out in business. No matter your background, you need to craft and deliver compelling messages both on- and offline, so what’s the best way to keep those core skills sharp?
Fortunately you don’t need to go back to school to get world-class training. Backed by higher ed institutions, digital badges (or credentials) available through the University Learning Store are fast and affordable online classes designed to help professionals boost power skills like email communication and public speaking. If you want to keep up, keep going or get ahead, badges could be your secret to success.
- Email Etiquette
Email is essential for most professionals, but there’s an art to standing out when your recipients are getting hundreds of messages every day. While this form of communication has become common in most workplaces, email etiquette is still key. Emails need to say more with fewer words and inspire action without inciting reaction. Some recipients like friendly greetings and smiling emojis, while others tend to keep interactions brief. Learn to navigate the nuance of email in business by earning digital badges. Certifications in courses like Emails That Work: Writing for the Digital Age and Writing for Results with Proper Style and Grammar can help you write impactful emails that still demonstrate your professionalism. Higher ed institutions across the country partnered to create these short online courses so busy professionals like you can learn the power skills employers demand, without investing a lot of time and money on training.
- Communicating to Stand Out
Now more than ever people across industries face information overload. Phone calls, emails, webinars, social media and websites all compete for our limited attention. One of the most valuable communication skills in the digital age is the ability to convey need-to-know information clearly and concisely. Knowing how to write briefs, memos and executive summaries will make you a valuable asset to your team, and you can prove your savvy with digital badges. Short online courses like Composing Clear and Concise Reports, Memos, and More and Creating Meeting Agendas & Announcements can help you refine your everyday writing. Once you’ve learned how to write a memo and summarize detailed information, your short and snappy communications will set you apart from the sea of senders who sometimes share more than what’s needed.
- Public Speaking
Public speaking in the digital age is about tailoring your presentation style to the medium. Whether you’re presenting your ideas in person, over the phone or in a videoconference, there are different paths to success. Master public speaking for any format with digital badges. Short online classes can help you learn how to improve your presentation skills while tailoring them to different environments like group seminars, one-on-one meetings and videoconferences. As communication technology makes the world smaller, a short online class like Presenting Effectively to Global Audiences can help you master the many ways professionals collaborate today. Most badges can be completed in hours or a few weeks, so you don’t need to worry about interrupting your work schedule to continue your education.
Communication skills are relevant in every industry, and it’s easy to hone power skills like email etiquette and public speaking through digital badges. Badges are a convenient alternative for professionals who want top-quality training without the price of a full degree. Sign up for a communication course today and get ahead in the digital age.