COMN11-102: Strategic Speaking and Writing

Description

Whether the goal is to convince one person through conversation, sway a small group of work colleagues, or win over the public, the act of persuasion lies at the heart of the human experience. This subject investigates how you can convince others to change their attitudes and behaviour to (ethically) accomplish your goals through public speaking and writing. Taking an audience-centred approach to communication, you will examine the broader societal issues that shape our understanding of audiences and their behaviours. The persuasive power of narratives and stories will also be examined, based on the idea that individuals can integrate information from stories into their real-world belief structures. This subject aims to equip you with the skills to be influential and discerning creators and consumers of persuasive messages within various contexts.

Subject details

Learning outcomes

1. Understand persuasive processes and practices in professional and personal contexts.
2. Recognise opportunities for influence, and employ effective strategies for building support.
3. Use a wide variety of communication channels: face-to-face conversation, speeches before groups, messages through the media, non-verbal expressions, and written documents.
4. Integrate narratives as a means for strategic influence in creating persuasive messages.

Enrolment requirements

Subject outlines

• May 2021 [Standard]
• January 2021 [Standard]
• September 2020 [Standard - Strategic Speaking and Writing]
• May 2020 [Standard]
• January 2020 [Standard]
• September 2019 [Standard]
• May 2019 [Standard]
• January 2019 [Standard]
• September 2018 [Standard]
• May 2018 [Standard]
• January 2018 [Standard]
• September 2017 [Standard]
• May 2017 [Standard]

Subject dates