CMN 120 - Business and Professional Communication

3 Contact Hours, 3 Credits
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods


Study and training in organizational communication within a multicultural/global environment. Includes communication in a multicultural/global business environment, interpersonal communication skills in a culturally diverse workforce; researching, organizing, and delivering informative, instructional, and persuasive presentations; interviewing techniques, group process in business, and listening techniques.

Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - Options and C, G; Meets CTE - Options and C, G.

1. Articulate the connection between communication and culture.
2. Understand how diverse cultural beliefs, values, norms, and practices influence group communication, teamwork, and leadership in a multicultural/global business environment.
3. Explore types of conflict and conflict management styles/approaches/strategies as they pertain to business communication.
4. Demonstrate principles and techniques of interviewing.
5. Develop effective business presentations supported by effective visual aids.

1. Basics of Business and Professional Communication
   1. The Nature of Communication
      1. Definition of communication, its principles and essential components
      2. Transactional model of communication
      3. Ethical dimensions of communication
   2. The Nature of Culture
      1. Intercultural communication
      2. Common cultural characteristics
      3. Divergent cultural characteristics (Works of Hall and Hofstede)
   3. Cultural Differences in International Business
      1. International Communication and Global Marketplace
      2. Acculturation process
      3. Living and working abroad
2. Interpersonal Communication Skills
   1. Verbal and Nonverbal Messages
      1. Key principles of verbal communication and the nature of language
      2. Improving verbal communication
      3. Principles and types of nonverbal communication
      4. Nonverbal strategies for success
   2. Interpersonal Strategies and Skills
      1. Listening
      2. Strategies for networking
      3. Offering and responding to criticism
      4. Managing conflict in the workplace
   3. Interviewing
      1. Preparing for a job interview
      2. Interview types and techniques
      3. Interview questions
3. Working and Leading in Teams
   1. The Nature of Teams
      1. Types and characteristics of work groups
      2. Group life cycles
      3. Member roles
   2. Effective Communication in teams
      1. Group problem solving
      2. Decision making in groups
      3. Business and professional meetings
   3. Leadership and influence in teams
      1. Understanding power relationships
      2. Different leadership styles/approaches
4. Making Effective Business Presentations
   1. Developing Business Presentations
      1. Selecting Topic and developing Thesis
      2. Finding and evaluating your sources
      3. Organization and Outlines
   2. Verbal and Visual Support
      1. Types of visual aids
      2. Methods and Materials
      3. Guidelines for VA use
   3. Delivering the presentation
      1. Methods of Delivery
      2. Vocal and nonverbal aspects of delivery
      3. Preparation and practice
   4. Types of Business Presentations
      1. Types of presentations to Inform
      2. Presentations to Persuade
      3. Special Occasion Speeches