Communicating for Impact—Virtual
- Dates: 29 APR–10 MAY 2024
- Format: Virtual Synchronous learning at designated live online session times.
- Fee: $7,750
The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials.
This program includes live online classes, self-paced work, discussion groups, and virtual networking. Download brochure for detailed schedule.
"This was by far one of the best and most engaging virtual experiences I have had."
Summary
Today's leaders must communicate with clarity, conviction, and compassion. Institutions and the individuals who lead them are being held to account in new ways. That's especially challenging with uncertain business conditions and in an increasingly diverse and contentious world. What's more, interactions have become increasingly fractured across different communication modalities (in person, virtual, and hybrid), making everything from internal management to external collaboration to negotiations harder than ever. In this live online program, you will strengthen your ability to lead and communicate powerfully in different settings—public and private, in person and on virtual communication platforms like Zoom, and through routine or especially difficult interactions. As you discover and sharpen your authentic voice, you will gain new ability to get your message across.
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Summary
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Today's leaders must communicate with clarity, conviction, and compassion. Institutions and the individuals who lead them are being held to account in new ways. That's especially challenging with uncertain business conditions and in an increasingly diverse and contentious world. What's more, interactions have become increasingly fractured across different communication modalities (in person, virtual, and hybrid), making everything from internal management to external collaboration to negotiations harder than ever. In this live online program, you will strengthen your ability to lead and communicate powerfully in different settings—public and private, in person and on virtual communication platforms like Zoom, and through routine or especially difficult interactions. As you discover and sharpen your authentic voice, you will gain new ability to get your message across.
DetailsExpand AllCollapse All
Become a more versatile communicator who can work with a diverse range of peopleBecome a more versatile communicator who can work with a diverse range of people
- Connect more quickly—with one person or a huge group
- Develop empathy and understanding for different people and perspectives
- Find common ground and build enduring relationships
- Determine the best strategy for communicating high volumes of information
Stay in control of your messageStay in control of your message
- Navigate tension and conflict of all kinds without losing your cool
- Deploy humor and emotion effectively
- Earn trust by speaking spontaneously and authentically
Tailor your message to your audienceTailor your message to your audience
- Deliver a compelling argument that persuades and motivates others
- Craft your messaging being mindful of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
- Improve your presence, even virtually
Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network
- Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
- Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions
Become a more versatile communicator who can work with a diverse range of people
- Connect more quickly—with one person or a huge group
- Develop empathy and understanding for different people and perspectives
- Find common ground and build enduring relationships
- Determine the best strategy for communicating high volumes of information
Stay in control of your message
- Navigate tension and conflict of all kinds without losing your cool
- Deploy humor and emotion effectively
- Earn trust by speaking spontaneously and authentically
Tailor your message to your audience
- Deliver a compelling argument that persuades and motivates others
- Craft your messaging being mindful of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
- Improve your presence, even virtually
Expand your personal and professional network
- Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
- Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions
Who Should Attend
- Leaders with at least 8-10 years of experience in any type of business who want to develop their ability to communicate more effectively
- Executives who have strategic, operational, or administrative responsibilities, including business unit leaders and executives from any functional area
- Leaders from organizations of any size or sector of the economy, including manufacturing, technology, life sciences, services, nonprofits, and government agencies
Attendance by multiple company representatives will foster teamwork and amplify the program's impact on your organization.

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.
- Leaders with at least 8-10 years of experience in any type of business who want to develop their ability to communicate more effectively
- Executives who have strategic, operational, or administrative responsibilities, including business unit leaders and executives from any functional area
- Leaders from organizations of any size or sector of the economy, including manufacturing, technology, life sciences, services, nonprofits, and government agencies
Attendance by multiple company representatives will foster teamwork and amplify the program's impact on your organization.

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.
Leaders in Virtual Learning
When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.
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Leaders in Virtual Learning
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When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.
Admissions Criteria and Process
Answering Your Questions
Application Submission
Application Review
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
Answering Your Questions
Application Submission
Application Review
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
What You Will Learn
Emphasizing the complex communication challenges facing today's leaders, especially at the intersection of business, social justice, and public service, the program will help you develop more effective approaches to communicating in a wide range of situations. Through case discussions, in-class simulations, hands-on exercises, and small-group discussions, you will discover and practice the techniques of effective communication. You'll also see many of the techniques discussed in class put into action by the faculty in a series of virtual fireside chats.
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What You Will Learn
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Emphasizing the complex communication challenges facing today's leaders, especially at the intersection of business, social justice, and public service, the program will help you develop more effective approaches to communicating in a wide range of situations. Through case discussions, in-class simulations, hands-on exercises, and small-group discussions, you will discover and practice the techniques of effective communication. You'll also see many of the techniques discussed in class put into action by the faculty in a series of virtual fireside chats.
Program Format
The program takes place over two weeks, with live online classes Monday through Friday (11:00 AM to 1:45 PM ET) including a 15-minute break. The program will also feature self-paced lessons, small group discussions, and networking opportunities. Class sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.
Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups.
Participants should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.
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Program Format
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The program takes place over two weeks, with live online classes Monday through Friday (11:00 AM to 1:45 PM ET) including a 15-minute break. The program will also feature self-paced lessons, small group discussions, and networking opportunities. Class sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.
Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups.
Participants should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.
Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All
Foundations of communicationFoundations of communication
- Examining different types of communication: one-way, two-way, group
- Understanding how your audience shapes your rhetoric, even unconsciously
- Using traditional tools: ethos, logos, and pathos
Fundamentals of the TALK framework: topic, asking, levity, and kindnessFundamentals of the TALK framework: topic, asking, levity, and kindness
- Selecting your topic
- Asking questions to learn; being interested and not interesting
- Using levity and laughter in an appropriate manner
- Listening effectively by being reflective, responsive, and receptive
Contentious communicationContentious communication
- Asking and answering hard questions
- Facilitating and participating in productive and respectful dialogue and debate
- Managing difficult moments
- Communicating in a crisis
Moving your audienceMoving your audience
- Identifying and articulating your core values
- Recognizing and deploying the power of stories—especially your own stories
- Showing up as your best self
- Owning the room
Foundations of communication
- Examining different types of communication: one-way, two-way, group
- Understanding how your audience shapes your rhetoric, even unconsciously
- Using traditional tools: ethos, logos, and pathos
Fundamentals of the TALK framework: topic, asking, levity, and kindness
- Selecting your topic
- Asking questions to learn; being interested and not interesting
- Using levity and laughter in an appropriate manner
- Listening effectively by being reflective, responsive, and receptive
Contentious communication
- Asking and answering hard questions
- Facilitating and participating in productive and respectful dialogue and debate
- Managing difficult moments
- Communicating in a crisis
Moving your audience
- Identifying and articulating your core values
- Recognizing and deploying the power of stories—especially your own stories
- Showing up as your best self
- Owning the room
The HBS Advantage
Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by top faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.
O'Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration
Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration
Lecturer on Education
Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy
Eliot I. Snider and Family Professor of Business Administration
George F. Baker, Jr. Professor of Public Sector Management Teaching Programs
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The HBS Advantage
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Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by top faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.
Faculty CochairsO'Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Negotiation, Organizations & MarketsTandon Family Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Negotiation, Organizations & MarketsHarvard Graduate School of Education:Lecturer on Education
Harvard Kennedy School:Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy
FacultyHarvard Business School:Eliot I. Snider and Family Professor of Business Administration
Harvard Kennedy School:George F. Baker, Jr. Professor of Public Sector Management Teaching Programs
HBS Unit:General Management
Your Peers Expand Your Learning
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Your Peers Expand Your Learning
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Global PerspectiveExperience the world in your classroom.Global PerspectiveExperience the world in your classroom.4%Africa11%Asia Pacific16%Europe5%Latin America11%Middle East53%North America4%Africa11%Asia Pacific16%Europe5%Latin America11%Middle East53%North AmericaTop Industries RepresentedInsights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.13%Financial12%Professional Services11%High Technology9%Nonprofit Services5%Raw Materials / Energy5%Real Estate / Construction4%Communications4%Health Care4%ManufacturingTop Industries RepresentedInsights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.13%Financial12%Professional Services11%High Technology9%Nonprofit Services5%Raw Materials / Energy5%Real Estate / Construction4%Communications4%Health Care4%ManufacturingExperienceExperienceYears WorkedYears WorkedExperienceYears WorkedLess than 10 yearsLess than 10 years10-14 years10-14 years15-19 years15-19 years20-24 years20-24 years25-29 years25-29 years30-34 years30-34 years35-39 years35-39 yearsLess than 10 yearsLess than 10 years10-14 years10-14 years15-19 years15-19 years20-24 years20-24 years25-29 years25-29 years30-34 years30-34 years35-39 years35-39 years
