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 mostly virtual, 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.

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 mostly virtual, 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.

Key Benefits

Whether you are making your case for a major proposal, negotiating a merger, communicating bad news, navigating important discussions with colleagues of different backgrounds, or providing performance feedback to an employee, you can't afford missteps. In this virtual program, you will learn how to connect and communicate more effectively and more confidently as you work to drive better business results.

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Become a more versatile communicator who can work with a diverse range of people 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 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 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 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

Key Benefits

Details

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.

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 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.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

head and shoulder images of people in polygon shapes connected to a laptop with the HBS shield in the center

Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations

Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.

Learn More

Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

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.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations

Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.

Learn More

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

Discover more about business. And yourself.Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Watch the Video Watch the Video

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

Admissions Criteria and Process

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 politics, 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.

What You Will Learn: Emphasizing the complex communication challenges facing today's leaders, especially at the intersection of business, social justice, and politics, 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.

Program Format

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Foundations of communication 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 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 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 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

Key Topics

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.

Faculty Cochairs

Alison Wood Brooks

O'Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Francesca Gino

Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Timothy Patrick McCarthy

Harvard Graduate School of Education:

Lecturer on Education

Harvard Kennedy School:

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Herman B. 'Dutch' Leonard

Harvard 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

Read Full Bio

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.

Faculty Cochairs

Alison Wood Brooks

O'Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Francesca Gino

Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Timothy Patrick McCarthy

Harvard Graduate School of Education:

Lecturer on Education

Harvard Kennedy School:

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Herman B. 'Dutch' Leonard

Harvard 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

Read Full Bio