Prerequisite: None

Overall Goals:

1. This course aims to give students who speak English at minimum at the intermediate level the opportunity to acquire public speaking skills by learning writing techniques, delivery techniques, posture, pronunciation, and vocabulary to project ideas into speech.
2. True workplace leadership is defined by consistent daily actions, trust, and interpersonal effectiveness—not by formal job titles or organizational rank. This interactive 3-hour virtual workshop provides emerging professionals and individual contributors with actionable frameworks to build credibility, navigate difficult workplace conversations, and influence colleagues and supervisors respectfully without relying on authority.
3. Through structured self-reflection, case study analysis, and live scenario role-playing, participants explore two foundational leadership models: Stephen M.R. Covey’s 4 Cores of Credibility (Integrity, Intent, Capabilities, and Results) and the practical DESC Communication Model (Describe, Express, Specify, Consequences). Participants leave the workshop with a personalized 48-hour action plan.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

• Assess Personal Credibility Profile: Evaluate personal character and competence strengths and development areas across the 4 Cores of Credibility (Integrity, Intent, Capabilities, Results).
• Formulate a Targeted Action Commitment: Identify and commit to one specific behavioral habit improvement to strengthen personal credibility in the workplace over a 2-week period.
• Apply the DESC Communication Tool: Deconstruct challenging workplace interactions using the 4-step DESC framework (Describe facts, Express impact, Specify request, state Consequences).
• Reframe Complaints into Assertive Requests: Transform vague interpersonal grievances or frustrations into clear, respectful, and actionable workplace requests.
• Demonstrate Communication Skills in Live Scenarios: Execute role-play conversations in synchronous breakout rooms (e.g., ‘The Late Report Request’ scenario) and apply peer feedback using structured observation rubrics.

Methodology:

This course employs active learning principles, blending short conceptual overviews with peer discussions, self-assessments, and hands-on application. The 3-hour agenda is structured as follows:

• Introduction & Context Setting (20 min): Interactive icebreaker, defining leadership beyond formal titles, and establishing psychological safety.
• Sequence 1: The 4 Cores of Credibility (60 min): Mini-presentation, individual self-reflection checklist, personal action planning, and small-group case study analysis.
• Intermission (15 min): Comfort break.
• Sequence 2: The DESC Communication Tool (60 min): Overview of the DESC model, hands-on scripting, and pair role-play practice using ‘The Late Report Request’ scenario.
• Plenary Debrief & 48-Hour Action Plan (20 min): Large-group debrief, peer feedback review, and committing to an immediate 48-hour workplace action contract.

  Required Material:

• Device: PC (Windows 11) or Mac OS 13 (Ventura or newer).
  Laptops or desktops are recommended for full functionality.

  Students may be able to participate using Chromebooks or tablets, but features may be limited.

• Internet Connection: Minimum – 10 Mbps download / 2 Mbps upload.
  Recommended – 25 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload.

  Wired internet connection is preferred for stability.

• Audio & Video: Headphones or earbuds with a microphone.
  Webcam (built-in or external) is recommended.

Web Browser: The latest versions of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari.

Please see Microsoft’s detailed link for more information: Microsoft Detailed Link

Required Course Materials & Digital Toolkits:

All instructional resources are provided in digital format prior to the session:

• Participant Workbook: Digital fillable workbook containing note-taking templates, reflection prompts, and action planning sheets.
• 4 Cores of Credibility Self-Assessment Checklist: Diagnostic tool for evaluating Integrity, Intent, Capabilities, and Results.
• DESC Scripting Worksheet & Job Aid: Step-by-step drafting template for structuring difficult conversations.
• Case Study Scenario Cards: Detailed role cards for ‘The Late Report Request’ supervisor/employee simulation.
• Observation & Peer Assessment Rubric: 3-level evaluation matrix (Developing, Proficient, Strong) for breakout room peer feedback.