Effective communication is an essential transversal skill for all students and future professionals, regardless of their academic background, career path or area of specialisation. The ability to express ideas clearly, listen actively, adapt messages to different audiences and communicate with confidence is fundamental for academic success, teamwork, professional development and lifelong learning.
Communication Skills I focuses on the development of key oral and written communication skills. The course helps students strengthen their ability to participate in class discussions, work effectively in teams, prepare and deliver oral presentations, structure written messages and communicate ideas clearly, coherently and professionally. Special attention is also paid to academic communication, including the ability to read, synthesise, use evidence and present research-based information.
The course is designed to increase students’ awareness of the central role of communication in academic, personal and professional contexts. By developing stronger written, oral, interpersonal and research-based communication skills, students will be better prepared to express their ideas, collaborate with others and communicate effectively in future academic and professional environments.
No specific prior knowledge is required. Students are expected to show an active willingness to participate in oral, written and team-based activities, as well as an interest in improving their academic and professional communication skills.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Understand and apply the foundations of oral and written communication in academic and business contexts.
- Recognise and use best practices to prepare and deliver effective presentations.
- Identify the conventions of academic and business writing and apply them to a high standard.
- Understand the importance of avoiding plagiarism through the appropriate use of sources, quotations, paraphrasing and references.
- Communicate ideas clearly, coherently and in a structured way, adapting messages to different audiences.
- Develop a participatory, professional and respectful attitude in oral and written interactions.
- Apply interpersonal communication, teamwork and collaborative leadership strategies in face-to-face and digital contexts.
1. Introduction to communication and the role of the communicator
1.1. Definitions, goals and components of communication.
1.2. The relevance of communication in academic and professional contexts.
1.3. Communication purposes and responsibilities of the communicator.
1.4. Types of communication and essential elements of the communication process.
2. Communication in digital contexts
2.1. The communication process in the digital era.
2.2. Communication models.
2.3. Barriers and challenges in digital communication.
2.4. The new role of the communicator in digital and professional environments.
3. Foundations of written communication
3.1. The 3x3 writing process.
3.2. Writing emails, memos and professional messages.
3.3. Use of AI as a support tool for writing: advantages, limitations, risks and ethical considerations.
3.4. Reviewing, personalising and improving written texts.
3.5. Reading and extracting key ideas from written materials.
3.6. Producing business reports.
3.7. Writing for analytics tools and platforms: precision, clarity and accuracy.
4. Foundations of oral communication
4.1. Types of speech and communication purposes.
4.2. Building a clear message adapted to the audience.
4.3. Adapting to the context and reading the communicative situation.
4.4. Tone, formality, authenticity and communicative confidence.
4.5. Pace, pauses, emphasis, verbal fluency and managing nervousness.
4.6. Preparing and structuring presentations.
4.7. Strategies to capture and maintain audience attention.
4.8. Managing Q&A.
5. Feedback, interpersonal communication and non-verbal communication
5.1. Giving and receiving feedback appropriately.
5.2. Interpersonal communication and active listening.
5.3. Non-verbal communication, image and communicative presence.
6. Persuasion and argumentation
6.1. Basic principles of persuasive communication.
6.2. Cialdini’s principles of persuasion.
6.3. Building convincing arguments and using examples.
7. Team communication
7.1. Communication, collaboration and decision-making in teams.
7.2. Collaboration and communication tools in professional environments.
7.3. The Johari Window model.
7.4. Conflict resolution and communication strategies.
7.5. Communication in remote teams.
8. Visual communication and data storytelling
8.1. Principles of data storytelling.
8.2. Infographics, dashboards and visual presentations.
8.3. Using visual tools to communicate complex information clearly.
9. Research, sources and academic referencing
9.1. Paraphrasing, in-text citations and bibliographic references.
9.2. Introduction to APA style and the citation of academic and business sources.
9.3. Critical evaluation of sources.
9.4. AI-generated information and confirmation bias.
9.5. Integrating research into reports and academic work.
10. Intercultural communication, ethics and crisis communication
10.1. Intercultural communication and communication norms across countries.
10.2. Introduction to Erin Meyer’s Culture Map model.
10.3. Ethics in communication and transparency in the professional environment.
10.4. Crisis communication and strategies in high-pressure situations.
The teaching methodology is based on an active, practical and participatory approach aimed at the progressive development of students’ oral, written, interpersonal and academic communication skills.
Throughout the course, conceptual explanations are combined with readings, practical exercises, individual and group activities, case studies, debates, oral presentations, feedback activities and autonomous work. Sessions are designed to foster active participation, critical reflection and the practical application of the course contents.
The course requires continuous preparation by students. Required presentations and assigned tasks must be completed on time, as they provide the basis for in-class activities, discussions and presentations. Participative attendance is a fundamental component of the course. The syllabus indicates that the course combines readings, assignments, exercises, teamwork, individual and group presentations, discussion and active participation.
| Assessment activity | Weight | NCA category |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance, participation and in-class activities as continuous assessment | 25% | Moderately significant |
| Presentation to demonstrate knowledge (individual) | 15% | Moderately significant |
| Presentation to persuade (pairs) | 25% | Highly significant |
| Final group presentation and report (group) | 35% | Highly significant |
| Total | 100% |
The following aspects will be assessed:
- Clarity, coherence and structure of oral and written messages.
- Ability to adapt the message to the audience, context and communication purpose.
- Appropriate use of academic and business sources, including correct citation and referencing.
- Formal, linguistic and professional quality of academic and business texts.
- Ability to prepare and deliver effective, well-structured and audience-oriented presentations.
- Appropriate use of verbal, non-verbal and visual communication elements.
- Ability to build clear, convincing and evidence-based arguments.
- Active, respectful and constructive participation in individual and group activities.
- Ability to give, receive and integrate feedback.
- Ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face, digital and intercultural teams.
- Professional behaviour and respect for academic honesty rules.
- Responsible, transparent and critical use of AI tools when permitted in specific activities.
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association. https://apastyle.apa.org
Bovée, C. L., & Thill, J. V. (2021). Business communication today (14th ed.). Pearson.
Cialdini, R. B. (2021). Influence: The psychology of persuasion (New and expanded ed.). Harper Business.
Guffey, M. E., & Loewy, D. (2016). Essentials of business communication (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Knaflic, C. N. (2015). Storytelling with data: A data visualization guide for business professionals. Wiley.
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association. https://apastyle.apa.org
Bovée, C. L., & Thill, J. V. (2021). Business communication today (14th ed.). Pearson.
Cialdini, R. B. (2021). Influence: The psychology of persuasion (New and expanded ed.). Harper Business.
Guffey, M. E., & Loewy, D. (2016). Essentials of business communication (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Knaflic, C. N. (2015). Storytelling with data: A data visualization guide for business professionals. Wiley.