Course Review: Improving Communication Skills by University of Pennsylvania (Coursera)
Learn to communicate better at work. Build trust, spot lies, apologize well, and send clear messages using the right medium to reach your goals every day.
Instructor: Maurice Schweitzer
Course Overview
Improving Communication Skills is a beginner-friendly course from the University of Pennsylvania, taught by Wharton professor Maurice Schweitzer. It focuses on real communication problems people face at work and in daily life. The course is practical, clear, and easy to follow. No prior experience is needed. The course covers when to compete or cooperate, how to build trust, and how to handle conflict. You learn how to spot deception, respond to lies, and give strong apologies. It also teaches active listening, clear speaking, body language, and message framing. You practice choosing the best way to communicate, such as email, calls, or face-to-face. This course is ideal for professionals, students, and leaders who want better results from conversations. It helps you understand what others want and respond with purpose. By the end, you can send clearer messages, build trust faster, and reach goals with less stress. The skills apply to work, teams, and everyday life.
Duration: 1 week, about 10 hours. The schedule is flexible. You can learn at your own pace.
Modules: 4 modules. Each module focuses on a key communication skill. Lessons are short and easy to follow.
Tutor: Maurice Schweitzer. He is a Wharton professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
Pros & Cons
👍Pros
- ✅ Clear and practical lessons. The ideas are easy to understand. You can use them at work right away.
- ✅ Taught by a top Wharton professor. The examples feel real and useful. The teaching style is calm and clear.
- ✅ Covers many key skills. You learn trust, listening, persuasion, and goal setting. All in one short course.
👎Cons
- ❌ Short course length. Some topics may feel rushed. Advanced learners may want more depth.
- ❌ Mostly theory-based. There are few real-world projects. Hands-on practice is limited.
- ❌ Not ideal for experts. Senior leaders may find parts basic. It suits beginners more.
🧑🎓 Who is This Course Best For?
This course is ideal for anyone who wants to improve how they communicate at work or in daily life. It is practical, easy to follow, and covers skills that are useful for both personal and professional success. Learners will gain tools to build trust, persuade others, and express ideas clearly.
- Beginners in professional communication: Those new to workplace communication will learn core skills like listening, goal setting, and message clarity in a simple, structured way.
- Students entering the workforce: Graduates and young professionals can use these skills to make strong first impressions and communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
- Team leaders and managers: Leaders can enhance their ability to build trust, motivate teams, and handle conflict constructively.
- Sales and marketing professionals: Those in persuasive roles will benefit from learning how to create clear messages, engage audiences, and negotiate effectively.
- Remote workers: Professionals who communicate online will learn to choose the right medium for messages and keep virtual interactions clear and effective.
- Anyone seeking personal growth: Individuals who want to improve relationships, resolve conflicts, and express themselves clearly in daily life will find value.
- HR and training specialists: Professionals who coach or train others will gain techniques to build trust and convey instructions clearly.
📘 What You’ll Learn
In this course, you’ll gain practical skills to communicate more effectively at work and in daily life. You will learn how to build trust, handle conflict, and respond strategically in different situations. The course teaches you how to spot deception, deliver sincere apologies, and craft persuasive messages. You’ll also learn active listening, non-verbal communication, and how to choose the best medium for your message. By the end, you’ll be able to express ideas clearly, influence others, and achieve your goals with confidence and professionalism.
- Understand when to compete and when to cooperate for better outcomes.
- Build trust using vulnerability, rapport, and clear communication.
- Detect deception and respond effectively to lies or miscommunication.
- Craft sincere apologies and resolve conflicts constructively.
- Create persuasive messages that engage and motivate others.
- Ask thoughtful questions and practice active listening for better understanding.
- Use non-verbal cues to strengthen your communication.
- Choose the right medium, including email, calls, or face-to-face, for each message.
- Set clear goals and communicate them to boost productivity and performance.
- Develop overall strategies to improve relationships and influence outcomes at work and in life.
❓FAQs
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