University College for Interdisciplinary Learning

Communicating with Confidence

Course Unit Code

UCIL21301 (10 Credits)

UCIL21300 (20 Credits, two semesters long)

Also available in Semester 2.

Course Unit Details

• Level 2
• Alliance Manchester Business School

Overview

There are limited spaces on this course and very high demand. It is not possible to self-enrol via the student centre. If you wish to apply for a place on the course please email ucil@manchester.ac.uk with your student ID.

The ability to communicate with confidence and impact can have a significant influence on our success in every aspect of our lives: our study, our relationships and our career.

This unit starts from the belief that we all have a unique ability to communicate with confidence and that this ability is not innate but rather, a skill which can be developed and learnt.

Drawing on theories from biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and techniques from the world of theatre and acting, the unit will support participants in learning how to manage nerves, communicate effectively and to engage with a wide variety of audiences, so that you can feel confident in any situation.

The unit is an interactive and practical one, and participants learn through active engagement, as well as through group and individual, tuition. In addition, the learning process will be tailored to the needs and experience of the participants.

Aims

This unit aims to provide a toolkit of techniques, introduced within a friendly, and supportive (but also challenging) environment, which participants can use to maximise their feelings of confidence, manage anxiety and communicate with impact.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between cognition, body language, speech and the audience
• Analyse personal strengths and recognise areas for improvement with respect to communication
• Have a toolkit of techniques which can be used to manage anxiety and communicate with impact
• Manage yourself within challenging situations such as interviews and difficult conversations
• Deliver a presentation in front of an audience with confidence

In addition, for 20 credits:

• Identify a topic from the course, suitable for further research and exploration
• Research and write a literature-based review into a question of interest relating to the course

Syllabus

• Recognising and managing your 'inner critic'
• Body Language
• Vocal power and influence
• Managing anxiety
• Telling a powerful story
• Engaging the audience
• Interview technique
• Vital conversations
• Negotiating and influencing

Assessment

10 Credits

1. 12 minute presentation (47.5%)
2. 2000 word reflective essay (47.5%)
3. Completion of a number of activities during the course. Mark is awarded for participation and completion. Activities include: posting an introduction on the discussion board, commenting on a colleague's presentation online, etc. (5%)

20 Credits

1. 12 minute presentation (22.5%)
2. 2000 word reflective essay (22.5%)
3. Completion of a number of activities during the course. Mark is awarded for participation and completion. Activities include: posting an introduction on the discussion board, commenting on a colleague's presentation online, etc. (5%)
4. 3500 word research project report (50%)

In addition, you will be given formative feedback on your communication and reflective writing, via submissions to a formative journal.

Eligibility

UCIL units are designed to be accessible to undergraduate students from all disciplines.

UCIL units are credit-bearing and it is not possible to audit UCIL units or take them for additional/extra credits. You must enrol following the standard procedure for your School when adding units outside of your home School.

If you are not sure if you are able to enrol on UCIL units you should contact your School Undergraduate office. You may wish to contact your programme director if your programme does not currently allow you to take a UCIL unit.

You can also contact the UCIL office if you have any questions.

Teaching Staff

Dr Elaine Clark

Teaching and Learning Methods

Because of the practical nature of the course, it is currently only offered face to face and regular attendance is vital. In addition, the course is an experiential one which requires you to try out what you have learnt in practice.

10 Credits

• 10 x 2 hour face to face sessions

20 Credits

• 10 x 2 hour face to face sessions
• Research project supervised by the unit convenor and delivered through group meetings and 1:1 meetings with the unit convenor.

Timetable

TBC